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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  Love it!! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By keving - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2002 S60 2.4T until I totaled it a month ago. Bought a new 2004 S60 2.5T and this vehicle is even better than the previous one. If youre going to buy one, the Prem & Sports pkgs are a must otherwise this car is blah, blah, blah. Handling has been improved with the suspension being tightened up resulting in less body roll in hard corners. The engine has a bit more punch with better 0-60 times than a lot of vehicles in this class (esp for the $$). Sleek design, comfortable, with plenty of punch. Never had a single problem with my previous S60 (had it for 2 yrs).

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  Loving this Volvo - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Justin - April 25 - 11:46 pm

  I am in love with this Volvo. The car handles amazingly. It rides firm as if it were built for performance only, but doesnt loose the luxury car feel. The power of the turbo inline 5 is excellent, and handles the mountains of western PA like no other car I have owned.

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  V50 WOW! - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Bklyn38 - April 23 - 1:46 pm

  I am amazed at the quick & comfortable performance. This is my 5th Volvo and by far the best. Runs on regular gas with 23.5 City and 32 hway milage when driven hard. Exceptionally reliable. No problems. Catches stares and compliments even in Manhattan!

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  What a sleeper - 1996 Volvo 850
  By DIC_CAMARILLO - April 22 - 2:50 pm

  We have a 850R wagon with automatic. When I put my 850 in sport mode, the computer lets the engine rev and the turbo give more boost. I dont want to admit it, but this little red wagon will beat my 2003 Porsche Boxster. The turbo power keeps pushing and the engine is a tiny 2.3l inline 5. I laugh as I pull away from cars - those Mustang GTs dont have great takeoff. The suede/leather seats are very comfortable and the heat is nice. Of course the safety aspect is tops for Volvo. Handling is good. Brakes are solid. Reliability is good for a European car. Weve had the odo, radiator, ash tray, mass airflow sensor go out. The rear view mirror shook loose and was put back on.

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  A great car at a great value! - 2003 Volvo V40
  By akke bengston - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive always wanted an 1800ES wagon and I was surprised to discover the stylish v40 among the usual Volvo boxes. We drove it, liked it and bought one. The incentives on this car make it very appealing, especially considering next years replacement looks too much like another VW. The more we drive it, the more we like it.

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  XC90 Is A Wonder Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Esther M Lowndes - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Driving the XC90 is like riding in a Limo but being able to control it. There is very little that this car cannot do. Long distance driving is a breeze. It is big without being too big. Handels well in city traffic and has no worries on interstate traffic. Its pick-up is quick and even and never seems to struggle with a pay-load. The extra features that can be ordered are a real plus. Being able to kennel the dogs in the back behind the gate is the safest way to transport them. They cannot get underfoot and dont distract me while driving. It has been a pleasure to dirve this car for the past four months.

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  I Love It! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Judy - April 19 - 2:56 pm

  I took overseas delivery of my XC90-T6 & was delighted w/every aspect of that experience! I had a major mechanical problem w/in the first two weeks of delivery. Volvo corrected the defect ASAP and it has been a pleasure to drive since that time. I feel safe when Im driving it and my grandchildren race for the built-in booster seat. I would not hesitate to purchase another Volvo - the factory tour in which I saw the huge roll of steel at the beginning of the tour and followed it through the factory to a finished car was very impressive and reassuring to my safety- conscious self!

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  A Hidden Gem - 2004 Volvo S60
  By wrcinct - April 18 - 11:26 pm

  Stumbled upon this car while shopping for a car for my dad. Never seriously considered a Volvo although a did admire its styling and long list of amenities. Had narrowed my choices to an Acura TL and Infiniti G35 Coupe, both with manual transmissions. After wrapping up the deal for dad, the salesman suggested I take the S60R in the showroom for a test spin. I took the bait, hook, line and sinker. The car was meant to be driven, the harder you drive it the better it responds. The active suspension works like a charm, allowing the driver to cruise in comfort or tighten the chassis to handle like a true sports car. Did I mention the lack of turbo-lag? Horsepower, torque, AWD and 23 MPG too !!

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  After one month - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Spirerock - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my T5 FWD since 05/01/04 and its been everything that I expected. Road handling, fuel economy (31 road) and performance (love that turbo!) are outstanding. You need to get used to the bit of understeer that is purposefully built into the car. It makes for great road handling, but is initially a bit awkward when parking in close spaces.

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  Unbelievable car - 1998 Volvo V70
  By kkh899 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car handles unbelievably well. The 0 to go pick up is unmatched. We have two children and it is the perfect family car. On the highway, for long family trips, it gets very good gas mileage for as much power as it has. Overall, I am very pleased and definitly satisfied ith this car.