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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  AWESOME TECHNOLOGY - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By Roland - November 30 - 1:36 am

  I traded my 2010 VOLVO XC60 T6 for a 2012 XC 60 T except this time I upgraded to the technology package. I have had no problems with the vehicle and love the technology package. I look forward to the release of the 2018 XC60 and hope it has lane control. I also have a GMC Sierra which has the lane nudge feature and also love that as if I get to close to the lines in the road, the steering wheel turns back into the lane. I presently have 44,000 miles on my XC 60 T6 and the mpg is way better than the ratings. I live in a rural area and my average speed is 50 to 55 mph and I am averaging 33 mpg. The mpg has consistently improved as I get more miles on the vehicle. I am a pretty conservative driver.

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  The C70 is awesome - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Jersey Girl - November 29 - 10:50 am

  The C70 handles beautiful and is fun to drive. I was very surprised at how large the trunk actually is. The interior is comfortable and quite. The blue tooth connection is also a great feature.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2005 Volvo V50
  By keiths66 - November 29 - 7:13 am

  I love this car. Roomier than you would think. With the Premium Package and Sports Package it is very nicely equipped. You can feel the quality and saftey features of the car. Its crisp handling and european ride were exactly what we were looking for. We replaced an SUV (Land Rover Discovery) and I dont miss it at all, especially the hefty weekly gas bill!

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  Roadster with practical side - 2008 Volvo C30
  By wadlust - November 29 - 3:59 am

  I bought C30 four and half years ago used with 20K. The handsome external design expresses my style well. It is practical (overall small size, with easy back seat conversion to increased cargo volume), well balance (power and mileage), and simple inside. I used it to transport tools and materials for home improvement, to take my dog to the park, to go skiing (roof ski rack), and to go on hikes from trail heads far into the Washington state Cascade mountain roads. This car does all of this at good mileage, reliable services, and sporty feel. At 85K, so far I have had door auto lock relays replaced on warranty (it was locking door without command to do so). Windshield was replaced at 60K.

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  Too Much Fun To Pass Up - 2005 Volvo S40
  By CruznFast - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is too much fun to pass up! I found this to be a favorably priced vehicle that offers the driver a touch of class and destinction coupled with a smart any sassy ride that will impress his friends.

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  Man, you have no clue!! - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Karen - November 27 - 9:56 am

  I bought this car this November and I absolutely LOVE it! I planned on getting 2006 BMW 325xi and was very impressed with it, but there was something missing. The Volvo dealership was across the street so I ventured over to take a look at the S60. After test driving the S60 I fell in love with it. It drives with such a well balance of performance and luxury that is just incomparable for the price. I was given nearly $2700 off the msrp of $38,885..BMW wasnt going to give me anything off(b/c its a new a highly desirable car they said.. haha..they lost a not so BMW 325xi desirable customer) The Magic Blue is an absolute beauty..although its difficult to keep clean..and the sport pkg.is a must!

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  My XC90 T-6 AWD --The First Year - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Martha M. Schlein - November 26 - 3:06 am

  The XC90 T6 is my first new Volvo after driving a 740 wagon for 17 yrs. My daughter now drives it. I am totally blown away by the technology and saftey features and awards of this vehicle, as well as totally in love and in awe of this car. It is so much fun to drive and such a pleasure to drive that I actually think up more places to drive to! It certainly saved our lives driving thru a blinding snowstorm last January without chains (not needed). It handles well, its cabin is luxurious, and it has tons of room. Got the 5 seater. Things I dont like about it include its poor gas mileage, I get 14 city, 18 hwy, and the clam or 2 part hatch opening. It is too high for my dogs. Otherwise, this truck is the best.

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  V70 XC Volvo - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By Joseph Bard - November 24 - 2:00 am

  A great combination of luxury and utility. Nimble and powerful, but practical (the built in booster seats, for example).

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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By RdLT5R - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is All Wheel AWesome. I drove it to the mountain and it handles so smoothly. The power is perfect for my driving situations and the feeling of safety inside this tank is priceless. My kids love the car and I dont have any hesitation in bringing them along anytime.

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  S60 at Altitude - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Philh2o - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This car exceeds our expectations for style, utility and performance living at 7800 and driving through a variety of conditions. A great freeway flier, it leaps over the continental divide and has replaced our Grand Cherokee as the ski-mobile. Will take two pairs of skis (196cm or shorter) and poles through the trunk/rear seat pass through option.