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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  Was a Volvo Family - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By 2xvolvoowner - January 17 - 5:48 am

  We own both the XC90 and S60and have been frustrated with both. In the XC90 past two years, we have collectively had to repair or replace numerous parts and sensors that seem trivial to have to get fix in such an early life of a vehicle. For example, the ignition switch had to be replaced. The right and left side of the seat panel had to be replaced because the plastic cracked. The sunroof leaked. This doesn’t cover all the other issues of the S60. Without exaggeration, this is the most we have ever been inside of a service station. We have written to Volvo to share our concerns and got back a “get lost” attitude. We will never buy another Volvo. Shame on them for their response.

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  Considering the hype about the Volvo brand, indeed - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Mythili Pisolkar - January 6 - 8:24 am

  I purchased this coming from a Lexus 400h expecting to be wowed. The test drive was good. The 360 view, the dashboard were fantastic looking and I was blown over. Post purchase, I began to uncover lots of common sense things that the car simply refused to do. Unlike the Infiniti, the 360 view is not attainable unless you go through several clicks and swipes on the very cool tablet/ipad like dashboard controls. The purpose of the 360 view is lost totally. The rear view can be replaced with the 360 view but then you lose the range of vision of the road behind you. Radio settings are made unnecessary complicated. Another example, the simple and easy windshield wipers. You would think they would have these automated down pat but no. Unlike the Lexus, you actually have to tell it that it is raining only after which it does some level of automated speed up and slow down of the wipers. The service was "ugh" and "aargh" always - condescending disposition of the people and poor time estimation at the top of the problems. A supposed 45 minute wait became "a few more minutes", "half hour more", "15 more minutes" to three hours! There was one time when the service person told me that car pick up for maintenance will happen only if I was disabled in some manner which was an outright cooked up story. The service people behave as if they are high and mighty and want to show that they control who gets picked up and who doesnt. A simple reason such as, "We dont have drivers or cars to pick up at that time" would have been totally understandable for inability to pick up. Lexus service was soooo much better! These are registered complaints and I received apologies. I was okay the first time but some issue or the other came up which did not have to come up. The router and the wifi is not of great strength as advertised for sure. The Lane Assist detected white dashed lines only. The double yellow line and the solid white line were totally ignored. To top all of this, the car self-braked many times for the wrong scenarios such as a car coming on the opposite lane, a parked car in a turn and didnt stop for a stopped vehicle causing a head-on collision and was totaled after 6 months of usage. In conclusion, it comes with a few cool bells and whistles but it is not a well thought through car for overall execution. Service gets the lowest score. Truly disappointing.

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  Ball and Chain - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By XC90 Owner - December 27 - 10:23 am

  We bought our XC90 used, knowing that it had a couple of problems to fix, but thought that the discount of buying it used would make up the difference, were we wrong. After multiple trips to the Volvo dealership for engine light issues, door seal leaks, transmission seal leaks, brake master cylinder leak/failure, and several other small engine repairs. Weve deemed the check engine light the "$1000 light", because every time it comes on or we make a trip to the dealership for repairs it costs at least $1000. Great idea for Volvos first SUV, but plagued with problems. Later years dont seem to be much better. Fun to drive, looks great, way too expensive to maintain and repair!

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  Comfortable car, but its a money trap! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Lora - October 25 - 11:19 pm

  We purchased the 2005 Volvo xc90 in 2011 when it was 6 years old for $9000 which is great compared to the original ticket price of $47,000 when it was new. We bought it knowing the the 3rd row seat would not fold down. Other than that it looked great. We averaged about 16-17 mpg combined. The car itself is very comfortable but after a year of owning it, the electrical system began to fail. The dashboard would turn off while driving, the radio broke, and the windows wouldnt stay up. When we took it into the volvo dealership, they kept it for almost two weeks and finally (rudely) told us they could not figure out what the problem was. They also told us the 3rd row seat may cost up to $1000 to repair. A year later, we had problems with the almost brand new brakes. We had to have them replaced as well as all four of the $200 tires because of uneven wear. Recently, after a routine visit to the mechanic, we found out the the power steering needed to be replaced as well as the heavily fogged over headlight lamps which would cost us $2000. That was the breaking point for us and we decided to trade it in. On the way to the dealership the brakes gave out. They hesitated to give us $1000 trade in. This vehicle has been a money trap. Although the car is a comfortable ride and has an attractive interior, it is not worth the investment. Stay away. There is a reason these xc90s dont hold their value.

