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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  Excellent Vehicle - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Alanruns - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Buy this car! I bought my S80 T6 brand new back in 1999. I drive a lot and Im less than 1000 miles from the 100,000 mile mark. All I can say is this car is incredible. In the 100,000 miles, Ive had one minor repair covered by warranty. This has been better than any other car Ive owned. The car is still tight without any annoying squeeks or rattles. Im not acustomed to keeping a car this long but Im not parting with my T6. I cant find the words to express how comfortable the seats are on long trips. The power and performance is mind blowing with the twin turbo. Not a single complaint with this one.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Sporty Auto - November 30 - 7:26 pm

  Hard to find parts out of the dealer,part to expensive. Avoid unnecessary and expensive dealer service. Their support is less than desirable.

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  finicky ride - 2007 Volvo S80
  By 10gallon - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my S80 (V8) from a local Volvo dealer and overall have been quite pleased with the car. I didnt really consider any other semi-luxury vehicle, as I was a valet at a major casino in the past and really got to experience everything under the sun. However, be prepared to constantly be addressing small issues, this car is very finicky. Premium fuel is a must to avoid "mis-fires" cauing the check engine light to come on. The TPMS system requires at least 38lbs or it will activate. Rear-view mirror was recalled by Volvo and the new one seems just as bad (wont stay put). Also, this car should have Sirius and Bluetooth as standard equipment. Dont get me wrong, I would buy again!

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  Take the plunge!!! - 2002 Volvo S80
  By gertdog8028 - November 28 - 7:46 pm

  Great car to drive. Very stylish, easy to control, and great interior comforts. Power from a standing start is not a problem and car is very steady at highway driving speeds.

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  10k Review - 2004 Volvo S60
  By jlnksanders - November 26 - 2:00 am

  M3, S4, WRX Sti and Cobra all considered. The R was by far the best buy based upon performance, technology, safety, and comfort. Stunning performance from a 2 ton sports sedan! Has a quality feel/look that easily matches BMW/Audi. Nordkap leather is unique and looks much better than the brochure. Have had no major problems, but have experienced the back- fire between gear changes. Volvo says no problem but still think back-fire is a little tacky for such an advanced automobile. The active chassis is awesome! Overall, the R is a real bargain in terms of price, performance, quality, technology and possibly most important--safety.

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  Love this Vehicle! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Tavares - November 26 - 2:00 am

  First Volvo we have ever owned. Bought it because of its looks and safety record. Have owned it now for over 3 years and, granted I only drive about 4000 miles per year, but we have not had any trouble with it. Take it for service to Volvo of Tacoma (WA) and their service dept. is outstanding. They go out of their way to make sure we are satisfied. Only repair was to a rattling passenger seatbelt which was fixed under warranty. Loved the car so much we bought two more Volvos for our kids to drive!

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  Beautiful, Competent & Thirsty - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By jblaze13 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable ride. Vehicle is bigger than it looks. 5 cylinder engine performs well. However, the city gas mileage is terrible (15.8 observed) in cold weather. Short trips can get expensive with premium gas. Highway mileage is true to 24 mpg rating. I cant see how the T6 is worth the extra money. Exterior design is faaar more beautiful than just about anything in its class.

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  XC90 Review - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Joe F. - November 23 - 1:04 pm

  Excellent car by all means

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  Sport Sedan and Ute all in one - 2000 Volvo V70
  By jabba - November 22 - 9:06 pm

  Great wheels look out suvs

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  This is the Ultimate Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Ira Tate - November 22 - 10:00 am

  When i first purchased my Volvo XC90, i was well impressed. It feels so much like a car when i drive it. All of the amentities in the interior are superb. I love the way Volvo designed the truck period!