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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  I"d buy another one ! - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Kelster2 - April 11 - 11:50 pm

  Overall good solid vehicle. I went from a mercedes to this volvo. Volvo is more comfortable for my commute and more practical for all those trips to costo and the nursery and the vet.

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  First Month - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By 1stTimeOwner - April 11 - 2:06 am

  We are staring a family and purchased the XC60 because we wanted a SUV that was safe, reliable, and professional looking. We considered several SUVs including the X5/X3, Tiguan, and XC90. The XC90, XC60, and X5 were the finalists. We choose the XC60 because of its size and agility, styling, and uniqueness. Reliability is a concern and we have noticed some minor build defects. Fuel economy is lower than expected (14mpg), and the rear seat barely accommodates our child seat. Wind noise at high speeds is louder than expected. Driving the XC60 is pleasurable and we are satisfied with our purchase overall. We have received compliments from other drivers and envious stares from XC90 owners.

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  Volvo dropped the ball on the V70 series - 2001 Volvo V70
  By gedafe - April 8 - 8:26 am

  My family and I have driven Volvos for most of our lives, from the old 240s up to todays V70s. I have to say that (arguably) though looks have improved, quality control has not. Sure my V70 looks top notch, but Ive had multiple issues with the car from the brakes to the ETM to the suspension. All of these problems are not cheap to fix, ranging from $700-1200 a visit. It seems that Volvo dropped the ball on their 2001 line of V70s, and theyre not considering any recalls. Youll find many owners having the same problems: ETM gives out while driving at highway speeds, the clunk felt when starting up from a stopped position, the brake rotors needing replacement every 20K miles, etc.

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  T5 Tribute - 2002 Volvo V70
  By von - April 6 - 1:10 pm

  Great high powered wagon. Plush ride kick in the pants get up and go and nice functional styling. I only have 8500 miles on it so it is a little early to know how she will hold up over time. So far I am very pleased with my purchase. Only problem so far is keeping myself from getting a speeding ticket.

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  Test Drove the 2012 XC70 t6 - 2012 Volvo XC70
  By solarwinds - April 6 - 8:40 am

  XC70 t6 is a great looking solid vehicle... I test drove a 2012 t6 with 70K miles for about 40 minutes in city and highway... The MPG are not great but the power is smooth and it is a 4100 pound solid vehicle that you will hopefully be safe in. The seats and interior and features are fantastic better than a BMW, Audi, or MB. At this point it is either a MB wagon, XC70 t6, Subaru Out Back... I wont get a BMW wagon because of the RFT. I just dont see a utility vehicle or people mover not having a spare tire... The MB no off road... So its going to be an t6 or an Out Back. I would recommend a XC70 t6 it a very solid machine...

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  Magic Blue R-Design for the Road - 2011 Volvo XC90
  By akbrant - April 4 - 7:08 pm

  I traded my 2011 XC70 for this 2011 XC90 in March 2011 for a road trip from Alaska to Texas on to California and back to Alaska. I put 13,000 miles on this baby in 30 days. I have never had a vehicle cradle me on a long rip like this one. I drove many 600-800 mile days and had not one ache or pain at the end of the day. The OEM Perrelli tires sucked, and I put Continental AWD Contacts on and it is luxury personified. The NAV is clunky, but I got used to it as the days went on. I have to leave the NAV on or the backup camera would never get used as it takes too long to rise up. It is sad I gave up newer technology in the XC70, but ergonomically the XC90 is much better for a tall guys.

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  Loving The Sun - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Willy - April 4 - 9:30 am

  Overall, I love the car. Ride is smooth, power is more than adequate and handling is nimble. The beefed up Dynaudio Sound System is expensive, but AWESOME! The design of the system lets you totally enjoy the stereo even with the top down. Just wish my model came with iPod Dock. Interior is very comfortable and quiet, though not overly spacious. Theres plenty to love here, with a few minor annoyances: no iDock, the trunk cowl (required to be snapped down before lowering the top) could seat more securely, some dont like the back massage given by the big subwoofers behind the back seats, BLIS trips out occasionally.

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  Great car, performance could be better - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Doug Reynolds - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo XC90 is an excellent package for a person who wants the performance and feel of a European sport sedan, but the versatility of a large SUV. This car feels light and nimble, but has variable performance. Sometimes there is a lag between 1st and 2nd gears. Braking is excellent. Ride and handling are very good. Engine is quiet. Gas mileage and range is poor. The car is well-engineered for versatility. Second row seating adjusts individually for all 3 seats. Center seat slides all the way forward. Third row is two independent seats which fold into the third row. Comfort and quality of materials is excellent. Dash layout is great.

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  love my volvo s60 AWD - 2002 Volvo S60
  By trusgold - April 1 - 10:00 am

  i am happy with this car. good stereo comfy seats good a/c

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  So far so good - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By merrickjjbp - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for a group; we had four kids and four adults on vacation. Drives like a luxuary car. Great interior finish. Why did it take 100 years for somebody to rethink the interiors ergonomics. Three rows have space and flexibility. Only downside is economy Overall, great vehicle