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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  T5 review - 2003 Volvo V70
  By matncal - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ok, its been only two weeks since Ive had this car, but I really am enjoying it. Previous car was a 00 BMW 328, so my standards are high. The interior is nicely laid out with a feel of quality and quiteness to the cabin. Like one of my friends said " its like driving a pillow". Unfortunately, the cabin is so "airtight" that when you do open the moonroof it does make a vibrating noise. One compliant: When shifting the automatic transmission, its wishy washy...you have to be sure that its really in reverse rather than neutral.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By volvoforlife - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have test driven the X5 and the ML320 and neither one gave me the same comfort and driving pleasure as the XC90. The fit and finish was superior and the dealership was freindly and professional. In reviewing the options I got with the XC90 I definitely got more car than the Mercedes or BMW and it is safer too. I plan I having this SUV for a long time.

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  good rating - 2005 Volvo S40
  By regin lamson - January 5 - 8:03 am

  I have a 2004 honda cr-v,and a 2004 honda accord,and just three days ago i traded my accord,for an s-40 and i am really glad i traded my other car because of the comfort and really fun to drive very good in curves and turns.You wouldnt be sorry if you decide to buy this super car!!!!

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  Great Long-Term Value - 2001 Volvo V40
  By Joey - January 2 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased used at a great value and havent been disappointed, yet. Other than regular maintenance, the car has performed great. Its sporty, holds bikes and snowboards on top, enough room for moderate luggage load in the rear - if not a bit tight in the rear seats, though. Comfortable ride, but not the best on long trips. Austere interior is perfect - I prefer minimal and simple interior gadgets/knobs. Misses would include black bumper trim pieces fading and the replacement of the fascia cup holder which I completed myself. Ive also replaced the front strut mounts 3 times due to potholes and rough roads. The turbo is quick and a great asset for both city and motorway take-overs.

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  What a peppy wagon! - 2000 Volvo V40
  By NiceVolvo - January 1 - 10:00 am

  A truly sporty little wagon. The turbo gives it the kick of a V6. Handling is superb – I can not believe it’s a wagon. No wimpy alarm for this car, it’s high pitch definitely gets attention. The leather seats, butt warmers and automatic climate controls are an added bonus. Nice Job Volvo

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  great wagon - 1999 Volvo V70
  By thom walsh - January 1 - 10:00 am

  This wagon is a solid handler. Great for trips, running to Home Depot, or Stratton Mountain. This is a fairly nimble alternative to bulky SUVs and much more sporty. It acquits itself quite nicely in snow although Im not about to offroad it. It needs fifty more horsies to be the best wagon on the planet.

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  "Smart" car - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Concerned Husband - January 1 - 10:00 am

  There are numerous issues with this car in our experience. For one thing, it is "needy"! The constant in-dash warnings about servicing, oil changes, bulb placement problem (no clue what that means, it comes on and then goes off periodically), check-up times, etc., are a bit maddening. The cruise control would not work for some period, we had it into the dealership twice and of course they said it was working (it wouldnt misbehave for them), finally they realized they had to replace the pressure device at the brake pedal...

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  awesome ride - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By padraic - January 1 - 10:00 am

  this is an incredible vehicle...never have i felt so save and comfortable with such a fun vehicle. the cargo room is great and when we need to car pool the rear seats are so easy to put up

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  Xc90 safest - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By BROWN COLOR - January 1 - 7:16 am

  Excellent in driving and safe on road tracking is very good especially in winter. i have no regrets in buying this car. Fuel consumption is also very good. My family is so happy to have this car.

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  mythoughts - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By atulumaris - December 30 - 5:50 am

  this suv performs exceptionally well.. gas mileage could be better. supposedly very well built and passenger protected.