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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  Excellent Used Car Value - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By cjbluedevil06 - September 3 - 8:34 pm

  I purchased my XC90 2.5T in March. It is the third Volvo that I have owned and is by far my favorite. I traded in my 2004 S60 to buy the XC90. Many people say that the 2.5T engine is underpowered, but I feel that its 208hp feels peppy and is perfectly matched to the transmission. The handling feels confident and the seats are very comfortable. As far as cargo spaces is concerned, I am pleased. Fuel economy is decent for a vehicle of its size. I average about 17 in town and 23-24 on the highway. The cabin is quiet and the interior is composed of high quality materials. My vehicle has the optional navigation system, which is nice, but inputing information can be an annoyance.

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  Great Car for a fraction of a price - 2004 Volvo V40
  By assam - September 2 - 10:00 am

  THis is a great car . Lot of space, good safety as with any volvo. Good milage (22-30).

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  At this price it a no brainer!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By jammer - September 2 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just recently purchased our S40 and are quite impressed. The ride and comfort is just great! After driving SUVs and trucks for the past 5 yrs it is a relief to find a vehicle with accelleration, fuel ecomony, and ride comfort in such a inexpensive vehicle. The interior of the car makes you feel like you riding in a luxury vehicle costing $10,000 more. Our S40 has the premium and climate package and was bought for only $22,000!!! Anyone looking at a SAAB 9-3, Audi A4, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or even a Hyundai XG350, do yourself a favor and look at an S40. Youll find you can save $1,000s when getting the Volvo.

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  At this price it a no brainer!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Jammer - September 2 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just recently purchased our S40 and are quite impressed. The ride and comfort is just great! After driving SUVs and trucks for the past 5 yrs it is a relief to find a vehicle with accelleration, fuel ecomony, and ride comfort in such a inexpensive vehicle. The interior of the car makes you feel like you riding in a luxury vehicle costing $10,000 more. Our S40 has the premium and climate package and was bought for only $22,000!!! Anyone looking at a SAAB 9-3, Audi A4, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or even a Hyundai XG350, do yourself a favor and look at an S40. Youll find you can save $1,000s when getting the Volvo.

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  Proud New Owner - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By fxfthrs - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I can not report on reliability I have only owned the car for a week. The care screams quality through and through.You fell like you are driving a tank its so solid Do your homework ahead of time to help get the best price. The demand for this car and their SUV is so steep they dont like to haggle. Thanks to Edmunds I paid $500 over invoice with 2.9% financing

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  Riding so smooth then clunk!Tranny! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Findurresolve - August 31 - 11:46 am

  This vehicle is hands down the most elegant, smooth, and did I say smooth vehicle I have ever driven. The seats are so comfy, and the steering wheel just feels like silk! But then the transmission issue. Do not buy a t6 awd unless it has had the transmission upgrade! I bought one used now Im looking at $8,000.00 in repairs. Volvo knows its a huge prob and will pay for parts in some cases.

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  C30 11 months old now - 2008 Volvo C30
  By C30Dude - August 30 - 11:10 pm

  My 2008 C30 T5 with geartronic auto is still doing well. it has 14,000 miles on it. I love the performance. I get approx 22 mpg combined (mostly city & little highway) and 29 mpg highway on long trips. I still dont see many on the road in southern california, but that makes it even more cool!

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  XC90-- X-tra CUSHY! 90 percent better! - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By EXCELLING - August 30 - 2:25 pm

  Comfy seats meets outstanding luxury. Nice clean design. Great car! Only (maybe) questionable thing is maintenance costs down the road.

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  Great Choice - - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Chris & Sheria - August 30 - 1:00 pm

  My wife and I did extensive research and test drives. Lexus, BMW, Audi and Volvo XC60 and XC90. The Audi was the best driving, but the Volvo won in every other category. The features, ownership cost, performance and overall experience the Volvo XC60 won hands down. We were very impressed with the interior layout and the heated rear seats were a nice feature. We didnt notice very much difference in performance between the 3.2L and the 3.0L Turbo, so we opted for the 3.2L The Gas mileage to date is averaging 21 mpg, and that is with a about a 70% city and 30% highway driving. We are going on our 3rd week of ownership, and so far no issues.

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  Fun to drive but below average reliability - 2008 Volvo C30
  By volvo_c30 - August 28 - 11:58 pm

  I had this car for 6-7 years now and had about 74K miles. My previous car are all Japanese and I consider myself a conservative driver. Never had an accident with this car yet. I like this car as it is fun to drive, great handling, solid on the turns. The down side is reliability. Up to now I had temperature sensor replaced, 12V plug replaced, front passenger seat unable to re track properly and the front left axle/hub seems to be clicking on certain right turns. Just like a problematic cv joint problem. brought to the mechanic and he has no clue even the issue is duplicated. So bottom line is be ready to shell out some money for routine repair and they are not cheap sine its European.