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 Worth the $$$$ - 1999 Volvo S80
  By KMT - February 1 - 10:00 am

  After way too many problems (literally, too many to list) I traded in my S80 T6 for a Passat. After getting over the intial shock of trade in value - $30,000 less than sticker price (the car was loaded to the hilt and had 56,000 miles, I knew that I didnt have a choice. With my warranty up and still having massive problems, I had to get rid of it. My new Passat has everything that the Volvo had except the Nav system and horsepower and the best part - it cost me half the price! I love my new car!

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  The worst - 2002 Volvo S80
  By tkatch - February 1 - 10:00 am

  in the shop more than its been on the road.

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  My First Volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Volvo Fan - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I was impressed with the new styling of the 2001 Volvo. With our first baby on the way, I purchased the 2001 S-60 2.4T because of the safety record of the Volvo. 3 months later we were involved in an accident which literally took the front off of the car. Our 3 month old was asleep in the back seat, and she never even woke up!! Since then, we purchased another Volvo, the 2002 S-60, 2.4T. I cant say enough about this car. If you are looking for a safe, well performing mid-priced car, this is it!! I suggest the Turbo over the standard car.

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  good damn car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By esteban - February 1 - 10:00 am

  great car really good handling and very well built.

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  Best bang for the buck! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By jim - January 31 - 11:16 pm

  I have 61,000 miles on this car & definitely would buy again. Combination of acceleration, handling, traction, features is a good value. Have the daltec interior & prefer it to the leather. 23-25 mpg and I am an aggresive driver. Had two software "tweaks" at the dealer, and a bearing replaced (all under warranty. Otherwise, no problems at all.

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  Good Family Car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By JJ - January 29 - 10:03 am

  The car has served my family well since we bought it new. We avoided the T6 after reading the transmission horror stories. Engine is sufficient for most situations, but lacks power for highway passing. It drives and handles like a car. Gas mileage is average (16/22 mpg). Good looks outside and a very functional interior. Good cargo space with 3rd row folded down. 3rd row isnt useful and cuts 2nd row leg room. Seats are very comfortable for long trips. Dealer maintenance isnt cheap after the first 3 years which were free. Had a couple of unexpected repairs after warranty ($1,200 total). Not as reliable as a Honda, but not as bad as a BMW/MB. Id consider buying the next generation XC90.

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  My First Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By Gloria Newton - January 29 - 2:03 am

  I have now had my Volvo XC70 for two months. It replaced my longstanding love of Jeeps. I feel completely safe with the AWD and the interior and ride are superior. The car is extremely well appointed and comfortable with many extras as well as many safety features not standard on other vehicles.

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  Awesome car - 2007 Volvo S40
  By redskins5926 - January 28 - 12:46 pm

  The Volvo S40 has been a great car for me. I got the base model with only the automatic transmission, but it still comes with a lot of features like keyless entry, CD player, etc. When I first got the car, the fuel economy seemed pretty lousy, but 5 months and 5000 miles later it seems to have improved tremendously. I have taken 87 octane since day one and the car performs quite well with it. The pickup is terrific for the 2.4L engine, although once or twice I have had to floor the pedal in order to make a quick pickup on a freeway merge. The handling of the car is quite good as well, although during sharp turns the car feels slightly wobbly... definitely not firm as a BMW 3-series.

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  Its quite simple, really - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Genyk - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The reason I bought a Volvo in the first place was for safety, as I barely survived an accident that bent my Honda Accord in two. It was truly the best decision I have ever made. I bought it used at close to 70K miles, and I havent had ONE problem as I reach 124K. Its actually quite simple, really. Volvos are the safest, most durable and reliable automobiles on the planet. Why would you even consider anything else??

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  Incredible Car for the Dollar - 2006 Volvo S60
  By texasbry - January 24 - 11:28 am

  original owner since 2006 I looked at all the usual names, Audi/BMW/Saab/Nissan but either they were more then I wanted to spend and even worse, every street is littered with them! Almost 6 years later I get into this car and still love it!