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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  facts - 2000 Volvo S70
  By northland - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, like wearing old jeans on Saturday morning! No problems after 36k, just oil changes and the 7500 mile visits to the dealership for routine filters, fluid level checks, etc. No squeaks or rattles. This car has the best traction in the snow with winter tires of several 4x4s Ive owned. This was my first Volvo, my wife also since converted from a minivan to an XC.

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  S60 IS THE BEST YOU CAN BUY - 2001 Volvo S60
  By VOLVONUTT - June 25 - 5:00 am

  THE CAR WAS EXCELLENT WHEN I PICKED IT UP AND JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER WITH EACH MILE!

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Volvo S40
  By David - June 23 - 3:10 pm

  I got this 2004 Volvo S40 as a comapany car. I get a new car every 2 - 2.5 years. Of all the cars Ive had this is my favorite. The class of Volvo, the turbo makes this car fun to drive. I drive my company car until it has 80,000 miles then get another. By the time the cars get 80,000 miles they are tired and Im glad to see them go. But not my Volvo. At 80K it runs, looks, and drives as nice as the day I got it. I love this car. I have never wanted to keep my company car until now. I liked this car so much I got my wife a Volvo S80 Certified car and she loves hers. The dealer is wonderful, they treat you like royalty.

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  First impressions - 1999 Volvo S70
  By russ - June 23 - 2:20 pm

  Just bought the car last week. Very fun to drive. My only disappointment is the cup holders. They are too small and being located in the console lid make the console usless when they are full. That having been said, the car is a kick, very comfortable, sporty ride, luxurious interior.

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  A great car for the money!!! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By mrrk47 - June 22 - 1:26 pm

  The S40 puts you in a European sedan for a lot less than Audi or BMW, and without compromising too much. The ride and performance have lived up to my expectations and everyday I have it I like it more and more. Almost 6000 miles and no problems, mileage has been okay for a 5cylinder and the feeling of safety just exudes from every cranny of this car. The S40 gives a very rewarding ownership exp. for someone who has had hondas and fords until now. Im very happy I chose the S40 over my other choice...06 Accord!

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  Volvo XC 90 DOnt buy one - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By SAB - June 21 - 5:53 pm

  First of all horrible mileage, 13.6 MPG average over 2 years. We had multiple problems with this SUV, loose front end, side frame supports needed adjustments. Needed new tires after only 20K miles ??? no warranty ?? I will say the dealer was very good about everything, even though it took them 4 tries to fix one of the main problems.

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  Great car - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Ned Curran - June 20 - 11:56 pm

  It is perfect, nearly. The steering is good. There is little roll. It is very comfortable. The fuel economy is the only bad thing about it.

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  Fantastic Volvo - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By Rawfish - June 20 - 6:30 am

  Bought mine new and have had absolutely no issues at all. As for power, its a bit weak and my 2001 XC70 with the turbo was much faster, but all in all its enough. Super safe...that is the main reason I got it. No ONE beats Volvo on that so Ill trade speed (I also had a S60R) for safety.

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  2016 XC90 T8 In Shop FOR 14 Days Today Owned for - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Mike Aiello - June 20 - 5:59 am

  We have experienced what appears to be a complete failure of the control systems of the 2016 XC90 T8. It started out with an SRS error and has become a complete reloading of all software, replacement of poor door lock module, AC water leak under the carpet and not a faulty connector. Been at the dealer service center for the past 14 days and is expected to be there for at least another week or so. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE - Ask them about the software issues before you buy. You will find out the since the XC90 T8 for 2016 is a brand new vehicle, they are experiencing issues that they have to learn how to diagnose. If you want to be a guinea pig like us, buy. If not, wait of find something else. This is our first and last experience with Volvo ownership. Period.

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  Joys of the 6-Speed - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Gin - June 19 - 6:13 pm

  I researched the car for about 9 months but had to wait to get the manual transmission. So far it has been a good experience, but it doesnt get as good mileage as my husbands BMW X3 2.5L, and the alternator went at approx. 7K miles. Highs are the great (stiff) road feel, peppiness, high-quality interior, awesome sound system, and ample back storage. Lows are the mileage and minimal front storage. I live in New England and find that the climate package is well worth the added cash.