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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  New to Volvo, I made a GREAT choice! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By aglio412 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Went to a VW dealership expecting to walk out with a turbo Beetle for my fiancee. Instead we got a GREAT deal on a 2004 S40 LSE. The ride is great and the car is shockingly responsive for only being a 4cyl turbo with automatic transmission. The interior is GREAT. the leather seating is luxurious and the dash/controls are ergonomically placed. Im already so comfortable in it that I feel like Ive owned the car for 3 years, not 3 days.

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  I think I like it. - 2003 Volvo S60
  By CeeCee22 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I tried to install an alarm system and the anti-theft system already present seems to clash with the new alarm system. Im still dealing with getting that worked out. Also, I live 150 miles from closest dealership and Ive been told that since Im still under factory warranty I will have to return to the dealership should any issues arise. I was told something TOTALLY different at the time of sale. So I feel a little bit misled. As for the car itself. It drives ok. I love the way it looks and have wanted a Volvo for years. A little disappointed with the ride and handling. I thought it would be slightly better.

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  Nice But Expensive - 2008 Volvo S40
  By Pat - November 4 - 12:56 pm

  This car has been really good up till lately. I purchased this vehicle brand new with only 2 miles on it; now I am at 45,380 miles. Within the last month... Navigation quit working - dealer had to order a whole new head unit for it... Strange & Annoying rattle in the passenger side door - ended up being loose rivets that hold the window in the door. They also did some software update as well. This was all covered under warranty. This car never seems to hold an alignment. Just home today from having the 3rd alignment since I got this car new. This is the first vehicle I have ever had to do a alignment on. Hopefully the third time is a charm.

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  XC60 - Lookin good - 2013 Volvo XC60
  By cerebus1 - November 3 - 7:59 am

  I bought my wife her new 2013 XC60 about a month ago. About six months ago I had purchased myself a 2013 Acura RDX. Boy, am I jealous. The Volvo was more expensive, but it is a much better vehicle.

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  A joy to drive and look at - 2006 Volvo S40
  By tkbindpls - November 3 - 3:36 am

  This is my first Volvo and its much more solid than my Saab. This car is a dream on the highway; I can drive long trips and not be uncomforable or exhausted at the end of the trip. Its also very nimble at highway speeds. The turbo 5 cylinder is slow to start (no surprise) but I have to watch my speed after that. I prefer manual transmission and I really dont like the clutch; the spring needs to be redesigned because it causes me to let it up too fast sometimes. Im so pleased that I joined the Volvo Club Of America.

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  Afraid what the future may bring - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Glamrgyrl - October 23 - 6:06 pm

  I have had my XC for 1 year now. I just took the car in for the 60k mile and was told I also needed to replace inner tie rods, along with some other expensive repair. I noticed one other reviewer also had to replace. I find this to be ridiculous. The worst thing, my car jolts, jumps, throttles off and I had the software replacement on the recall. Last night check engine light on when I just spent $1600 last month at the shop. This is scary. I am a loyal Volvo customer, this is my 2nd wagon (last one was 12 yrs old), but I dont think I will purchase another. The throttle problem is a dangerous one as you dont know when the car is not going to respond?

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  Hauls like a mini van and fun to drive - 2005 Volvo V70
  By armchair - October 21 - 1:40 am

  We recently purchased a 2005 V70 used with only 50000km on the clock. We traded in a our 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6. Our kids were initially disappointed to see the van go, but once we started our vacation with the V70 they were very happy. Seats are way more comfortable, and with the integrated child seats they actually have more rear seat room. We like to cost of filling up compared to the minivan, about 30% better fuel economy, and we are comfortable in Volvos awesome seats, and the dual zone AC keeps up both happy in the front as we can adjust to our preferences. We recently did an 900KM long weekend trip, and every left the car far more refreshed and relaxed in the Volvo versus the minivan.

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  Love my S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By bbqbandit - October 20 - 8:36 pm

  I bought the car two years ago and it has been a dream. Incredible power and fuel economy. Body is in amazing condition with no rust and its so much fun to drive.

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  2002 Volvo C70 - 2002 Volvo C70
  By F T Riekhof - October 20 - 1:16 pm

  The car has numerous rattles and squeaks. It needed a complete replacement of the radiator and transmission cooler at 42,000 miles. The turning radius is way to wide and one would hardly know it has power steering. Gear indicator on dash is totally inadequate and stupid. The drivers seat has worn unacceptably given the milage. It has poor visibility when backing up. On the bright side: it handles wonderfully on the open road, and it is fun to drive with the top down in town. Overall it is a poor value, and I likely will never buy another Volvo as a result of owning this car.

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  New XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By David Vener - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Picked it up last week. Very, very comfortable to drive and wonderful headroom (Im 64"). Feels a little sluggish with the T6; probably should have gotten the T5 for a sportier feel and better mileage. Overall thrilled with car.