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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  excellent - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By lilhotshot06 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  excellent vehicle. Probably one of the best sports utility vehicles you can buy at this time.

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  Great All-Arounder - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Dan - June 14 - 11:56 pm

  I live in Germany and wanted something appropriate for the Autobahn and weather. My requirements were AWD and at least 300 hp, and safety was also a concern. I looked at and drove Audi, BMW and Mercedes. For the price range, there was nothing that compared to the Volvo S60R. An absolute blast to drive and comfortable. Crusing at 130 mph is effortless and very stable. With snow tires, it will drive through anything. Only gripe I have with it is the HORRIBLE turning radius....a real pain while in Europe.

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  Catch the Sun - 2011 Volvo C70
  By B - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! It rides like a coupe but has the fun of a convertible. From the aggressive nose to the LED taillights it is a nice looking and well engineered ride. The celestial blue gives it an air of dignity but the 18 inch rims give it that sport look. The gas mileage is so-so 19 in the city but you dont buy it for that...it has all the Volvo safety features and the 5 year (covers everything) warranty is "just in case." Had to wait for this special order...2 months...but the spring timing was perfect. The dealership, Fairfax Volvo, made certain that the car was perfect. Very pleased...enjoying the sun!!!

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  Buy It! - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By brew_daddy_27 - June 13 - 3:09 am

  I test drove and compared with the BMW X5, Audi Q5 and the Infiniti. Infiniti was tossed when I saw the size in person. Size matters! The only plus to the BMW was that I could add a third row of seating. The bad about both the BMW and the Audi was the price tag and what you get for that tag. The Volvo destroyed both in the safety department. I went with the T6 for the extra handling and body design. The curbside appeal of the T6 easily competes with the Audi (in my opinion wins). The end result is this, I have friend that purchased a loaded Q5 and another that purchased half loaded X5. Both are jealous of my loaded XC60. Not just the looks but the price tag was made them both weep.

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  my 05 xc 90 V8 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By cdoc - June 12 - 8:36 am

  I love the thing, but in the hills where I live, I am getting 13.5mpg. Too much gas in these days of high price and world concerns. Sounds hokey, but we gotta live in this world a long time and 13.5 is just unacceptable...

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  Volvo is synonymous with quality - 2002 Volvo S80
  By giocondo - June 10 - 10:27 pm

  I have my car for over 4 years currently has 104,000 miles and am very happy and satisfied with my s-80-t-6. 2002 driving my car every day and have never had problems of any kind. I give her maintenance when touched, very fast, good sound, stylish. is a car made ​​with quality. not by much.

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  No doubt about it.... - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Hope - June 9 - 5:00 am

  this is the best car I have ever had. the safety features are phenomenal, it is reliable, plus extremely comfortable and nice looking.

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  Excellent wagon - 1996 Volvo 850
  By josh p - June 9 - 2:00 am

  It has been very solid, dependable. Still drives like a dream at 74K miles. I have kept it up and folks who dont know volvos still think its a new car. I had one problem, the abs unit went bad and was replaced under warranty. I plan to drive at least 125K miles, then reevaluate it.

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  high school speedster - 2001 Volvo S60
  By high school speedste - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Since my dad crashed the car I was going to drive he went out and boughtme the 2.4T for safety, and I love it. It is the most comfortable car ive ever been in and it has a spectacular 10 speaker sound system. It is kind of a soccer mom car but still the kind of car thats perfect to own and all my friends are envious.

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  Love the car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dmassey - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Over all I love this car. My second volvo. I have a 2001 s-80. Only problem has been with the driver side automatic window. Bought the car in Santa Monica Calif. but have it service at San Diego Volvo where I live. Great dealership. Very comfortable and easy to drive car. Turbo isnt working hard at 75mph. Gas mileage is so so.