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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  Unique and Beautiful - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Pete - October 21 - 11:53 pm

  Excellent exterior and interior styling; interior is understated and straightforward with intuitive controls. Trunk and backseat are both surprisingly roomy (best in class) for a retractable hardtop. Roof function is smooth and quick. Low-end torque is a little weak, but the turbo makes for a zippy little passer once it is underway. Fuel economy is great. This car is a well- kept secret, making it pretty unique.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Volvo S80
  By jlgva - October 18 - 5:56 pm

  I cant say enough positive things about this car. Granted my old car was a 1998 Maxima with 160K miles. Comfortable, quiet, handles well. Could use more acceleration but it has enough for me. Averaging 25/32 MPG city/hwy - I use cruise control a lot. Chose this over BWM 525i, Lexus ES 330, Jaguar XJ8, Infiniti G35, Lincoln LS - I drove a lot of cars. The S80 was the best combination of comfort, features, reliability, and price.

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  Practical Fun, with emphasis on the FUN - 2006 Volvo V70
  By MountainBiker - October 18 - 11:56 am

  I have had the V70R for 5 months now and what a blast to drive. This is a great all around car. Its interior is well done an presents a great image for driving clients around. Its handling makes you feel like a kid again and the storage space is as good or better than many SUVs. I moved to this car from a SUV and wont go back! Just as safe and a whole lot more fun going from A to B. The dealer approach seems to be a theme with Volvo. This is the second Volvo I leased from Volvo of Lisle and they could not have been easier to deal with, before and after my purchase. I give the dealer a 10 out of 10, especially when compared with previous dealer experiences.

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  V50 T5 AWD has been great so far - 2005 Volvo V50
  By BJTerp - October 17 - 4:36 pm

  I traded in my Jeep Liberty for a new V50 T5 AWD because I wanted something fun to drive. The Volvo has not disappointed. The performance and handling are great for a car in this class, and the car feels very solid. Compared to the BMW 330xi and Audi A4 2.8 Avant, the V50 gives you a lot of bang for the buck, and better styling. The interior is beautiful, and very comfortable. The upgraded stereo sounds fantastic, and the 17" wheels give the car an aggressive look.

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  Great car, great price - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Sam - October 15 - 11:06 pm

  So far I love this car. It runs great and all the chicks dig it! I love all the automatic features and love the styling. Its my first European car and I must say, it blows my Honda Accord out of the water! The power is nice, but the turbo is a little tricky... but I managed to hit some nice speeds on the highway. Overall, I hope this car maintains its value in the long run!

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  Love our volvo - 2007 Volvo XC70
  By Stowe - October 15 - 2:16 pm

  Great fun to drive. Enjoying all the new technology. It is our 6th volvo over 30 years.

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  re review - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Jim L - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I posted above in a different name and have found that I really LOVE this wagon more and more every day. Yes, I did have to do a slight mod on the seat for my back and the headlights (high beams) are still poor but overall this wagon is a blast to drive and has been 100% reliable now with nearly 5K on it. Wonderful cruiser, I make excuses to drive it, and am driving it much faster than I should be as at speed, its just wonderful.(and very usful in all catagories) Jim

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  Amazing step up for Volvo - 2012 Volvo S60
  By volodoscope - October 12 - 2:46 pm

  I just love the direction Volvo is taking. For years the cars were little bit more expensive than competition and the designs were not general enough. The S60 design turns heads. I can always spot it on the highway. Volvo has really stepped out their comfort zone with s60. I love how fresh and futuristic S60 looks but it still feels safe, comfortable and durable. The most amazing thing is how smooth the ride is. I can barely hear the engine. Every little interior details makes sense, there are no random buttons that complicate the interaction. It was always my dream to have a Volvo and I am so happy its S60. And Im 26. Good job Volvo!

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  V50 Review - 2005 Volvo V50
  By pd23 - October 11 - 2:16 pm

  Bought the 2005 Volvo V50 T5 for its modern, sleek center panel, awesome upgraded stereo, and excellent low-end torque (i.e. great peppiness when driving). The AWD, Volvo safety, and beautiful outward appearance of the car are great. I chose this car over the the 2005 Subaru Outback (suboptimal stereo), Mazda 6 (only FWD), and Nissan Murano.

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  Damn Fine Automobile - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Road Warrior - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Its fast enough, limo quiet, safe and handles beautifully.