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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  2017 XC90 T6 Inscription - 6 weeks into Ownership - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Mike - April 3 - 7:56 pm

  One of the irritations I have is the disconnect between the 2017 Owners manual and Volvos support. They list functions in the manual that just flat out are not there nor are available. Seems somewhat dishonest to me. For example, Volvo lists how to use the egress / ingress function for getting out of the SUV and into the SUV. However, when I contacted Volvo, they said this function is not available, never has been and maybe under development as a future software upgrade. Not sure how they can put the option in print when they dont even have it developed. Second example is the manual shows a 110v outlet in the center console for passengers in the 2nd row to plug in devices. However, that was only available in their 2016 model, again, according to the email I got from Volvo. However, the manual is titled "2017 XC90". I have found two other functions that are not available in the XC90 US model but available in Canada. One would think they would have defined that better up front. Thus, owners beware, Volvo isnt totally honest in what is / is not available in the 2017 T6 in the US. As for the car itself. I didnt get the 4 corner suspension (I ordered it but for some reason (either dealer or Volvo error) it didnt come with it. However, the ride is comfortable and about the same as in our 2011 Chrysler Town and Country. Gas mileage is ok, Im averaging around 22 mostly in town. Best gas mileage is in cursing mode. It really sucks the gas when taking off and probably is where it falls short a little. Does have some great safety features but also falls short. For example, the lane assist where it is to alert you if you drift to far left or right, is not reliable. There are times when it should have alerted but easily let me cross the center line either having no notification or late in notifying me. Hence a head-on-collision would have already taken place. My 2014 GMC 1500 truck has the same feature and works perfectly all the time. Not sure why a $75,000 vehicle doesnt have the same accuracy. Pilot assist works as designed. As long as the lane markings can be identified, it does auto steer the car up to 80 mph. You do have to interact with the steering wheel every 30 -45 secs however or it will auto disengage. The scary part is that there are times when the system, apparently, looses the ability to see the lane markings and just disengages without any warning to the driver. I would think, again, for this high end vehicle, it should alarm if the system is disengaging. Thank goodness I have not had to test the auto braking if a car turns in front or to avoid a rear end collision. Im assuming it will work when required. The active cruise adapter works well and you can set the distance (actually set the secs) within which you want the car to adjust the speed based on the car in front. The seats are very comfortable but getting in and out of the vehicle is difficult unless you retract and lower the seat. Im 5 10" and if I dont lower the seat all the way done, I will hit my head getting out. Climate controls work well as do the ventilated / heated seats. 2nd row seating is about as comfortable as in other vehicles. 3rd row quite frankly is limited to children. Very difficult for adults to get in and out of the back. Not adult friendly. As with reviews of the 2016 model the lack of USB ports is a glaring deficiency in a high vehicle in this price group. Overall, Im happy with the vehicle but would I buy it again, I dont know. I would look closer at the new 2017 Mercedes I think.

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  I love this auto. - 1999 Volvo S80
  By speason - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It has been very reliable. I especially like the Volvo dealers I have dealt with.

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  Good Choice for Luxury - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Murphyslaw - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I am a salesman and Im always on the road. Ive owned several cars over the years and this is my favorite. I now have over 60,000 miles on my car (mostly highway driven) and it has been great. No problems to complain about at all. It gets great mileage and is very reliable. Its also so comfortable and a dream to drive on long trips. I would by this car again without a second thought. For under $50,000 its a great choice.

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  Wow . . .Great car! - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Happy T5 owner - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The comfort, performance and handling are great. The driving experience is exhilarating. And in terms of safety, the car does live up to what its cracked up to be. I was hit by a Ford Explorer going 55 mph on my left front; it rolled; obviously totaled. The Volvo, $14k to fix. The frame & wheel-well was not affected at all. It was unreal. The car was driveable. And being inside, I didnt see him coming (which was good) so all I heard was this crunching metal sound. I didnt feel anything. It was the equivalent of going over a rail-road track. Very strange. There was myself, front passenger and a child in the left- rear. No injuries.

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  it is very goodone - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ge - April 3 - 10:00 am

  experience with XC90 is fun

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  Nothing Else For Me - 2005 Volvo S40
  By S40 - So Cal - April 2 - 9:43 pm

  This S40 is sweet, strong, rugged, sleek and stylish, need I say more? Stops when you need it to stop, accelerates when you need a push, and shows itself off at every corner; this puppy has bragging rights! Never a bad moment here and nothing bad to say at all. Proves itself all the time, to trust it with my wife and future kids; always! My first Volvo and my last time to ever have to choose another car maker! First class!

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  I love this car! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Annie - March 31 - 6:00 pm

  Presently at 93,000 miles. Yes I have had the odd quirky issue, but the only major item was a radiator replacement. Transmission has been fine and baby runs quite well. I use my wagon to transport mulch, stone, plants in the summer and shes always been a jewel. I love this wagon and plan on keeping for a very very long time.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By oklahoma29 - March 31 - 7:50 am

  I looked at countless models of SUVs from 2008-2010. I knew from the beginning I wanted a Volvo, but I had to make sure it was the best fit. It definitely was and I love everything about it. The gas mileage is great for an SUV. The interior is awesome with no major blind spots like other SUVs in its class. Plus the price is much better than other luxury SUVs. I purchased a true base model, since the base has leather and sunroof. Those are the two huge features I wanted on my SUV. Even thought it is a V6 it has a lot of power. It gets up and goes. The brakes are also fantastic. Great SUV would purchase again and recommend to a friend.

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  Perfect Car; Perfect Buy - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By aaa20 - March 31 - 6:07 am

  This car is amazing. I love it. Better value than Q5, FX 35, and RX 350 (though those are good choices). I recommend the Volvo overseas delivery program because I got a great vehicle, met the people who made it, and got a great vacation to Sweden. My next purchase will likely be another Volvo.

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  My first Volvo - 2002 Volvo V70
  By W. Horne - March 31 - 3:26 am

  Quality good looking car and for the money very view can compete. Year and a half old and only a couple minor problems. Passenger side shoulder harness did not work and stillhas problems. It is by far the most comfortable car I have ever driven. 500 miles a day in this is OK even with my back. I would definitely buy another.