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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  Pure Service, not reliable - 2000 Volvo S40
  By ypod - November 7 - 10:00 am

  All I have with thia car are just problems, especially brakes.

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  Not impressed! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By PassionRed - November 2 - 11:03 am

  We have had our car for 6 mons, and everything that can go wrong has! I would not recommend this car most issues we have had are resolved in the 2006 model.....that is what I have read on-line. Simple things mastered years ago on cars made by US Mfgs like, Digital clock (cant keep time even after update), headlights shine ....where...not where we are looking, drink holders, that cant hold drinks, Interior door handles that scratch so bad it looks like you picked it up from the local junk yard!!!! The TIRES..we wont go there.......Dont have time to list them all, there are too many. Thanks, PassionRed

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  My Big Mistake! Take our advice! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By crawfojj - October 30 - 6:50 pm

  Yeah, so I got married and thought about getting into a family style vehicle. But, I wanted something with a little spunk to it. I opted for a used 2004 Volvo XC90 T6. Yikes! Bad call on that! I owned it for 6 months...and although I didnt have to take it to the shop at all it wasnt fun in the least bit. It had good size and visability and I def felt safe...but thats it. Gas mileage was HORRIBLE! And it aint cheap considering you have to use premium! My seats ripped and the sunroof leaked anytime it rained and/or took it through the carwash. Also, it approached the 70k mile mark and I noticed my transmission slipping. Time to get out and cut my loses.

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  This car has ruined my life. - 2005 Volvo S80
  By s80sux - October 19 - 9:31 pm

  only 63,000 miles and the "No oil pressure" "stop vehicle" light comes on, I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership and the repairs are well over $1800.00 which I cannot afford. I am NO LONGER ABLE TO GO TO COLLEGE!!! since I have no car and have no way of getting there. This car is a money pit and has literally ruined my life.

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  Disappointed in Volvo - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Mich91020 - October 1 - 3:53 pm

  Went through not one, but two lemons. Multiple issues related to technical problems (car just froze) and cheaply made parts (engine bracket broke, yes while driving) and a number of unknowns (why is my engine light always on??)

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  Buy extended warantee - 2001 Volvo V70
  By esw62 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a severe dissapointment. I know most people write bad reviews so take this for what it is worth. We have had numerous problems with this car. Gremlin electrical problems, electrical motors in windows, trunk and door locks, I have replace at least 6 signal lights and head lamps twice. Sway bar bushing replaced, $275. Emission system is showing error codes and is soon to need work. Replaced temp stat and temp control. Engine is looking like it may need some major work.

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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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  XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Kelley Gordon - September 6 - 8:43 pm

  I feel weight off my shoulders- I sold my Volvo last weekend for a Subaru Outback. In spite of poor SUV value it was relief to be rid of the constant maintenance. I bought it as a new mom hoping for the reliabilty and safety Volvo is known for--instead I spent literally every week at Volvo servicing another check engine light, gasket loose, a power source issue, a low voltage warning...you name it. I spent more time arranging childcare for my trips to the dealership than I did driving my children in it. It makes me so angry because I worked hard saving to buy this "high quality" vehicle for my family. I wish Volvo understood or cared how diappointed I am.

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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.

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  A Mitsubishi at Heart - 2000 Volvo S40
  By yankees481 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is just unacceptably unreliable, possibly cause its not a true volvo. It performs well enough, with a zippy turbo engine, but the brakes, tires, engine all have been problematic. Nothing lasts as long as it should. The power steering failed on me. Right now im looking at having serious engine repairs. Its leaking oil. Its just unacceptable. stay away from this car, especially at this price.