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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  Thatr - 1996 Volvo 850
  By LUVTHATR - July 25 - 10:36 am

  Fastest/safest most reliable car ive ever owned,, at 156,000 it still "cruises" at 135 mph.. Ac dumped at 150,00 pirelli p zero 17" hold the road like a custom glove.. If the abs/trac lights goes on/off its the ignition key switch.. See one,, buy it !!! 25Mpg even at demon speed..Oh ,.. And the cd stereo ,,sounds like heaven and this is an 850 turbo "r" with the spoiler on the trunk and spoiler under front bumper

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  Would buy again... - 2004 Volvo S80
  By colby92 - July 24 - 10:36 pm

  I have a 2004, 2.9L straight-6 (no turbo) Volvo S80 with over 94,000 miles. I am getting about 19mpg city and 26mpg highway; not bad for a 4000lb tank. The seats are EXTREMELY comfortable and the vehicle feels very solid all around. I feel very safe in this car and would not drive anything else because Volvo does not cut corners on safety. They had side airbags STANDARD in 1998, WOW! The American and Japanese automakers cannot touch Volvos safety record. Knock on wood, I havent had anything major go wrong with it, just a broken popup cup holder. Like most cars, the Volvos will love you if you give them some love. Maintain them and you shouldnt worry about reliability.

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  Great All Around Car - 2007 Volvo XC70
  By Peter - July 23 - 11:33 pm

  I have owned my Volvo XC 70 for one year. In this time, I have come to really appreciate its engineering and design. It gives me excellent service and performance without any compromise. It handles beautifully in town and on the freeway. Its 5 cylinder motor with turbo gives me plenty of power when I need it. It has plenty of cargo space and its leather upholstery gives me the comfort I seek. I find it extremely comfortable to drive and its solid construction gives me a sense of security even when driving with heavy truck, and SUV traffic.

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  Volvo is Swedish for "fill her up again" - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By navydocwv - July 23 - 6:06 pm

  I love my new 2008 XC90, but with only a V6, I thought I would get a little better gas mileage. I am averaging 13 MPG. (My guess is that it is such a safe and heavy car from all the steel in it.) I got better gas mileage in my V8 Dodge Durango which was a larger SUV. Other than the gas mileage, this car is cream of the crop and will turn heads. I got the Willow Green which is a great color.

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  the Swedish icon - 2000 Volvo V70
  By herman_wiegman - July 21 - 10:52 pm

  Volvo has offered many generations of mid-sized station wagons. Only Subaru has been able to challenge the great value offered by the Swedish marque. The 2000 Volvo V70 wagon was the last year for the P80 chassis and it came with a great 5-cylinder engine in either normally aspirated or turbo format. The SE model was very popular and continues to satisfy many families as it ages gracefully compared with its competition.

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  Finally a Great Car! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Nice_One - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My S80 is a T6 and I just love it! Approaching 80,000 miles and no complaints on this car. One of the nicest cars to drive or to even be a passenger in. So comfortable and so fast! I had a couple initial problems after I bought the car (covered by warranty). The dealer upgraded the software in the car and after that I never had a single problem. Absolutely nothing at all! The dealer says the upgrade is offered free of charge and only has to be done to the car once and never again. Some people just dont get it done and would rather complain about poor reliability. Wake up people, it only takes a few minutes for them to do. This car is great!

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  Volvo C70, A Wonderful and Safe Car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Nancie - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the C70 for the past three years has been the best. I enjoy just finding an excuse to get in it and go somewhere. Long trips are smooth and comfortable. Short trips are fun and sporty. The first year I had my C70, not one day went by without someone complimenting me on my Volvo C70. Its been a great car and has added many happy trips for my family.

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  Volvo - 2004 Volvo C70
  By miked - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Best auto I have owned

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  Volvo XC70 - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By midatlantic1700 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Of the last four Volvos we have owned this is the most versatile and fun to drive. Great car in any type of weather. The Volvo dealership is fantastic. All around very satisfied.

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  volvo2004awdwagon - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By louieg - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent choice if you are avoiding the suv. Extremely comfortable, yet rugged. Handles beautifully on dirt roads in the country and stylish in the city.