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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  Im gonna miss this car - 2000 Volvo S40
  By torik - January 29 - 2:00 am

  i had this car for almost 4 years, and it was awesome. i love to drive fast and it always gave me that extra kick, i loved the interior and cant imagine how i would have gotten around in the rain without the "W" wet/winter mode button. the interior was ahead great; it had stuff that my friends brand new cars didnt,like heated and power leather seats. i never had too many problems with it, it had a temperamental check engine light but otherwise it was just a great first car to have. i ended up rolling it off a mountain(over 300ft down/out) and have no doubt in my mind that that car saved my life, i was literally able to walk out, and only have some minor problems with my shoulder.

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  Wow Our First Volvo and Were Impressed - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By tassopappas1 - January 26 - 8:19 am

  We buy a newer used car about every 12 months. And we just picked up our first Volvo, a 2010 xc50 AWD T6 with multimedia, technology package, convenience, and comfort. Exterior trim package and wood inlay. WOW. it was supposed to be for me, but my wife has confiscated it. Rather than her Tahoe Hybrid. Fun, comfy, elegant, quick and the laser adaptive cruise control is spectacular. We are certainly considerly another volov in the future now. Tasso Pappas

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  Great Value - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Hannah Keller - January 25 - 8:23 pm

  I considered and test drove the Lexus GS300, Acura Rl, the Infiniti G45 as well as the Volvo S80. Safety, price, reliability, driving fun, ease of handling, comfort, gas mileage, power and visibility were my criteria. The Volvo s60 beat all the others hands down.

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  Volvo for Safety and Style - 1998 Volvo S70
  By DMWashington - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car 2 weeks before giving birth to my first child. We now have two children ages 2 and 3. We hope to have it until they are driving age.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By PTB - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought it a month ago - now close to 8000 miles with no problems. Im a photographer and this is the best car Ive ever had, visually speaking. Great sweep of sight, great sound system. Ive had it on bad roads with no problems. It takes off when passing. No problems and a great car.

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  04 XC90 - Pound for pound the winner - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By kitt141 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I did my thorough homework and I landed on this one. Pound for pound, the 04 XC90 T6 AWD beats the X5 3.3, RX330, ML350 and MDX in legroom, headroom, cargo space, passenger seat, wheelbase, width, height, ground clearance, HP, torque, towing capacity and of course, good looks inside/out. I will not mention safety because the rest are just following what Volvo invented. Im just laughing when people complain about gas mileage when they demand V6 and more HP. If youre one of those, then think of a Civic, Hyundai Elantra or Corolla. I dont know why the MDX is competing with the Europeans. The front fascia looks economy not luxury.

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  Greatsporty compact wagon - 2007 Volvo V50
  By igioman - January 20 - 10:13 am

  This car, so far, has impressed us with the acceleration, comfort and overall good looks. We got rid of a SUV, and this is a great alternative. In Southern Italy where we live, it isnt uncommon for people to drive quite fast(80-100 MPH/130-160 KPH) yet this car keeps up with them all. The styling is top notch and is the best in its class. We bought the V50 2.4, Grey metallic with dark beige interior premium sound with 12 speakers. Wow!!. Awesome! We have 3 daughters ages 13, 6 and 1 year and they all fit well even with a car seat.We looked at several other Euro wagons and this Volvo tops them all.

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  Great Ride! needs some storage - 2007 Volvo S40
  By nikman - January 19 - 12:00 am

  Love the 2007 Volvo S40. Handles great, gets good gas mileage, and what a joy to drive! The only downfall is cabin storge. no place for cds coins, Ipod, etc. Other than that, not a thing to complain about. All controls are centrally located and simple to operate. The base model comes with power everything, except seats. If your looking to take a step up from a honda accord, or toyota camery, the 2007 volvo S40 is the car for you! Enjoy!

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  1997 Volvo 960 - 1997 Volvo 960
  By dbange - January 9 - 10:00 am

  A very reliable car that exemplifies excellent design and workmanship that provides a true luxury vehicle.

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  Volvo V70R - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Jerry K - January 8 - 1:03 pm

  Overall, great car for small/growing families. Reliable, even in snow.