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  Never again - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Trispace - October 18 - 11:50 pm

  We purchased this car because my wife always wanted a Volvo. This vehicle has been nothing but trouble. Every three months something new is going wrong. A visit to the Dealership is going to be a minimum $500 and has been as high as $2500. Brakes,wheel bearings, oxygen sensor, sway bar, you name it. Every time the Service light comes on a Volvo certified dealership is required to reset it. Beware

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  2016 & 2018 XC90 PLUG-IN HYBRID - PROBLEMS!!! - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Lynn - September 25 - 3:21 am

  This car looks luxurious outside and inside. What is under the hood is another story. It is riddled with repair issues. I have already owned two of them because Volvo bought back my first one. My 2016 R-Design version had the check engine light on when I purchased it. This recurred several more times and it took several more visits to the service shop to repair. Then, my sun roof had a major leak, which I discovered after my free shower from the Costco car wash. I had multiple issues with my temperature control systems and some repair on the fuel system, all requiring repairs. Each repair, always took a minimum of 2 days (and those were rare). Most repairs took 5 business days, so I didnt have use of my car for well over 30 days. It only had 15,000 miles when they bought it back. There were two issues they couldnt figure. The seats would squeak when going over a small bump in the road (it sounded like nails on a chalkboard). I had major issues pumping gas. At certain gas stations, the pump would keep clicking off, so I couldnt tell how much gas was in the car. One time, it wouldnt allow me to pump gas at all. It just kept clicking off. I really liked the features of the car, so after Volvo bought back the 2016 I purchased two model years later, the 2018 XC90 T8 Inscription (also a plug-in hybrid). I have owned it several months and at 3,400 miles my check engine light came on. It has BEEN IN THE SHOP ONE WEEK SO FAR! The thermostat needs replacing (please note the temperature control system issues on my 2016; shame on Volvo for not fixing this huge engine design flaw!). The only trouble is the part is back-ordered!!! The estimate for the part being available for purchase it another week and then about 8 days after that they should have it in the shop. This REPAIR ESTIMATE ON MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE IS A MINIMUM OF 2 WEEKS, MORE LIKE 3 WEEKS IF IM LUCKY. As for the gas pumping issue... It seems to have improved some with the newer XC90, but it IS STILL AN ISSUE VOLVO! Furthermore, my seats are starting to squeak too! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BETA TEST A LUXURY SUV AND PAY FULL PRICE, THEN THIS IS THE SUV FOR YOU. If you have a life and dont have time to spend bringing your vehicle to the dealership, then I suggest buying from a different brand.

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  Worst car I ever owned - 2007 Volvo XC70
  By crustyjef2 - September 23 - 10:47 pm

  We purchased this car hoping to get well into 6 figures on the mileage. Well within 2000 miles of the warranty expiring i am incurring $8000 in repairs. Failed water pump and timing belt and then the transmission failed. Volvo and dealership seem to care less. I get it that i am outside the warranty, but come on Volvo! 2000 miles?

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  Underwhelmed - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By John in Calgary - September 1 - 11:53 am

  I bought my 2003 Volvo XC 70 about 18 months ago and have been pretty underwhelmed. The car looks fine but is very underpowered for a $50,000 (Cdn) premium wagon. The handling is also terrible and the fit and finish leave something to be desired. It is comfortable but the other short comings are just too much. The new 2005 Outback is a much better vehicle with way better performance, handling and hauling capabilities - for $10,000 less (Cdn).

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  XC90 Never Again! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By volvofrom englewd - August 22 - 3:06 am

  I have owned many cars, never one like this. I am at the service bay at least twice a month-sometimes more. I have replaced just about everything in my XC90. At 80,000 miles expect to purchase a new transmission. I have already replaced my manifold, radiator- twice, brakes (twice a year) and tires annually (thanks to the awd-at least thats what ive been told). The only thing I havent replaced is the steering wheel- at least not yet! And my T6 is dangerously slow!

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  Stay AWAY FORM THE AUTOMATIC - 2004 Volvo S60
  By bigmistake - August 6 - 10:00 am

  After break in I realized just what a total joke the S60R GT/Automatic was. DO yourself a favor and really drive this car prior to buying it. You will find early upshits kill all the performance and just as lousy downshifts limit how much fun, acceleration and control you can experieince with this joke of an R car. The S60 T5 is faster by far as well as other cars in the Volvo line up. I wont even get into VOLVOS total reluctance to acknowledge a problem with the automatic...all they say is operating within specs....yea maybe if it were builf to compete witha Honda accord...heck the honda will beat it in a drag race..I kid you not