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 Car I Will Ever Own - 2002 Volvo S80
  By lauryncox - June 18 - 6:53 pm

  Love this car! Bought used, 113000 miles on it and it runs like new. Had it for a year so far and have only had to get it serviced. Runs better on premium gas - it does last a bit longer than regular though so dont let the price deter you. Great power, runs quiet, beautiful interior, cant imagine owning something better. Only complaint is that when a message like "time for regular service" or "bulb failure" appears on the message board, you have to have it erased when you fix the problem or it stays. Ive gotta say, if thats my biggest problem with this car, its a pretty great car. Great audio too. Highly recommend.

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  Disappointing - 2002 Volvo V40
  By arcin69 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Car has been mechanically reliable but disapointing otherwise. Seatings and cabin are uncomfortable. Controls not ergonomically designed. Power seat controls replaced at 15,000 miles. Windshield cracked with the slightest touch of a speck. Found out later , Volvo has a reputation for windshields easily cracked but expensive to replace. Leather on seats permanently deformed from leaving a book on the seat. Wont but it after lease turn in.

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  Happy so far - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By rx - June 17 - 10:00 am

  vehicle is great. unfortunately, dealership did not live up to the quality of the XC-90. prone to door nicks - the side bumper strip does little to protect the body. performance is excellent when you realized it is not a barn burner. general quality was better than expected (0 defects).

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  Trannie is a mess! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By MaPage - June 17 - 6:43 am

  I too have had transmission issues. I never thought it was right from the beginning. Bought it used off lease with 65K. Motor mount issues, bad radio, cruise control problems, at 130,00 the transmisson is a mess, two motor mounts shot and with a 30K tune up and new tires needed Im folding! This is my 5th and last Volvo. Ford really screwed these cars up! Im buying a Saab. My sons is 13 yrs old and handles better than my Volvo. Too bad I was a huge fan and loved my old cars. This one too but cant afford it!

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  My second Volvo C70 - 2004 Volvo C70
  By convertible - June 17 - 2:50 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. The ride is comfortable but still has the feel of the sports car. It handles well on the road in the snow. Volvo is conscientious about the quality of service received.

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  my first Volvo - 2009 Volvo C30
  By Marq - June 15 - 5:53 pm

  I now have 860 miles on my new C30, and I am beginning to enjoy it and feel I made the right choice. Yes, there were cheaper cars I was considering, such as a VW Rabbit, but I am now beginning to appreciate the upscale craftsmanship that makes my Volvo a really fine car. I am also beginning to appreciate that as a Volvo owner, I am now part of a demographic of more conservative and mature drivers.

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  very good car - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By leunam - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Having driven one for about a month now, I think its an excellent car. Handling is great, between an RX 300 and an X5. Finish is very good.

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  Little room for improvement - 2006 Volvo V50
  By grochef - June 12 - 9:10 pm

  I took delivery of this beauty in Sweden. The price was reduced and lodging was a bargain. Do it if you have the time. I have 13,000 miles on my V50 and I still look forward to driving to work or just driving. Its got lots of pep and it handles like a sports sedan. A couple of upgrades to the firmware took care of some radio and climate control quirks.

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  XC90 Silver Surfer Smooth - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By george AHRENS - June 12 - 6:44 pm

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  Stranded on I-85 when engine blew a rod! - 2007 Volvo S40
  By Roger - June 8 - 9:50 pm

  I have about 69,050 miles on a 2007 Vovlo s-40. I have changed the oil every 30000-4000 miles, and had service checkups on regular bases. I was stranded last night on I-85 when my car threW a rod, forming two holes in the engine block. The mechanic that took my car in was blown away and said he had never seen anything like this. Nice clean oil rain out of the car and the small pieces that fell out of the motor were nice and shiny because there was no "gunk" in the motor due to the good service history. Please someone tell me if this is not a sorry car. I will never own a Volvo again, and please if you are thinking about buying a Volvo-DO NOT BUY A VOLVO, YOU WILL BE SORRY. U WILL BE STRANDED