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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  Truly a great automobile - 2004 Volvo S60
  By As Fan - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has the looks, the performance and is resaonably priced. When it is in the Turbo mode, this vehicle runs like a scalded ape. If ever there was a wolf in shepps clothing, this is it.

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  Cars got a bad rap - 1999 Volvo S80
  By SomeGuy - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Im completely confused about the bad rap this car has. Ive had mine for over 2 years, and havent had a single problem that wasnt covered under a TSB during the warranty period. The car rides well, handles well, and isnt afraid to jump when asked. It appears that there may be some good ones and some bad ones, and Im happy to have a good one. I only had one repair that seemed a bit out of the ordinary, the stereo seemed to have forgotten about the CD player, and it needed a software download. I convinced the dealership to charge me parts only, no labor. $25 repair.

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  Impressed - 2004 Volvo S40
  By GECIII - March 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife recently got a new job about twice as far from home as her previous one and our youngest son got his license. With the price of gas, it was time to get rid of the minivan and look for something more fuel efficient. We werent even planning on looking at the Volvo, but it happened to be the first dealer we passed. We didnt get any further. The car is great. You cant beat the design, sportyness, power, safety features, and the fun to drive factor for the price. She loves it and has been averaging 29mpg. I had my heart set on a BMW 3-series, but theres no competition. The S40 is by far the superior car.

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  Designed for ME and Family! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By MNMS - March 1 - 7:16 am

  Great Car! I looked at the BMW 330CI and Audi A4 and the C70 is by far the best! I have the car one week and heads are turning. Ride is smooth and tight, mileage great, and really is two cars in one. Top up or down looks great. No air noise when top down. No regrets!

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  Great Car! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Bassman06 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  When I bought this car, I had intented to buy a Ford Explorer or Jeep Gr. Cherokee. I drove this car just out of curiosity...I had no intentions of owning a Volvo. Before I got it off of the lot, I knew that I had to have this car. It has high milage, but it runs like new, looks like new, and drives like new. I would recommend it to ANYONE thats thinking of buying an SUV.

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  Owner - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Mary Black - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever had.

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  The Volvo S80 - 2006 Volvo S80
  By Dennis - February 25 - 2:16 am

  The S80 4door sedan is a smartly styled,fun to drive, comfortable, reliable luxury touring sedan with room for four adults. MPG 20+ highway/city. Two things I would change. Larger side view mirrors and larger tires. Not rim size but sidewall size. Car came with 18" 50s. Dont like the low profile. Better ride with 60s or 65s and tires would last longer. All in all, you can spend a lot more money and I dont think you can buy a much better car. Weve owned Volvos since 1978. Weve also owned GMC, Ford, Chevy and BMW 740IL. Volvo beats them all.

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  My 1999 Volvo S80 T6 is just right!!! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Carguy739 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This is now my fourth Volvo and by far my favorite. I did have one recall on the car and thats been it. This car has been a total joy to own. I currently have 68,000 miles on my S80 and still look forward to the ride every time I drive it. This is such a comfortable car to ride in. I do know that some people had some computer problems with this car. It is all corrected with Volvos latest FREE software upgrade. The upgrade which was just released takes care of every electrical issue with the S80. I would recommend the S80 T6 to anyone. This will probably be the best car youll ever own.

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  Happy - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By RW - February 23 - 9:10 pm

  Excellent car for long trips with the family in all driving conditions available in the western US

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  S-80 T-6 Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Volvo S80
  By Thom - February 19 - 11:50 pm

  I bought this vehicle in late 2002 as a replacement for the exact same vehicle (including color) in a 2001 model. The 2001 was terrific and this one has been even better. I bought it in CA but live in TX now. The drive across country was very comfortable and I take this car whenever I have to go on long trips. This is my NINTH Volvo since 1974 - but Ive had lots of other vehicles as well. The lease just expired on this one but I bought it and will keep it for a long time to come. Volvo of Orange County CA is the best dealer coast to coast. Ive had Volvos from Boston to Houston to California but V.O.C. is the best!