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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  Sporty, Luxury Sedan - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Randy Tibbs - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutely solid, very quick and responsive, with its 200 horsepower engine. I really like the AWD in the snow. I got every package/option possible and glad I did. The brakes are really firm and stops the vehicle quickly and evenly. I have owned Cadillacs, Lincolns, Land Rovers and Mercedes. None of them compare in quality, fit and finish. The first time I had the car washed, the attendant said, "this car looks hot, just standing still." This is a great car, but it is really for two people, or maybe two people and a grandson.

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  I cannot say enough about my S60 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By volvoowner - January 21 - 1:10 pm

  I researched vehicles for three months on here, reading all the reviews and several makes and models before I purchased my S60. I love the way it handles and have turned heads every where I drive. I traded a 2003 Jaguar and have owned three BMWs before this car. I can not say enough about the style, drive and ride. I feel very safe in my car. The back seat is small and low on comfort but this is my every day driver. I have an SUV for the family. The only problem I have noticed in the sound factor. I can hear the tires on the road if the radio is off. I had it checked twice and Volvo told me it was normal. Other than that I recommend this vehicle. Good luck shopping!

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  Dont ever buy a volvo!!!! - 2000 Volvo C70
  By jennyd9 - January 19 - 7:21 am

  The worst car I have ever bought! the door panels came off a week after I bought it, the door locks stopped working and I had to buy new ones and those still didnt fix the problem, the rear window caved in for a second time, every single light on the dash has indicated something wrong with the car, the transmission is giving out and now the check engine light is on and there is a rocking motion that wont go away. VERY hard to turn, almost like I am driving a bus, and the rocking motion is just like that of a yellow bus starting to move. When I go for a short distance on city streets it starts smoking. This car is so scary to drive and very frustrating. Never again will I ever buy a volvo.

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  Ouch! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By mkirkland - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a single mom with a three year old and know nothing about cars but sure am learning with this one! I have spent so much money on repairs I am told are normal. It is nickle and diming me to death. Love it for the safety and all, but come on - $600 here, $800 there. Im going broke. Its cool looking but I think Ill go to something with lower repair costs.

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  A Safe and Smart Midzize SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By jbeezer - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Sharp looking, safe anb a 3rd row that gives you room in the back...my wife loves her truck. The engine is a bit small but it is for my wife who does not floor it. Very smart design and comfortable ride.

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  My 2002 Volvo S60 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Chuck Harkness - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, fun to drive, well made and reliable. I have had 3 Volvos and they are one of the best cars made, extremely reliable and safe.

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  I prefer my 240 - 2001 Volvo V70
  By tkschaff - January 17 - 1:06 pm

  Weve been a Volvo family for several years, and when we saw the new body style, we knew we had to have one. Its a beautiful car, but the reliability of the newer Volvos leaves a lot to be desired. Weve had transmission problems from almost day one. Its a certified car, so that was our only saving grace. We had to have several software upgrades for the transmission, and the last time it was in, I was told that if this didnt "fix" the problem, I would be the proud owner of a new transmission on a vehicle with 65,000 miles on it. My independent mechanic told me to avoid all Volvos newer than 99 until they work out the bugs. Ill stick with my 240.

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  Great Sports Sedan - 2000 Volvo S70
  By Shredderman - January 17 - 4:56 am

  Only minor problems, and they were fixed under warranty: fauly alarm immobilizer, rattling headrest. Other than that, the car has held up very well. More than adequate power, although I wish the T5 would have been available when I bought the car in 4/00. I will consider an S60R, set to debut sometime in 2002.

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  V for Volvo! - 2018 Volvo S90
  By MOHAN DAVID - January 17 - 2:52 am

  Its pricey with all the bells and whistles I got! Extremely techy - which I love! Seems to have taken care of all the intricate details. For a car that is at this level of price, the mud flaps and floor mats should have been provided - with the Volvo logo!

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  I love my C70! - 2003 Volvo C70
  By Deshkat - January 14 - 2:00 am

  The C70 is the best of all worlds. Fun to drive, full of safety features, reliability and great performance. The optional wind screen lets me enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and my hair doesnt even get messed up! The C70 has great acceleration and provides a smooth ride. I love this car!