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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  What a great Car - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Kevin - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a decent used AWD car for the winter. I purchased this XC70 and Im totally blown away. I like this 2004 XC70 better than my New 2009 Honda accord. Wish i had bought a volvo sooner..XC70 wagon is a great addition..

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  A Great SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Kerry - December 16 - 8:46 pm

  I have now owned my XC90 for 2 years and still think this is a great vehicle. The ride, handling and passenger comforts are very well done. I get frustrated hearing reviews about "poor fuel economy" and "underpowered". This vehicle has plenty of pickup when needed and my fuel economy has met the expected EPA on the window sticker, so it should be no shock that it doesnt get 30 mpg. I have also found the reliability better than Consumer Reports states. Much better rear cargo room than many of its competitors; easily accommodates a large dog kennel behind the 2nd row seats, something many cannot do. Still feels, smells and drives like a new vehicle. Enjoying it!

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  Great Combo - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By kirk1 - December 16 - 12:56 pm

  Bought to replace a Range Rover, this vehicle has been superb. It has all the advantages of an SUV plus good handling, braking and reasonable mileage. I prefer it to the RR and my wifes Lexus.

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  Good car for a great price - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Cincyfan - December 16 - 5:00 am

  I researched this car for a year before buying and believe I got a pretty good price...about 10% off MSRP. The base engine has enough get up and go but it certainly doesnt compare to the turbo. I bought this car for the safety features and I dont know of another <$30,000 car with this level of safety equipment - side airbags, whiplash protection and four grades of steel. A very refined car at a reasonable price.

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  Great Compromise Mileage/Clearance - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By California - December 15 - 3:50 pm

  A very good decision to buy this car. I usually keep my cars for 10 years. Bought this car nine months ago and have put on 8,500 miles. I commute in this car and have taken it off-road and on the sand dunes. It works great in all environments and gets very good mileage for a versatile vehicle (average 21 mpg+). The driver and passenger seats are very comfortable for long trips and off-road. Very reliable so far and the dealer maintenance is great. Not a gas guzzeling SUV and much better than a station wagon. Ya gotta love this cross-over vehicle. Best of several worlds. Also, rated as a very safe vehicle in all types of collissions

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  Top marks - 2001 Volvo V70
  By jadams - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is undoubtedly the best car Ive ever owned (including other Volvos, Audis, BMWs, etc.). It blends comfort , style, functionality, and responsiveness in just the right measure. Ive had no problem to speak of in over two years. By picking the car up in Sweden (a great deal), I was able to get a stick shift, which only enhances its sports car feel.

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  Volvo XC 90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Vip - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car - drives very well - better than any other SUV I have ever had

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  Excellent Car, Excellent Value - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Debra - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I am leasing a Volvo S60 and absolutely love it! The car is sturdy, gets great gas mileage, is extremely comfortable especially for long trips, has a great stereo, and has so many great standard features. When I was researching cars this summer, I compared the Volvo S60 to many other vehicles in its class. Volvo gives you more for your money - you can get a fully loaded vehicle for a few thousand less than its competitors. Also, its nice that the new Volvos are "rounded out" -older models were so square. The main reason I have a Volvo is because of the standard safety features. The car is built nicely and handles really well.

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  Love it! - 2005 Volvo V50
  By toytrader - December 12 - 6:26 am

  Ive had my V50 for 3 wks and I am thrilled. Previous car, a Taurus wagon. I wanted a wagon again, but a slightly smaller one, yet with top safety and luxury features. On Edmunds I found the V50. We live on a small street with a tight driveway, and needed a car that could fit and turn in small spaces, yet be large enough to feel safe and comfortable during family vacations [two of us plus one teenager]. Back seat is not super roomy, but fine for our needs. I am enjoying the pep of the T5 engine [auto/FWD], and it certainly is fun to drive. I do notice a slight lag [is this "Turbo lag"?] when accelerating from a stop. Still, minor problem with all the positives. A beautiful, substantial car.

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  Love the car, Hate the tires! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By jfd - December 11 - 5:33 am

  My husband surprised me with this car for Christmas. I love it and I love all the safety features for it. However, when I hit 10,000 miles my tires started making noises and after 3 trips to the dealer, they told me it was the Pirelli tires and they have had problems with them. I would recommend the car but not the tires. Also, if you have two carseats in the car then it is impossible for an adult to get to the third row without climbing over seats. I agree that the inside door handles should not be plastic.