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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  Volvo struts - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Alan - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for about 1 1/2 years, bought summer of 09 with approx 90k on the miles. The struts need to be replaced and the tie rods as well. For a 75th Anniversary edition it has to have the worst radio I have ever had in a vehicle, ever! Reception stinks and the speakers arent that good either. The key fob system for the doors is terrible as well with delays before the doors unlock and no horn beep when it locks. I have one other problem with the power outlets. Whenever something is plugged into them, such as my gps, it blows the fuse. Something must be wrong with the electrical system someplace but Im sure it would cost a small fortune to find the problem.

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  Glad I bought IT - 2005 Volvo V50
  By DRinNH - October 5 - 4:56 pm

  Excellent performance and features easily used after careful review of manual. Great for family of four, while four adults will not be comfortable for long. The turbo gives this vehicle great pickup and transmission is smooth. My family all love it.

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  This car is a nightmare - 1997 Volvo 960
  By fredism - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have repaired this car like I was made out of money. The sunroof repaired 4 times. Brakes every 20000 miles, This car cost me 2500 a year to repair. The engine and tranny worked fine. It was millions of little things like oil leaks. air conditioner. I would never buy another Volvo in my life.

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  Why so inconsistant?????? - 1998 Volvo V70
  By golfnuttb - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Im just about to sell my V70 GLT. I have loved this car. But as the car approaches 100K I look else where. I use a car hard. I put on about 35- 40K/year and Im leary of driving it past 100K because of the inconsistancy in the reviews that I read. I would love to think I could drive it to 200K.

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  Xus review - 2002 Volvo S60
  By He Xu - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The quality and reliability are very poor. This is not a trable-free car

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  Awesome car - 2000 Volvo C70
  By tiberite - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Never had a material issue with the car and I drive it hard. Awesome performance. Full feature set at $10,000 less than the expensive add-on approach of BMW or Mercedes.

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  Volvo safe because its in the shop - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Myvolvosucks - September 27 - 10:00 am

  My Volvo S 40 has been in the shop 5 times since I purchased it. First the right light bulb blew out due to a short then the left bulb same reason. Then the rear molding fell off the trunk which caused the trunk to get stuck. One leak in the engines seal, fixed it then another leak in the turbos seal. Plus things keep popping off on the dash. Im also not impress with the ride my pickup rides more comfortable. Some times when the sunroof is opened the wind deflector begins to flutter and makes a terrible noise.

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  Smooth meets tight - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Car guy - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Thus far, my experience with the S40 has been completely rewarding. Notwithstanding the one problem I had with the passenger airbag being defective -- which is something I wouldnt really expect from a Volvo -- this car is an all-around gem. It combines tight european handling and turbo-charged power with excellent fuel economy and distinctive styling. Quality is clearly a cut above most any American car, and certainly better than any car in its price range (including the Accord, Passat, and Camry).

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  Tellin All: A Female Perspective - 2005 Volvo S40
  By BPH - September 27 - 7:46 am

  I test drove, researched and admired the T5 months before the big purchase. A4 came close in handling and comfort and the Saab 9-3 in speed and safety. What kept drawing me back? The car has an amazing stereo system with and without the upgrade, is fabulous in all weather conditions, received 5 stars in side-impact crash testing and did I mention how fast it is? I went with the 6 speed, which took a bit getting used to BUT it was worth it! I definitely recommend the sport package, for it gives the S40 a unique and sleek appearance. You might ask yourself .. is everyone really staring at me? The answer is YES! This car is definitely a great bang for the buck.

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  Initial impressions: Excellent! - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Family of Four - September 26 - 10:50 pm

  Decided on Volvo for safety and built- in booster seat for toddler, luxury items, good 2 yr lease deal. Considered Mercedes M class for same money, but ride and comfort were the worst of any SUV Ive driven. Very surprised. I even test drove the M-B three times, but to no avail. Acura MDX was more luxurious and had better bells/whistles, reliability, but lease deals were poor. Only stripped down MDX was offered as a deal, but adding options was costly! BMW X5 - too small and clunky doors- wife hated it! Mans car. Lexus RX was wonderful, but too small for our needs. Volvo has best safety record, but scary reliability. I got a 2 year lease since didnt want to live with a mistake for 3 years.