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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  Our Family Car - 2003 Volvo V70
  By Arne Fagerli - July 10 - 7:20 pm

  We bought this car almost a year ago and have driven 10,000 miles with it. 1,000 miles into the ownership the automatic transmission had to be replaced. I am so happy that we bought warranty on the car, so all we had to pay was the $250 deductable. We love the practicality of the Volvo V70. We have a baby, so space is very important and this car has enough space for the 3, the stroller and then some. The interior is nice, super comfortable seats and very good sound from the premium sound system. It is also a big plus to have the original navigation system, which is hard to find on used Volvos. My only complaint is the quality. It is far from the level of Honda. Other than that it is great

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  One Year There (almost) - 2008 Volvo C30
  By ph001c - July 10 - 7:20 pm

  I purchased this car in Aug 2008. The 2009s had been released and I got a killer deal. I as replacing an 11yo Honda Civic with suspension upgrades that I *loved*. I did not think I could find a car to replace the Civvie. I really wanted an A4 Avant with manual (good luck finding one) but wound up x-shopping the A3, GTI, Mazda 3, Focus and Impreza. I have drove them all. The C30 was the best package for me. We have a two year old daughter but we also run a Mazda CX9. I only needed marginal utility. The C30 has just enough. (I recently took a road trip to hike the Grand Canyon. Three guys, full packs/gear.) The C30 is a superb touring car.

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  T8 Excellence is best Hybrid SUV - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Dave D - July 10 - 6:41 pm

  Bought a 2017 XC90 Excellence and really like the cabin divider that keeps interior quieter and stops wind from blowing into passenger space when hatch is open. German Shepherd fits nicely in either rear bucket seat with thigh extender out. Seats are extremely comfortable and include awesome massaging. Auto park and brake set or release is great feature. Safety technologies all included and really like active lane keeping as well as adaptive cruise. More than enough room in back for shopping and luggage even with having an Fpace spare space saver tire in case of flat laying on cargo floor (nearly exact diameter vs Volvo’s spare is 4” smaller). About 31 mpg in 6300 miles which is incredible for a 5300 lb SUV with 400 hp. Charges in two hours at 240V so do it several times a day. Remote climate start is perfect for dog on hot days. A lost car glitch on nav map was easily fixed by resetting Sensus system per screen option. Air suspension lowers car automatically. The list of great features goes on and on. Highly recommended plus Volvo included maintenance for 30000 miles or 3 years. An incredible vehicle and highly recommended!

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  Great Car - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Max Monrovia - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Cant beat it for the money, Unless you want to drive something ugly. Its fun to drive, fast, and quick. I find myself driving much faster than normal and cursing those who drive merely 10mph over the speedlimit, because the car makes it so easy to do. Looks good (specially for a Volvo). Plus it has all of the thoughtful conviences youd expect from a luxury car.

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  S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Dshark - July 10 - 10:00 am

  never owned a near-luxury vehicle but the S40 is fantastic so far. The gas mileage takes some getting used to as I previously owned a Mazda Protege LX. Also, it had a manual trany. Great.

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  not up to Volvo quality standards - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By ahickman - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Our Volvo XC70 has been nothing but trouble -- nothing like the safety, reliability, quality image Volvo advertizes: - the air conditioner didnt work when it was delivered - a rock got stuck in the real wheel assembly, the rim cracked, and the tire deflated... not covered by warranty - the front brake pads wore out at 19k miles - interior parts keep falling off - the gas tank door fell off - everything electrical malfunctions

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  Awesome! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By shrooman - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Very very fast, excellent handling and exceptional braking power. The interior is beautifull..I got the Ti Grey and Nordkap enterior. Great dash and nightime lighting. For 42 k you get great nav system, 320watt stereo, all wheel drive, 300hp and a wagon with a great stick shift!!!! What more do you want?? I do wish it had a slightly tighter turning radius though.

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  Wolf in sheeps attire - 2004 Volvo V70
  By granitehead - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Have had this vehicle for 4wks at this point and have been very pleased. The car performs well (6sp MT, those with the geartronic auto have poorer performance). The handling is great, with a clear change with the suspension settings. The car corners very nicely, and is smooth at high speed. The interior is great...functional and full of comforts. The integrated child seats are a must for those bringing the kids along for the ride. This is a wolf in sheeps attire.

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  Performed moderately well - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By MomInAZ - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Aside from looking great on the road, the XC90 has a few weak spots. There is a blind spot on both the driver and passenger sides which block peripheral vision in a very disruptive and dangerous way. A surprise for Volvo who appears concerned with safety. No other severe blind spots, but extreme caution must be taken to overcome this. After the first service at 7500, we completed MANY warranty repair issues. Yikes. Some minor, but one major issue with brakes. Days after this service, the check engine light appeared. The service dept at our local dealer was so slow, Ive yet to service. Good luck!

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  steering/poor - 2002 Volvo S60
  By R.J.D. - July 10 - 10:00 am

  When taking turns, they are poor because ,of front wheel drive.Very tuff in tight parking spots.Try it before you buy.GOOD LUCK.