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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  Battery died because of software glitch - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By kawvt - December 2 - 1:36 am

  I bought this car 9 months ago and have had it die 3 times on me. The battery had died because of a software glitch (they think) as described in a technical bulletin Volvo Int. put out. Each time the vehicle has been in my garage and when I went to start it, nothing. I love this car but am so disappointed in the reliability. I also think for a beautiful SUV such as this is, and not a big mammoth SUV, it should get much better gas mileage. Our local dealership has been great but it has been extremely inconvenient to have our brand new Volvo die. I love the way it drives, handles, its comfort, but if I have another problem, Im inclined to ask Volvo Int. to take the car back.

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  electrical problems/brake pad surprise - 2000 Volvo V40
  By alicemary - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Three months after purchase, went to use car and found it had no power. Had Volvo Roadside tow it to dealer. Battery recharged. Now after 14 additional months, same problem. Dealer service replaced battery; found a bad cell. Also, told me brake pads soon need replacing, mileage now at 11,500 miles, $135;is typical to replace at 15,000! Called Volvo Consumer hotline. Indeed, the materials used in the brake pads wear quickly. No warranty coverage. I rate this most poorly with regard for the reputation the Volvo name seems to promote.

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  Good Car - 2005 Volvo S40
  By jay - November 26 - 1:20 am

  Car runs great in Snow. The winter mode and traction control kept the car rather stable while driving in the first blizzard of 2006. The car has plenty get up and go for a small sedan.

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  C-70 with Automatic - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Squashie - November 25 - 12:43 pm

  Ok, Ive looked at BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, and all other convertibles. This is the best blend of top down. Fun to drive, fuel economy, and good looks out there. Im a rather large person, 65", close to 300 lbs k, with rather large feet. I found the spacing on the manual 6 a little too close, but the auto 5 is great! Besides, I dont drive F-1 so all of that shifting may, or may not be, necessary. The fit and finish are great. Love the seats, the lines and the admiration of others. (white car, light leather interior and tinted windows) Mid-life crisis with no direct link. Looked at a red one, but liked the white better. Could use possibly a more higher profile tire, Texas roads

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  V40 Volvo Wagon - 2002 Volvo V40
  By Reg - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a 2000. The interior is cramped. Poor placement of electrical control in the center pedestal as are hand brake and flip-flopping armrest.The locations of coin and cup holder are poorly located. Some of these defects were corrected in the 2001. Only the epress window control is located in the drivers door armrest and no window control is provided in the passengers armrest. Michelin tires improve driving and durability.

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  1999 Volvo - 1999 Volvo S80
  By jimvino - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Have enjoyed this particular vehicle but am disappointed with the computor system...too many problems with engine warning signs, etc. Also, sound system is not very good. A very comfortable auto however.

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  Confused - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Jefferson6599 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my S40 with 13,450 miles, 2 years ago and must have gotten the only one made well. I blew one headlight before the recall for the wiring harness. The brake pads were changed, but thats normal wear and tear. Other than that just my routine 7,500 hundred mile service. The car isnt as bad as the reviews suggest. Most of the complaints were rectified on the 2001 model. I think Volvo owners just like to complain. The same types of complaints can be found on the brick board web site. I have enjoyed driving my S40.

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  Eurotrash is the name of my wifes XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dumbchuck - November 14 - 9:16 pm

  ...because thats what it is. Its in the shop now waiting for a new motor because a bearing self destructed and sent metal fragments throughout the engine. Volvo better be including a new turbo with the replacement. Had to get a new seat module (brain) because the car kept losing memory 3. It took us maybe 6 trips to service before Volvo finally authorized the replacement. We had been back as many times for the engine noise which nobody could identify until the oil seal blew (even though they could hear it). When they did anything at all, it was to tighten the heat shield on the exhaust or adjust the steering (knocking out the alignment). Dealer service has been nice but ineffective.

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  Transmission - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Carl Swanson - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Volvo, great looks, handling. The transmission has a serious problem that the dealers cannot seam to solve or Volvo. The pickup in first gear is great when it shifts to second it seams to die and fails miserably to respond as one would expect that a smooth move through the gears. The t6 looses out in this reguars, plus it is not safe when you gun it and it lets you down. Would like to hear from Volvo as to how this happned and why it cannot be fixed.

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  Good for the kids - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Aronky - November 10 - 11:43 pm

  This car is built very well and feels great to drive. Rides really good, and is great for hauling around kids and stuff. Love the split tailgate and the really supportive seats. Great for long trips, but would recommend the larger engine this 2.5L inline 5 is very sluggish but gets the job done if its just for driving the kids around.