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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  Best SUV on the road - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By St Louis Volvo - July 10 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Volvo XC90 gets better and better. They way it handle in any weather conditions cannot be beat. Its solid and rides very comfortable without any "truck feeling". I highly recommend it.

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  great at first NOW IM GETTING RID OF IT! - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By Penny Johnson - July 10 - 9:06 am

  We got it we loved it. we ordered it through the military program and got it fully loaded. 2 days after we got it it went to the shop, BLIS was not working properly. when we got it back the mirror was not on all the way and had to go back. our DVD player broke 3 months later and brought it in. we went to pick it up and they told us it had a recall and it couldnt be taken off the lot. I was mad bc we were going on vacation for the next two weeks and had to take our expedition. we went to pick it up and they LOST our headphones! AND it was dirty inside! i asked them if they would clean it and they said we had to pay for it! i will be trading this 6 MONTH OLD CAR

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  A "Volvo For Life" man is born - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Dave Besancon - July 10 - 3:56 am

  I just want you, who are having a tough time making a decision on this car, to know the following. I aggravated on this vehicle for over a year and then finally sat in one. Within seconds I knew this was it. We have owned ours over a month and it has been the greatest car I have owned. Extremely comfortable, very quick, and the gadgets work great. This vehicle is very stable and comfortable. The AWD already saved us while driving in ice. It pulled us back out of a slide before we had a chance to react. The space from rear to front seat is a little shy but we dont use the back much. It is a very elegant looking car too. Dont be afraid to buy this car. Volve takes good care of you.

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  S40T5 - great when its not in the shop - 2005 Volvo S40
  By jessenola - July 10 - 12:36 am

  I bought the S40T5 after my TSX was totaled. Its been in the shop 4 times: failed oxygen sensor, failed engine computer (requiring flatbed towing and a week-long wait for the part), check engine lights, failed fuel pump sensor, and a loose part in drivers door. Still the stereo stops working at random requiring a restart, the auto transmission shifts are so jerky in manumatic mode that I have to leave it in D, and there are rattles that the dealer refuses to acknowledge. At every service stop the local dealer service is pathetic. It is seriously fun to drive when it works, but the service is ridiculous.

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  Great Buy: - 2005 Volvo S80
  By Mark Smipson - July 9 - 2:13 am

  This car has a very smooth ride and a very smooth 5 cylinder engine. This car is probobly the most comfortable car with the best leather I have been in in years. The relliabillity has been good.

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  Nice daily driver - 2011 Volvo C30
  By LMSTENT - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased the C30 with 6 speed manual to use as a daily driver. It has a very nice balance between handling and comfort with a bent toward the fun side. The acceleration is decent and the car is nice and solid. For such a small car, I feel safe (I guess typical Volvo) -- the doors are sturdy and the car is heavy for its class. The car is unique in appearance and is general a joy to drive (have put 2,000 miles on the car - so beyond the "honeymoon" period. Demerits include slight rattle from both windows when partially down and horrible whistling wind noise from the seatbelt outlets when fully open. Decent but not great Dynaudio sound; manual not up to par with other European cars.

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  Great Car! - 2011 Volvo S60
  By Vanilla - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my car for a week now, but I love it. Its super fast and very comfortable. The stero and car functions are somewhat confusing, but I think I can work through that.

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  2nd Volvo S40 - 2010 Volvo S40
  By R Johnson - July 8 - 10:00 am

  The 1.9% fin, maint covered for 5yrs/60K miles pursuaded me to buy 2nd S40 (prior being 06). Ownership experience has exceeded every reasonable expectation. With few exceptions (AC compressor), maint expense has been more than reasonable, considerably less than had I settled on another luxury make (considered BMW, Lexus). Seating is very comfortable, interior asthetically clean and simple, dash/instrumentation very intuitive. Subtle changes from my prior S40 is improved center console, USB/AUX/iPOD interface, Bluetooth, Satelite/HD radio, Auto- Climate control, BLIS. performance/handling is tight and responsive, though not as that as the 06 (which had sport-tuned suspension)

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  Solid and safe family transport - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By JCC - July 8 - 10:00 am

  It wont win any races, but it rides and handles beautifully for its weight and height. The seats are the most comfortable of any cars Ive owned. Going down the highway, the car tracks straight and feels solid. Exterior design is classy, and interior design is highly functional and efficient. The car is easy to drive and park, though the second row leg room is tight to make room for the third row and the generous cargo bay. The car was reliable during the 4 year warranty period. On the down side, the car is underpowered while only returning so-so fuel economy. It needs a new set of tires every two years. Had some electrical problems starting year 5. Dealer service and parts are expensive.

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  recommended - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Rawas - July 8 - 10:00 am

  The xc90 is an excellent suv for people looking for design, build quality and durability. It has a special scandinavian character that puts it far ahead of other suvs. volvos are famous for thier safety,practicality and longevity. Built like a tank, with one of the most sophisticted premium audio system installed in cars.If you are looking for muscles and performance, this suv is not for you.