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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  Not Bad - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Dave - March 8 - 5:46 am

  Poor gas mileage is the only major issue we have.

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  Volvo V70 2,4 (2004) - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Jacob - March 4 - 6:53 pm

  Actually I got some problems with my car only one week after purchasing it. I had to leave it at my local workshop. But since then everything has been working fine. I really feel that this is a good car. It drives very quiet, the design is nice, etc. Volvo is definitely quality.

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  Great value - 2008 Volvo S80
  By jay2001 - March 2 - 10:50 am

  Great value for the money. Comfy ride, decent power, high safety ratings. A lease payment of under $400 on a $40K car was just impossible to pass up.

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  Get ready to shell out a lot of dough! - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Hutch3535 - February 27 - 11:50 pm

  I always wanted a Volvo wagon ever since I was a kid, so I was thrilled when I got my 2000 Volvo (used). Since purchasing the car in 2004, I have easily put in $12,000+ on major items: AWD system, new radiator, rebuilt transmission, etc. While I love this car when its working - its powerful and feels safe - I dread when the engine light goes on (which is quite often). Just found out I need a new catalytic converter and two O2 sensor - another $1700 repair. This time, Im trading it in - I just cant see putting any more money into this car! I will NEVER EVER purchase another European car again...Im going with Subaru for my next station wagon. I can see from this site many others agree!

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  nice sports sedan and a deal on the 2009 - 2009 Volvo S60
  By marcy,ny - February 27 - 2:30 pm

  This s60 is like a sports sedan, not luxary. The 2.5 turbo is great. The front seats like sitting in a cockpit. I owned a 2002 passat, 2006 passat, 2008 Nissan maxima. The max ride was better, but this car is easier to drive, more like the passats but better. I just $9000. Off on the s60. As they are clearing them out for a redesign. These cars are a bit overpriced normally I wouldnt look at this make but with this money off was a better deal than the new maxima. Classy little sedan.

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  Wipers are a saftey hazard - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Mary L. - February 25 - 11:40 pm

  The vehicle handles well in all types of weather. However, side mirror defrosters would be a great addition since they are standard on other vehicles. Besides the poor navigation system and poor night time back up camera visibility, my main complaint is the poor design for the windshield wipers. For a such a safety conscious company, Volvo blew it in this area. These are a safety hazard. Snow & ice build up quickly despite a defrost temp of 85 degrees, requiring frequent stops in inclement weather and traffic to clear! The large swath not covered by the wipers in upper right windshield, is also a safety hazard due to the poor visibility this creates.

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  Great Power but Poor Reliability - 2000 Volvo S80
  By FirstVolvo LastVolvo - February 23 - 10:00 am

  When Consumer Reports notes that this is one of the poorest used car buys, listen to them. It is an incredible car in its interior quality, power, and road handling; but the fun stops there. I have spent so much time in the dealership with the front suspension, climate control, engine and transmission issues that it is on the rack more than the road. The vehicle reliability is incredibly disappointing and you should really think twice before buying. Between the poor dealer service and the dismal quality and reliability, I will never buy another Volvo. For the same money elsewhere you can get so much more.

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  Driving in Mouseland - 2005 Volvo V50
  By floridacar - February 23 - 4:50 am

  After six months of good experiences with an S40, I bought the V50 as a second car. I wanted something with enough space for the occasional trip to Home Depot, but no ridiculous SUV. The V50 provides a good combination of style, performance, and room. I have owned BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis, and the Volvo compares favorably to all. I opted for the Premium, Sport, and Convenience packages, and the very good auto/manual transmission. After 1000 miles, mileage is at 27 highway. The ride is as expected: European firm, but not harsh. There is no noticeable turbo-lag and acceleration is good, but there is some "rubber-banding", requiring a little practice for a smooth lift-off.

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  Good Car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Rusty - February 21 - 2:03 pm

  After 90k miles and 5 years, our used off-lease 2001 volvo S40 is still a very reliable car. While under warranty, we had to replace the Climate Control system and a coil spring broke, but it always starts and gets us where we need to go. Bought it with 33k miles, now has 124k miles and it still runs great. Its like having a BMW but without the BMW pricetag and with Volvo reliability. I anticipate well drive ours until 200k miles easily.

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  My First and Last Volvo - 2001 Volvo V70
  By volvo_disappointment - February 18 - 5:40 pm

  When I was looking for a car, I had four criteria: safety, reliability, longevity, and environmental impact. Volvo rated well in all categories. This car has been nothing but a disappointment and money pit. Just a short list of previous problems: throttle module, fan, fuel system. Now, the heating is out and the transmission needs to be replaced, to the tune of $5K. I cant tell you how disappointed I am. The car was great to drive for the first two years, and then it seemed to fall apart in spite of being well cared for. I resent Volvo. (Thanks, Ford.) By contrast, my 2002 VW has more miles on it and has required no repairs, just maintenance. Its VW for me from now on.