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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  Volvos remain reliable - 1996 Volvo 850
  By JRW00 - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a 96 Volvo 850 for five years, and havent had any problems with it. It just goes and goes, with just ordinary maintenance. Its comfortable, roomy, and performs well.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Jim T - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car for less than 2 weeks and already feel it is by far the best car I have ever owned. I traded in a POS 1998 BMW 740i (which i got killed on!) This car rides almost as smoothly as the beemer did, which I think says a lot considering that this is a front wheel drive vehicle. Both interior and exterior styling are incredible. Best of all you wont see a lot of these on the road unlike BMW. Thus, it gives one a feeling of being a little unique.

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  Great Car, Very Comfortable - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Mase - August 8 - 3:03 am

  The seats in this car are extremely comfortable. The layout of the dash is very user friendly and ergonomic. The heated seats were excellent. The sound system (HU650) sounds superb. Few parts are flimsy. Rattles too much. Could be a smoother ride. Very quite. Too much curb weight when taking corners. Very fast car. Slow at first, but once at about 35 mph, this car accelerates very smoothly. The turbo is amazing. Makes passing cars on the highway a pleasure. Extremely comfortably ride at 70+ mph. Excellent car, could handle just a bit better.

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  Dont Buy this Car - 2006 Volvo V50
  By L. Taylor - August 7 - 4:03 pm

  I sold a car with 165,000 miles on it because I was tired of taking it into the shop each month. Since buying my V50, I have had to take it into the shop almost every month. It has had repeated electrical problems that dont end. The same problems keeps coming back.

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  another great S80 - 2004 Volvo S80
  By doctordick - August 7 - 8:36 am

  This is my second S80 and I am not disappointed. The car has been refined and improved but the basic solid comfort and superior performance continue. A pleasure to drive particularly on the highway. Responsive, predictable, dependable. A great vehicle!

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  God I Love Hot Rod Wagons - 2004 Volvo V70
  By toyesq1971 - August 7 - 4:30 am

  My biggest problem with this car is that its my wifes to drive on the weekdays. She needs it for the kids. I find myself at work looking forward to the weekend, when I get to drive it. As with any Volvo, its a tank. The brakes are normally quite good, but the V70R brakes stop on half a dime. It feels like it has a lot more than the rated 300 HP. My Bosss S6 wagon just doesnt match it. We have the orange leather interior, which pushes it over the edge to PHAT. Or at least as phat as a Volvo can ever be. A little part of me died when Volve announced this year that they were discontinuing it.

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  Money well Spent - 2007 Volvo V70
  By J.A.A. - August 6 - 3:43 pm

  Great gas mileage and a great road trip vehicle for your rides to Grandmas house. The 2.4 L engine does not miss a step. It has more than enough pep to handle everyday driving.

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  2005 Volvo S40 T5 (6 speed man) - 2005 Volvo S40
  By jake - August 6 - 1:50 am

  This car is a fantastic driver with its perfect amount of power for its 6 speed manual transmission. I drive surface streets and freeway everyday to work and this car hands great through traffic in low speeds and really shines at high speeds. The turbo and 6 speed manual combo makes merging onto high speed freeways not just easy but a delight. I get complimented daily at its appearance. Plenty of room for the entire family of 4. Trunk space is generous. I especially like how well the hood is tucked into the body design. I would suggest for your seating comfort to choose leather over T tech fabric. Just a note the sport suspension may be a little stiff for some peoples comfort but you reap the great benefits of its smooth handling and cornering ability.

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  2004 V70R - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Edgar Oscar - August 4 - 3:36 pm

  An outstanding car all the way around. Fun to drive, completely stealthy at the line, and will beat many performance cars before they even know they are near another (since it is a wagon). it is well built and stylish, has great performance, safety, and reliability. OUTSTANDING!

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  GET THIS CAR! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By b thomas - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the new 2004.5 Volvo S40 over the Memorial Day weekend. I must say-- I LOVE THIS CAR! The new design is much sportier than the old S40. My friends couldnt believe that this was a Volvo! It handles well, and the interior is so sleek! If youre gonna get this car-- definitely opt for the Sport Package w/ leather interior and moonroof. fuel economy is about 24 city / 30 hwy