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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  my new volvo - 2003 Volvo V40
  By Carol Choun - September 30 - 2:00 am

  this has been an excellent car so far. great pickup, good gas mileage, smooth,fun to drive. lots of room, i have the wagon, plenty of storage, drives like a dream. good vision

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  Absolutely love it! - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Joe - September 29 - 9:50 pm

  Bought the XC90 over the Lexus GX470 and Acura MDX. Less expensive, better safety rating, better 3rd row seat configuration than Lexus; better interior features/finish and seemed more solid vehicle than MDX. We have put 7100 miles on it in about 3 months and have really, really enjoyed it. In- line 6-cylinder engine has plenty of power and fuel economy has been 22 mpg highway and about 18 mpg in town. This is very good considering the weight of the vehicle and the performance it has on the road, acceleration, etc. Also has great cargo room with the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded down.

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  Great car - 2007 Volvo S40
  By ndotym - September 28 - 11:30 pm

  I bought this car off the Culver City Volvo web. I saw this car and had to have it, no regrets, 55,000 just replace the rear brakes, no problems, fun to drive, handles great very comfortable, great sound system. I get lots of looks some say its a females car, I dont care. It handles great, safe in the wet weather. Volvo makes a great product.

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  vroom - 2005 Volvo S40
  By williston - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The T5 has a fantastic balance of performace and comfort. The attention to detail in this car is remarkable.

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  C30: rare, wonderful, comfortable, and so attractive - 2013 Volvo C30
  By coloradocarnut - September 27 - 9:59 pm

  This is really a lovely car. We purchased the last 13 new in July14. Auto trans, T-5. Did TONS of research beforehand. We are a Toyota/Honda family, so European is a departure, with trepidation. We have the Premier Plus package, not R-Design. Thus far, the car is beyond expectations; a joy to drive, beautiful to look at, and well made. Its QUIET inside, very powerful, and so different. You wont see them often, which is nice too. Its not a high performance hatch, and thats good, because we didnt want that. For those w/o kids, and a different hauling vehicle, this is a great commuter that spoils with luxury, is safe, and gives you confidence. No problems so far.

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  2007 Volvo XC90 - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Pablo - September 26 - 10:53 am

  Its the best SUV Ive ever driven, even better than the new X5 and Cayenne and you can get it for a lot less money. In addition is safer and looks better. Best decision Ive made so far regarding a car buy.

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  BEST compact car ever! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By LOVE IT!!!!! - September 26 - 5:06 am

  I went on a "rainy" day just to keep it safe and not make a purchase knowing i had other cars to consider. Well, that certaintly didnt work as planned because once I drove the automatic knowing I ONLY wanted a manual in the rain, I could not believe the stability. I felt so safe cause Im such a chicken when it comes to driving in the rain that it sold itself! Though Im so picky I had to do a special order (Manual, Red, Climate, Sport & Select Pkg w/ beige interior) and cant wait for it to come from Europe. The premium sounds is out of control too. Its going to be a looker. I must say its a chicks car- Definitely!

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  Good Car - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Darc - September 25 - 5:23 pm

  This is a good car to own... but like any car - should be maintained... this can be expensive. Replaced the brakes at 60K, thermostat at 95K, otherwise just routine stuff... love to drive it every day.

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  Fun to drive and super versatile - 2001 Volvo V70
  By jbberge - September 24 - 6:16 pm

  I have driven this car in snow, rain, ice, and the deserts of AZ and nothing has slowed it down. I even drove it up a running river (not very deep) on a camping trip once. It holds my mtn bike if I fold the seats down, and Ive slept in it a few times too. Yeah, its a bit expensive to service and I think its a little funny looking but I couldnt be much happier with a wagon! Just be sure to stay up on your maintenance because its way cheaper than repairing something once it breaks.

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  Best Driving Vehicle Ever Owned - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Best Driving Vehicle - September 23 - 8:53 am

  This vehicle was bought used with about 15,000 miles as an early lease return. We have loved the way this SUV drives and it is a true pleasure. This vehicle is the best, smoothest driving vehicle I have ever owned. With about 26 cars, trucks and SUVs owned, that says alot. Performance has been satisfactory with the stock turbo 5- cyl. and have no complaints. Quality of some of the interior has been disappointing however and considering the price when new, is not equal. Body is solid, no problems. Sound system is great! All in all, we are very happy to have bought this SUV, our first Volvo.