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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  Best SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By ciagins - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it for almost 4 months and its great. Love the way it handles - its zippy! Had a Jeep Grand Cherokee before and it was a chore to drive. The XC90 is fun. Lots of room, seats are comfortable - I feel safe in Seattle traffic. Gas mileage is only 15 mpg and the hesitation when you accelorate at low speeds are negatives.

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  xc-90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Keller - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle! Drives like my old s- 80. The optional back row of seats comes in handy- a great alternative to a minivan.

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  Hidden Luxury - 2006 Volvo S60
  By David Belford - August 1 - 5:06 pm

  After looking at Audi, Bmw, Mercedes, Saab, I happened upon a Volvo dealer more to waste time than to purchase. Even when I visited the auto show in Febuary, I walked past their display. Took a S60 2.5 turbo sport for a drive and bought it on the spot. Was hit broadside at 50 mph 2 weeks later and walked away with no injuries

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  Volvo S60 SE - 2006 Volvo S60
  By fredryk - August 1 - 12:04 pm

  Gorgeous and comfortable car that can suit anyones needs. Powerful, spacious, suitable price.

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  Had many car...this is the one!!!! - 2006 Volvo XC70
  By Stanley - August 1 - 4:36 am

  We must have had over 50 vehicles of all kinds over the years. This one is a tank. I feel so safe. Although we have only had it a few months, I could not be more impressed. I have yet to go through a winter but with a hill for a driveway it is very comforting to know I will make it up without any issues. Cant wait to try it in the snow. I feel very secure, rich, and cared for when driving.

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  Great UV - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Robert - July 31 - 12:50 pm

  This vehicle is pure class. Amazing features and drive. The one knock could be that this is not a overpowering vehicle.

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  Best in Class - 2002 Volvo S40
  By mattjp212 - July 28 - 9:06 pm

  Less expensive to lease than a Jetta or many ither cars. Im paying $299.00 per month for a great car.

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  My second Volvo - 2010 Volvo S40
  By Dave T - July 28 - 3:03 pm

  My first Volvo was a very used, "beater" 1966 122S, reliable as an anvil, quirks and all. A few months back, after a lot of research, I purchased a 2010 S40 2.4i. After being severely injured in an auto accident I wanted a safe, practical, small car with good handling characteristics and decent performance. I drove a C30, then an S40 and decide that the S40 was for me. Besides daily driving I have logged 1200 miles on a road trip to Connecticut from Ohio and back putting in two 550 mile days in comfort.

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  Now if it was just more fuel efficient.. - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By osxanalyst - July 27 - 10:00 am

  The smallest, most car-like, SUV with the capacity to hold 7 passengers, IMHO. Also the safest SUV on the road. What more could you want for hauling kids around. The back seat is cramped for any adult, but the tradeoff is appropriate to keep the size down. The only problem I have is with its poor fuel efficiency, but that was expected when I bought it.

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  Roadwarrior - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By roadwarior - July 27 - 10:00 am

  In 5 months we have driven our XC-90 over 14k miles thru the Sierras and Rocky Mtns, the midwest and the deserts, with no quality problems. It delivers a great ride with a good driving range in all conditions. At 550 miles per day, we never were exhausted at days end because of the comfortable interior. This car is fun to drive.