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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  wonderful motorcar - 1999 Volvo S70
  By v settle - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the finest automobile I have ever owned. It has all the amenities, style, performance, and safety features that one can buy at an affordable price to own. I would recommend this fine engineered vehicle to anyone who desires the best in quality and safety that will last.

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  Poor front bumper ground clearance - 2006 Volvo V70
  By William Likens - March 15 - 12:16 am

  Beautiful car, but has problem with poor ground clearance. Bumper cover scrapes curb stones and gets damaged when pulling out of parking spaces. Dont buy the R model unless you are willing to pay for multiple $950 bumper cover replacements. It happened to me. Apparently the experience is very common. The V70 has better front clearance.

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  Last Volvo Ill Buy - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Tony - March 13 - 3:53 pm

  At first we loved the car. Over time it became apparent that the quality of the vehicle was lacking ranging from cosmetic to mechanical. The body dents easily from anything, small minor accessories stop working or just break, and we always seem to spend thousands a year on maintenance. We also own a 96 850 Turbo and do not experience any of the consistent problems with it. The information center stopped scrolling one item at a time. The dealership said it was not their problem to fix since no recall...1yr after purchase. I wont buy from the dealer even if we decided on another Volvo.

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  Versatile SUV` - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Erica - March 12 - 11:50 am

  I was skeptical about venturing back into an SUV, as my last SUV was a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was a gas guzzler and fairly trucky ride. One test drive of the XC90 cured me of any concerns I had related to comfort. The XC90 handles almost identical to my S60, which was traded for the XC. Volvo did a great job of creating a functional, elegant SUV that does as good of a job hauling stuff as it does safely transporting our daughter. And all without sacrificing safety.

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  Superb Compact Wagon - 2004 Volvo V40
  By rachmaninov1 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is great for families with small children who want an entry-level luxury car. Seats: In both short trips and hundred mile journeys, the driver and passenger front seats are extremely comfortable. However, a rear seat with integrated booster can feel awkard at first. Leather is beautiful, rugged, and cleans easily. Handling: Extremely responsive, though steering is tighter than I had expected. Acceleration: 170hp w/ Turbo provides a smooth, powerful push. Braking: Very strong; have not had problems with pads. Stereo: Takes a while to get used to knob-only control. Rich sound. No satellite option.

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  Just barely broken in - 1996 Volvo 850
  By New Dad - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this pre-owned 850 GLT Wagon only 1 month ago, but the quality is already obvious. It had just passed the century mark (100K mi.). The feel is solid. Road / wind / engine noise is nearly non-existent. Every feature still works perfectly except the remote for the remote entry (which may just need programming). Acceleration is subtle and effortless. Shifting in the automatic transmission is smooth but solid. Maneuverability is impressive for a mid- size wagon. Fit and finish are STILL far superior to any other car Ive owned (including a 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone).

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  pretty good - 2001 Volvo V70
  By mattm - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Overall its been a pretty good car.The 2 problems are replacing lights constently and road noise. Other than that it has been economical and reliable.

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  My XC90 - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By jane - March 9 - 11:40 am

  I saw this car at a dealership and bought it as a birthday gift for myself. First Volvo and I love to drive it. The V-6 has plenty giddyup on the interstate. The third row seats give you flexibility and stows away nicely with a cargo mat when not in use. The XC is large enought to get the job done and stylish enough to look good doing it.

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  My wonderful Volvo - 1998 Volvo V70
  By marchard - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Volvo V70 as a minivan alternative - with the 3rd seat option it can seat 7. Its wonderful. Its a luxury car with a great sound system, powerful brakes and sits so smoothly on the road that I wonder how Ill ever be able to drive a cheap car again. Best of all, I know that my family is safe.

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  Great ride, safe people mover, FUN drive - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Bubba - March 9 - 5:00 am

  This is a well thought-out vehicle. You immediately feel in control and in pampered comfort. Quality, fit-and- finish, design...all above average. The V8 and tranny are smooth and work well together. Gentle purr of the exhaust pipes is subtle, but brings a grin to your face as you leave the others in your dust. MPGs are acceptable for the amount of weight (safety steel built-in) and 7- passenger roominess. Regular unleaded gas seems to work OK.