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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  2006 S60 T5 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Case B. - July 10 - 9:40 pm

  Ive been driving this fine machine for a month now and think I have found the perfect car. Responsive, stylish, sporty and loaded up. The gas mileage really surprised me. I was told to expect about 24 mpg on average but have been at 27-28.

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  Volvo4Life - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Volvo4Life? - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I Like this car except for 3 major issues: 1. Goes thru initial brake pads at about 15K miles. 2. Horrible leg room for passengers in the back seat. 3. This car does not hold its value. Prepare to tak a huge hit if you lease.

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  Fun, but not the quality expected - 2000 Volvo S40
  By senoj - July 5 - 10:00 am

  The S40 is excellent with road perfromance, but the continuous maintenance really takes away from the fun. This car, in 2 years, has been in the shop more than any other car Ive owned. Very disappointed - 2 brake sets, four new headlamps($15.00 each), malfunctioning engine maintenance light, stuck cup holder (thats useless) and thats not all. Good car for people with lots of money and free time to spend in the shop. I hang on to it because it is a pleasure to drive.

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  My Dream Car - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Ed G.H. - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted a Volvo; finally got one! My 850GLT is the cats meow. Wouldnt mind parts costing less and more repair facilities willing to work on Volvos. My Volvo is mint condition and gives me the luxury ride I like for half the price of most alike competitors. Would gladly buy Volvo again!

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  Nice Car - Couple concerns - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By lhos315 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car about 8 months. I replaced a minivan w/very squeaky brakes. I was disappointed that within a couple months the brakes were already squeaking in this car. Ive had it in the shop a couple of times but they have not been able to fix it. The ride is a little stiff as has been mentioned. The V8 is great with a lot of power. I got the nav package and this system is pretty poor. The rt traf is helpful but this system cant find big time retail stores without typing in an exact address. I wouldnt rec buying this nav system. I too have experienced the buzzzz in the speakers which hasnt been fixed. Does anyone know what this is? Overall a good/fun/safe car to drive around

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  Finally Happened!! - 1998 Volvo S70
  By GREGky - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my S70 T-5 in 98. Loved the ride/handling and the safety features. weve experienced the constant electrical problems-blown headlights & turning bulbs; door lock broke; electric seat broke; door handle broke; While these things are minor, they are annoying. At 65K miles the alternator went and now at 84K I have two bad cylinders and am looking for a new engine!! Needless to say, Im not pleased!! We had 3 Honda Accords prior to the Volvo. However, I dare say that Ill never own another!

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  I Paid for it 2Xs - 1998 Volvo V70
  By CD Barnett - June 22 - 2:06 pm

  I have paid for the car at least twice in repairs. I love the look of the car and the carrying capacity, but the repairs have done me in. I am looking for another car.

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  Performance Wagon - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Jim in Ma. - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Overall I really like it especially as a highway cruiser. On smooth pavement it rides firm and comfortable and has a huge amount of power w/ good gas mileage. I would have been disapointed if I paid big bucks as a new car. I paid 14k w/ 75,000 miles.

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  S70 Sedan Review - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Vthockeydad - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice vehicle. Seats are very comfortable and engines gives great performance for a 5 cylinder. Tight steering and excellent brakes. Volvos are quite expensive to maintain but safety is the reason to consider a Volvo. I have a 16 year old son just starting to drive. Why consider somrthing small and not safe.

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  nice car but a few headaches - 2000 Volvo S80
  By arnold becker - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Its a nice design but alot of quality problems. For example; The sun roof rattled. I had the hardware replaced .It still rattles. The steering wheel had some play in it after 10,000 miles. Took it to the dealer and had it tightened. Sometimes it is hard to start (extended cranking). I took it to the dealer.They couldnt find the problem. Still gives us problems. The little sliding door in the dash snapped in two. Dealer charged us $50 to replace it. Car is sluggish, feels like a sitting duck on the expressway.Plus poor rear window visiblity. I feel safer in our smaller BMW 325xi.