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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  XC70 - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Trophoblaster - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have owned from Mercedes to previous Volvos to Cadillacs. Winter and rain are its breakfast. Reliability has been outstanding.

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  S60 - 2001 Volvo S60
  By TomPaine - February 18 - 2:00 am

  My first Volvo. While I enjoy the car, I dont see great design/engineering at work. Visibility is poor. Controls for windows, locks and mid-seat glove compartment difficult to reach. Only one switch to lock/unlock doors is irritating. If the driver’s door is unlocked, must first lock it and push again to unlock passenger door. Can’t open trunk from inside the car except with keychain control. Basic sound system is minimal. On the positive side, car rides very smooth but soundproofing could be better. I find the non-turbo model has plenty of pickup and power. The back seat is a joke. Too little leg room for an 11- year old. An adult would curse you.

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Jon - February 15 - 4:26 am

  I just purchased my XC 90 and so far really like it. I am 64 and looked at all SUVs. I wanted the Highlander until I drove it, I love Toyota but my leg continuously went to sleep. We have a 95 850 which has been a great car. This SUV will fit those of you that are tall and short (wife is 52). I had a V8 truck and went to the smaller motor and really like it

• 

  Better than a truck - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By rmisk - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Wonderful features. Fun to drive. Seats unbelieveable comfortable.

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  Beware of electrical failure - 2004 Volvo V70
  By weaserman - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the car and it will make you feel very safe while driving. Its great in bad weather and is extremely comfortable. My only gripe with this car is funny things happen i.e light bulbs burn out once every 6 months and out of nowhere the electric door locks dont work then the high beams dont work, then out of nowhere they start to work again...freaky stuff.

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  Sweet - 2004 Volvo S60
  By ATY - February 12 - 5:43 pm

  I enjoy driving this car and plan to keep for at least 10 years or more since I only put 10K miles per year on the car. Besides $ for oil changes, I purchased a new set of TSW rims that are powdered gray against the white car. I do have a recurring problem where the computer loses it program and the dealer has to download a new one, on three different occasions. Also, the turning radius is pathetic and the tires grind when turning too hard. But, it gets great MPG and drives like a dream. Also in the past 4 years I probably replaced 5 tail light bulbs?

• 

  Outstanding Automobile! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Rexis - February 12 - 4:23 am

  I just bought my 2007 C70 this past September and the car is simply outstanding! The retractable hardtop-- the signature feature--is a marvel of engineering and truly makes this vehicle 100% versatile--a convertible when I want be sporty, a quiet riding coupe when the top is up, and a nice family car for the four of us on long or short outings. The car is sophisticated but subtle, not drawing unwanted attention and does not scream "mid-life crisis" but is instead a good balance of fun, fashion, performance, practicality, and pride. The engine has plenty of pickup, and the leather interior is luxurious and first-class. All in all, a great car and a real keeper for this enthusiastic owner!

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  Great Car - 2006 Volvo S60
  By bigt - February 10 - 7:50 pm

  This has been an awesome vehicle. It looks great and really moves. It really is a kick to drive. It may not be as refined as the BMW 3 series, but it is alot of fun and much less expensive. I got a great deal and Im quite pleased.

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  Great Car - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Greg - February 10 - 4:06 am

  I love this vehicle. Had a few small problems with accessories and small parts, but nothing major.

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  First car! - 2007 Volvo S40
  By NIick - February 8 - 2:13 pm

  So this is my first car ever. I saved up and bought it and so far Im pleased with it. Its quiet on the inside and the ride is semi smooth. Seats are comfortable. I love the controls on the steering wheel. Big trunk. The dash is different but unique and awesome.