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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  Extremely Reliable, Extremely Safe & Fun - 2004 Volvo V70
  By MadeInJapan - August 24 - 11:16 am

  This is our 3rd Volvo and I would probably rate Performance & Fun to Drive as 10s if it wasnt for also owning a S70 that has an upgraded ECU. But this V70 is just phenomenal! No repairs! It has air bags everywhere even in the pillars so curtain airbags will inflate if youre in a side impact- very safe! We like the power off the line that this car offers and nimble steering although its a luxury car- great for tireless trips w/ the extremely comfortable seats. Upgraded to IPD swaybars & HD endlinks as well as a drop in K&N air filter. I knew these would make a difference in performance even before I bought the car...and well worth it! Also changed out the donut to a full size spare.

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  very family friendly - 2009 Volvo V50
  By Kid friendly - August 23 - 3:50 am

  I sold my Jeep for a reason of too much as thirsty and bought this V50. Awesome quality! Although it does not have the power and torque feel like the Jeep, it suits the purpose of "utility". I would not complain about the road noise like other reviewers, because its MUCH less compared to the Jeep. The seats fold flat, even the passenger seat folds down. I carry my 2 kids, plus their bicycles, balls, toys in the back cargo space, and still have space to spare. The car drives smoothly; the audio system is good. Its just perfect for a small family. My only problem is the gas mileage. I have not reached the 31 mpg as the manufacture stated. I averaged about 25-26 mpg in mixed driving.

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  I love this car - 2000 Volvo V70
  By VolvoforMe - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd 700-series wagon. It is fast and comfotable. It has the worlds best seats, too. On dry roads, it handles like a sports car. On slippery roads, handling is predictable and confidence-inspiring. I love this car and definitely will buy another.

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  Excellent - This one is # 2 - 2004 Volvo S80
  By t1952 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car ! I liked my 2001 model so much that I bought the exact same car, color, and options again in a 2003 model. Cross country trips are a breeze loaded up with the partner and the animals ! Now located in TX, we continue to enjoy this vehicle and will buy another next year. A few changes to the styling would be nice and some more insulation to make it as quiet as a Lexus would be even better. Volvo seats are unbeatable. This one is Volvo # 9 for this family along with many second cars including BMW, MERCEDES, VW, LEXUS, and others.

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  Love this car - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By xc60sjca - August 19 - 9:58 am

  I purchased the 2012 XC60, T6, Platinum, Climate, and BLIS. I truly enjoy driving this car. The build quality, interior comfort, and exterior styling are what drew me to this vehicle. I did have this car upgraded to the Polestar improved performance. This dramatically increases torque and hp. I see a huge difference and I love it. I would recommend it for performance, absolutely. I would not recommend it for its value. It is an expensive "add-on". I did get a significant discount from the dealer, and I love the driving experience it provides. The interior very high quality. I really do not like the display in the instrument cluster. They are very dated. Volvo should use high res

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  S-60 accolades - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Russell Williams - August 19 - 8:30 am

  This is my first but certainly not my last Volvo...they have come a long way from the boxy types of earlier years. Not only is this car fun to drive, it is also drop-dead gorgeous. Solid, quiet and just plain perfect. I drove BMW as well as Mercedes Benz and none of them compare to my S-60.

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  S60 T5 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Jackbenimble - August 19 - 12:46 am

  The S60 T5 is an extremely fast, comfortable, and "Safe" vehicle. The car feels a though it has an after burner because of the turbo engine. The seats in this car are the most comfortable I have ever ridden in. On long trips, you dont even realize you are sitting in a car. The car has more features than many others in the same category but, at a greater value. Overall, this is a great car which is safe, reliable, and value packed.

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  2004.5 Very Nice Car - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Tareyece & Eric - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive, and have been a solid VW fan. But the Volvo S40 with the turbo, it takes the experience to a new level. The handling is far above average in rain or dry pavement and the pick-up is fabulous. The interior is well thought out and does not have lots of redudndcies, every button or dial performes a necassary function and often pull double duty. The space, for me, is very roomy and the seatys are very comfortable. The trunk is quite large and has an excellent capacity. All around, this is a pleasure to drive.

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  Great Car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By E H White - August 16 - 7:06 am

  With over 50,000 miles, the car is still tight, quiet, good looking, and trouble free. The most comfortable front seats ever placed in a car, and oodles of power throughout the powerband. You just have to count to two and hold on. Handling is very good, but even better with Toyo Proxes 4 tires, rather than the stock Pirellis. The Toyo tires are much noisier, however. I am amused by the owners (and magazine writers) who havent read the manual. The gas cap DOES lock, There ARE separate bass and treble controls on the (great) radio, which I personally think has very intelligent and intuitive controls , and you CAN open the trunk without the key or a fob. Great car.

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  Great and underrated car - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Todd1001 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car about a month ago and I love it. Was looking at the Passat and the BMW, but got this car for thousands less when they were clearing out the 2002s . The interior is beautiful and meticulously put together. The leather is high quality. And the acceleration is surprisingly fast from a 4 cyllinder. Unlike the BMW, you dont see an s40 at every stoplight. I have received an incredible number of compliments on this car.