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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  A True Joy - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By dvalls - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is Volvos best wagon ever. There is no road noice at all, it handles exceptionally well, and all the instruments are easy to see. The wagon is beautiful to look at and has a fabulous sound system. I cant say enough good things about this car.

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  I love my Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Steveidrum - December 21 - 2:00 am

  And so do my friends. 3 other people have got them since seeing mine.

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  First Volvo Purchase - Not that Happy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Bossgka - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Some functionality problems. Noticeable hesitation during acceleration NOT GOOD especially if pulling into heavy traffic; CD player has no repeat feature; no adjustable vent at drivers side floor heater it fries your leg; cup holders/middle console too far back for ease of use; warning sound on Pirelli stock tires started after 8 mo & 15K mi; rotation of tires not recommended on mfg checklist every 5000 mi; no compass, drivers side arm rest; poor gas mileage. Experience with dealership a major disappointment considering XC90 price. No follow-up. Overall not a good experience w/first Volvo, dont think we would do it again.

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  Best on (or off) the Road - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Gary Howard - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what an improvement over my X5! More room, better looking, and 3rd row of seats. What firs impressed me on the drive is the comfort and the ease of driving. Great stearing and very responsive. I LOVE IT!

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  Very Reliable Car, and Fun to Drive!!!! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By ke5wjb - December 20 - 11:26 pm

  i bought my 2002 Volvo S60 ASR Non-Turbo Edition back in 2006 and it has its problems but they are mainly wear items. I just Recently got my Fuel Pump Replaced for free by Volvo of Dallas located at 6600 SH 121 Frisco, TX 75034 due to Recall 220 which has to do with the fuel delivery pump flange and seal leaking under certain conditions and varying fuel quality. I love this car it is a fun car to drive and it gets 30 MPG on the highway for a car that has over 100,000 miles on the odometer i use my car mainly for Storm Spotting, I have my Volvo all decked out with Mobile Amateur Radio Equipment with a big 42 inch Dual Band Antenna Mounted on the roof i love my car and i will always buy Volvo.

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  tylerc70 - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Gracie - December 19 - 5:36 pm

  I didnt start off as a volvo fan, but how can you resist a sexy convertible and safety in one package? My greatest pet peeve is the flimsy cup holder.

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  far from perfect,but love it - 2002 Volvo C70
  By sorento2006 - December 19 - 10:01 am

  i was looking for a used convertible,and came across this 2002 c70 with 108000 miles.found out all mechanicals were in perfect condition.feel very lucky,and get lots of compliments

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  Love My 960 Wagon - 1997 Volvo 960
  By Jenna - December 17 - 10:50 am

  This is the most favorite car that Ive owned (Nissan Maxima - 2 of them and an Acura Legend). January 2009 turned over 200K miles. Smooth ride and super dependable. Power is there when needed, so dont underestimate this car where performance is concerned. Premium fuel must be used, always. I average in-town 20.4 miles per gallon. Regular maintenance by Volvo specialized mechanic is paramount. I wish they still made these cars.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Volvo C70
  By cltgrits - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I JUST GOT IT AND I AM IN LOVE !!! GREAT CAR!!

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  Better than the CLK430 - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Juliepham - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My husband has been searching for a convertible for our family for two years. When he bought the C70, I didnt think that I would like this vehicle at first, when my husband bought it. It actually is better then my friends MB CLK430 that he paid 68K. The car is heavier then the CLK also.