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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  2.4T -Nice blend of Performance & Luxury - 2002 Volvo S60
  By rrgennaw - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven the S60 2.4T for almost 6 months and I still love it. The blend of performance and luxury is just right for me.

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  Luv It - 2011 Volvo S40
  By Thomas - March 12 - 2:00 am

  The s40 packs lots of class in a smaller vehicle, Very powerful with the T5 model and turbo engine. Duel exhaust a plus for style. One negative is inside storage. no a lot of room for sunglasses and tissues but the overall performance makes you luv it.

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  Great value - 2009 Volvo S80
  By Dan_J - March 8 - 4:20 pm

  I was in the market for a new comfortable luxury sedan. I saw all the rebates Volvo had on this car and was able to knock $10k total off MSRP through negotiating with the dealership. So my $42k was purchased for $32k, which is an incredible value. The car drives very well, seats are very supportive and comfortable. All of the materials in the car are high quality. In addition, the 5 yr 60k warranty, which includes maintenance and wear/tear items made this decision very easy for me. If youre considering purchasing a luxury car, I highly encourage you to consider the S80, you will be thoroughly impressed.

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  My Volvo S40 w/ Sports Package - 2004 Volvo S40
  By WilliamLAlsmeyer - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The Turbo makes this vehicle perform magnificently. Its a little cramped inside, but the trunk, and fold down rear seat produce lots of Cargo Space. My wife traded in her Volvo GL-240, w/ over 200k miles, and only did so because it became difficult to get repair parts. Comes w/ 3 years and 36k miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, including tires, w all routine and emergency maintenance w/o charge. That can be extended. Maintenance costs then, are included in the purchase price!

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  Two Months In Service - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Peppers - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The exterior styling is the best of all SUVs. The interior styling is equal to other luxury SUVs. Seat comfort is high, but the ride could be softer. Fuel economy is adequate for its size and class (19mpg city and 24mpg highway). The functionality is exceptional.

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  Not Bad - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Moliner - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I wanted something to pull a boat, but I prefer the ride of a sedan. The XC90 is my compromise. I found it to be the most attractive outside and in, with good attention to detail. Great sound system. I chose the 2.5T, to get some decent gas mileage. Im getting the low end of the MPG rating, but plenty of get up and go for most applications. A couple of recalls, for relatively minor issues. Overall, a good looking and driving car. I assume it is among the safest, but have no experience to prove it (fortunately).

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  Would buy again! - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Liz - March 6 - 11:23 pm

  Spacious, comfortable convertible. Best convertible to accommodate tall driver and has the most room in back seat for passengers vs others. Power top fabulous. Well placed controls. This car is in addition to my Corvette when we needed room for three. Sporty, yet functional. Reasonable gas economy. Good mechanically. Very reliable. Dealers supply loaner. Very fair pricing for a fun car! Only recommend HT convertible with the higher HP and would even like more power, of course!

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  Volvo XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By David - March 6 - 6:10 pm

  So far a great SUV. I just logged 27,600 miles and no problems.

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  Nice! - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Nice! - March 5 - 7:33 pm

  Just bought the XC90. Last car was the Acura MDX. Really enjoying the Volvo but do miss some of the nooks and crannies of the MDX for eye glasses, cell phones, loose change etc. Would also say the Acura had more of a luxurious feel on the inside. But, putting those things aside, the Volvo drives like a dream, definitely a tighter ride and handles better than the MDX and the interior is still very very nice.

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  Volvo for life is true - 2004 Volvo S60
  By SMPM - March 5 - 7:23 pm

  My S60 was a fleet vehicle w/low miles. I averaged 36 mpg hwy driving the car back home cross-country. The car is safe, solid - its not nimble like my old A4 or current Jetta, but solid. If I hit anything with this car, I will either push it out of the way or run over it - thats the feeling this cars drive quality has - heavy, solid, secure. Ergonomics on this car are superb. The seating is heaven and safety-blessed with the WHPS system. I have the 2.4L engine, and while I dont drag race, I know I have reasonable passing power. I drive this car like a hybrid - slow off the start, no wasted fuel, moderate braking on stops, and I average around 26/27mpg in urban driving.