Overview & Reviews

Swedish-born Volvo has long been a forerunner in safety research, and its vehicles have the crash test scores to prove it. These days, the brand has improved its offerings by crafting vehicles that also offer generous amounts of style and performance.

In Latin, the word "Volvo" means "I roll." Volvo cars have been rolling ever since 1927, when the first vehicle (nicknamed "Jakob") was produced in the city of Gothenburg. The company's founders, Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larsson, put an emphasis on safety, and that dictum still holds true today. The Jakob was joined by the six-cylinder PV651 in 1929, and by 1931, more than 10,000 Volvos had been produced.

Postwar, Volvo unveiled one of its biggest successes, the PV444. By the 1950s, Volvo had begun exporting cars to the U.S., and the PV444 — with its compact size and stylish looks — helped the manufacturer quickly make a name for itself in its new territory. The decade also saw Volvo building on its reputation for being a vanguard in the area of safety; it was the first manufacturer to make vehicles with a three-point safety belt.

The 1960s saw the launch of a new Volvo sports car, the P1800. The car's sculpted good looks helped earn it celebrity status when it was featured on the long-running TV series The Saint, with Roger Moore behind the wheel. Safety features grew more advanced during this decade and Volvo was again at the forefront of the action, offering features such as padded dashboards and energy-resistant crumple zones in front and rear.

Volvo distinguished itself as the exclusive home to a number of valuable new technologies during the 1970s. If you were looking for safety features such as childproof locks, collapsible steering columns and rear-facing child seats during this decade, you'd only find them in a Volvo.

Like BMWs and Saabs, Volvos became an American "yuppie" favorite during the 1980s. The company proved its technological know-how wasn't just limited to safety when it rolled out its first turbocharged car. By the end of the decade, Volvo had unveiled new models like the front-wheel-drive 480 hatchback (for Europe) and the Italian-designed 780 coupe.

In the early '90s, Volvo launched the 850. The car was Volvo's first front-wheel-drive executive car, and teamed performance with the company's trademark attention to safety. The decade also saw Volvo rolling out new models like the S40 and C70 — cars that updated the automaker's boxy image with a more rounded, sculpted aesthetic. The company became part of the Ford family when it was acquired by the automaker in 1998. Ford helped Volvo financially, while Volvo provided Ford with new safety technologies and car platforms. Due to Ford's financial troubles during the American recession, however, Ford sold Volvo to the Chinese automaker Geely in 2010.

It's unknown how Volvo's new owner will guide the brand long term, but chances are Volvo will continue to offer sedans, coupes and SUVs known for their combination of safety and driving excitement.

User Reviews:

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  Dont Cheat Yourself... - 2003 Volvo S80
  By morgieboy - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Dont cheat yourself with the 2.9 Spend the extra 4500 for the T6 package.

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  Small car carries a big stick - 2001 Volvo S60
  By family man - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I became interested in the Volvo S-60 because of the way it looked. I cross- shopped the BMW 330I, Infinity G35 and Mercedes C320. It became apparant after test drives that the Volvo T5 had the best combination of looks, performance and price. The G35 was faster, BMW handled better, Mercedes did not stand out in any way. But, the comfortable interior and full array of premium options kept me coming back to the T5. I still love the way this car looks and drives. Friends continue to complement. Ive owned 3 Mustang GTs and two Camaro Z28s and this car gives me most of the thrill of those. Plus, it actually drives well in the snow.

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  Perfect Car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By raj - April 7 - 4:20 pm

  I drive high mileage and just love my S60. Power is fine in the base model for my driving. Reliablility is the best. Despite what other reviews have said, I do not believe the maintenance charges are out of line. About the same cost for my Honda Accord when all is said and done. Dealership personnel is excellent. I will never buy anything but a Volvo from now on.

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  Cool SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By JB - April 7 - 11:03 am

  This XC90 is my 2nd Volvo. I love stylish interior design, smartly engineered 3rd row seat besides excellent safety features. Its fun to drive in a highway from San Diego to San Francisco.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Rodriguez - April 5 - 11:16 pm

  Bought this car a month ago. We are surpised at how many features it has. We are still discovering some of the thoughtfulness in the design. The car has a lot of power and seems to perform better the faster you go. The interior design feels roomy, and the console seems to wrap around you. This car definitely turns heads. Very sexy!

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  Best used car value out there - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Tarheel1 - April 5 - 11:03 am

  Bought this car to replace a 96 850 GLT. The turbo makes this car much quicker than the otherwise similar 850. Volvo did a nice job updating the appearance inside an out. The 5 cylinder engine is a perfect balance of reliable, smooth and economical. The GLT includes all the expected luxury features: leather, cruise, a/c, stereo, CD, cassette, remote, power win/locks/mirrors/driver seat. Safety, as always, at the top... the 850 probably saved my life and thats why I bought another one. This car is quicker and more sporty. I briefly contemplated a 1999 Saab 9-3 because of its more sporty nature but Im not dissapointed with the S70.

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  Not impressed - - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Chris Martins - April 5 - 1:23 am

  i bought this used with about 33,000 miles on it. It was in the shop about a week after i bought it with many minor problems. Ive gone thru tires, ball joints, tie rods, seat heaters, and it goes one. The dash is the exact same dash that is in my wifes Ford Windstar mini van. I the transmission went and i had to wait 4 weeks for a new or rebuilt transmission. The local dealer would not give out a loaner car and is not the best to deal with. I have this car up forsale and i will NEVER by a Volvo again - the loaner i did get for other service repairs were not impressive. I think Volvo will be like Saab before long since Ford is not getting any buyers for Volvo. Wish i bought saab9-7

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  Car of a Lifetime - 2005 Volvo S60
  By AGIS_I - April 4 - 11:00 am

  This is an outstanding car. Great accelaration both from a stop and cruising. Unbelievable handling in any kind of weather. Breaks just as good as my high perfomance sport motorcycle. If you are going to buy one car for the rest of your life, THIS IS IT!!!

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  All good and hard to say goodbye - 2002 Volvo S60
  By seabrzjo - April 4 - 8:01 am

  I bought my S60 new in 2002, but now its time to say goodbye and I have never been this emotional about giving up a car EVER! Because of changes in my personal life I need a bigger vehicle, and unfortunately cannot afford to keep two. My little silver S60 has been the most dependable vehicle that I have ever owned. I have worked from home since I got "her", so have only clocked 72K miles on the odometer, but I have pushed her hard during a few long distance road trips. I like quick acceleration and sporty lane changes and shes never let me down for a second. Other than maintenance, shes only needed one repair that costs less than $100. Love her and will miss her.

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  Best Sleeper Ever - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Joshua - April 3 - 10:46 pm

  I love my car. Without effort it hurls itself past other traffic. It stops quickly (very) and straight. It will plow snow out of your way (not deep snow mind you, but it was still impressive to trundle through a 1/4 mile of 6-8" deep snow without issue). It (literally) drove where a well driven Dodge Ram 4x4 with weight in the back could not. If you know where your car is, you wont hit those bits of concrete when you park.. No matter what you do the turning radius stinks, and if someone gives the rims a funny look itll leave a mark. It is a beautiful car in person. Drive one and I suspect youll get one.