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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  My Favorite Car - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Vicki - October 23 - 2:23 am

  Almost the perfect vehicle! Im in sales so I live in my car...consequently the interior is very important. I would love to have an electronic lumbar support adjustment. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vehicle. Drives and performs like a dream! I will definitely buy another one when the time comes! I did not like the factory tires however and replaced those with ones that give better ride, handle and wear!

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  My Favorite Car - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Vicki - October 22 - 10:13 pm

  Almost the perfect vehicle! Im in sales so I live in my car...consequently the interior is very important. I would love to have an electronic lumbar support adjustment. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vehicle. Drives and performs like a dream! I will definitely buy another one when the time comes! I did not like the factory tires however and replaced those with ones that give better ride, handle and wear!

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  Great Experience - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Kamen Dimitrov - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I was not sure what to expect when I went to test drive S40 in 2002. I thought the engine would be 110-130 horsepower, nothing major inside. Well, guess how surprised I was when i drove it and it felt better than the midsize of any other brand, engine, comfort inside, features everything. I enjoy my car, I have been on numerous road trips and I have always loved them. I would recommend that car to any one. Or maybe try the all-new onw

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  I Love this Car - 2010 Volvo V70
  By SUV FREE - October 20 - 9:00 pm

  This is my 4th Volvo since 1998. (1998 V70, then 2 XC90s, now back to the v70.) This is my wifes car. I also own an Audi S4 and a BMW 1 Series I. I consider myself an "enthusiast driver". No, this V70 is not trying to compete with BMW and Audi wagons in terms of handling, but for the vast majority of drivers it will provide a superior level of comfort with more than acceptable handling. I test drove a BMW 5 series, and I much prefer the Volvo for my family car. The interior is fantastic, the seats ultra comfortable, and the ride is more smooth. The interior quality is way beyond VW. Compared to the XC90 (my last one a V8 Sport) this is WAY more fun to drive!

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  Love my XC90! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By annj - October 20 - 2:20 am

  Very sporty feel, plush interior. Love the way the 3rd seat folds away. Smooth drive. love it!

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  I love it - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Newif - October 13 - 2:00 am

  The best car that iwe ever driven. lots of power. Great performance, great handeling. Go for an 850 R.

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  Second Volvo S80 - 2003 Volvo S80
  By Matthew DiMangiano - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife in December of 1999 and just traded it in for her second. Awesome drive especially in snowy weather. I own many luxury and exotic cars, this being my second favorite sedan next to my 2000 Rolls Royce Park Ward. Volvo is amazing, they have it all safety, performance, technology, and in recent years since they removed themselves from the boxy look, elegant style. Volvo has always been popular at country clubs and with opulent drivers and I would take this over the Acura 3.5RL and Lexus GS300 anytime. An alternative to this car is the Jaguar S- Type although its rear wheel drive does not handle well in inclement weather.

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  Volvo S80 is a great car. - 1999 Volvo S80
  By MikeCarverEsq - October 13 - 2:00 am

  When my lease ended on myu Mercedes back in 1999, some I work with recommended I go see the S80 by Volvo. Id never owned a Volvo before in my life but I said, sure Ill check them out. Im sure glad I did. My Volvo now has about 80k and runs like thee day I drove it off the lot. This car has been low maintenance and especially trouble free. I had it on a lease but recenttly refinanced it. I will not sell this car. Its been the best and most reliable car I have ever owned!

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  I love my 1999 Volvo S80 - 1999 Volvo S80
  By eric27245 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have a silver 1999 Volvo S80. I did a lot of research before buying this vehicle. I have now owned it for about four years and am very satisfied. For the money, this car outperforms everything in its class. My Volvo has been extremely reliable and a pleasure to own. Since buying my S80, I actually look forward to driving. The S80 is a fantastic choice. Very reliable!

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  S60 S is for super fast - 2008 Volvo S60
  By smartgriz - October 13 - 12:53 am

  This is the fastest car I have driven. Out of the whole its a bit tnetative but the turbo takes it to the moon. Passing cars on the highway is a kick and shooting the mountain passes is like driving grand prix. Only real downsides are rear seat has very little room (kids only) and the fuel economy is not that great, 25mpg at 75 on highway, 22 at 90.