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 Mistake - 2000 Volvo S40
  By SCR - September 16 - 11:40 pm

  One thing after another. I have had the care for 2 years, and have spent over $3000 on repairs. Every time I think Im done, something else comes up. Like everyone else, the headlights burn out fast. Looks like most people say their S40 is fast, but mine is sluggish and I cant figure out how the Turbo works. It seems random. I just had to replace the an axle and all motor mounts ($1900). Bad sensors. Check engine light will not go off... Replacement parts are expensive and hard to find. I am selling it, regardless of my loss, and buying a new Civic.

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  serious machine - 2002 Volvo S80
  By jdm - September 16 - 10:00 am

  price performance is great, one of the best in the bunch. very well built, low noise, great torque. a mercedes-lexus- bmw like with 10-15K$ less.

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  Fun in the Kansas sun! - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Mahlon McCaleb - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Aside from the fact that Volvo has created vehicles that can be serviced primarily only at the dealer (where nothing is inexpensive), this is an awesome car. Combination city/hwy economy is 24mpg. She handles excellent in wet or dry conditions and it is by far the most comfortable car I have ever driven! Id stay away from the T-6, but the 2.9L is exceptional.

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  Nice car but missing a few options - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By tpeters2 - September 13 - 1:19 am

  We have only had the car for 2 weeks and it has just over 1000 miles. We love the the car the size is great for our family. It is great in the snow and ice. The snowy weather driving performance good. Love the build quality and way it drives.

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  s40 and brake pads - 2003 Volvo S40
  By leo22 - September 12 - 11:26 pm

  my s40 has been through 3 sets of rear brake pads in 50,000 miles, and 1 set of rotors. Who ever heard of rear brake pads only lasting 12 to 15 thousand miles. Volvo claims this is normal wear for our pads and that there is no problems with the braking system. I have also replaced the front pads once they seem to hold better. I have also had other miscelanious problems i.e. bad fuel injectors replaced, gas gauge replaced, and several light bulbs. Overall this car has not been a very pleasant experience and I cant wait to get out of my lease.

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  Ocean Race 2006 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Branko from Slovenia - September 11 - 11:46 am

  The last OCEAN RACE EDITION in Europe. Be happy with this car like Im. Nice regards from Slovenia. Branko

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  Best Swedish car out there! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By s60smycar - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my new S60 T5! The seats are superb and the ergonomics are great. Plus, theres very few turbo lag!!!

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  Best Kept Secret - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Hand - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The XC90 T6 AWD 7-passenger was truly like finding a diamond in the rough. Its ride and handling is amazing compared to my previous ML-320 and frequent rides in a MDX and Lexus R330 - firm and positive, but comfortable and reassuring. The interior feature controls are simple and straightforward and all the features are there for simple execution. This expecially applies to the VAC and the pop-up navigation system which uses a click and point system like a computer running Windows.

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  Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid is a Beast!!!!! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By MilesM - September 9 - 11:48 am

  I own a brand new 2016 XC 90 T8 Hybrid. As stated in many reviews, it is an awesome, awesome car!!! It is a BEAST!!!!! Beautiful exterior styling, and very smartly designed interior. The T8 Hybrid is a perfect combination of Eco mode (electric) for short trips, and power mode (gas) for longer trips (very fuel efficient engine). Power is stunning ( not quite Tesla, but at a better price point), for a 4 cylinder (who would have thought a 4 cylinder and electric motor could punch out almost 400 HP). Add the safety components, and this is almost the perfect car for todays market. Great job Volvo. You have hit the SUV "sweet spot". The perfect combination of form and function. I am glad to say I am one of the first owners of this great vehicle. May Volvo find much success and thrive in the future. The XC90 (especially the hybrid T8) is a thoroughbred.

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  A special car - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Tim B. - September 8 - 4:50 am

  We bought this car while stationed in England and it has turned out to be one of our best purchases. We picked it up in Gothenburg Sweden in February 1999 and visiting Sweden in February is the only thing I would change (too much cold and snow). We have 185,000 miles now and the car still performs great. I taught 3 sons how to drive in it and it took it all in stride. Fit and finish are still first class-- my friends have wondered at the lack of squeaks and rattles with this many miles. The seats are still the best in the business and the paint and finish is still great. This is one of the best cars Ive ever owned and I plan on hanging on to it until it falls apart.