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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  At least its safe - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Not pleased - June 8 - 12:33 pm

  I just bought this car three months ago. In that time frame, the gas tank was replaced, the ABS failed, check engine light has been on twice, brake master cylinder has failed, FM radio died, and the catalytic converter failed. I love the interior, but the plastic on the doors seems to be falling apart. The car is slow and safe, but what would you expect from a Volvo? Needless to say, I wont buy another.

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  Still a Volvo. - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By glddmr - June 8 - 10:00 am

  NE region Volvo rep said my door rattle, caused by the prem stereo, is ok by Volvo standards. Told it wouldn’t be ok in my BMW or a Mercedes, he said Volvo is neither of those companies. Mystery failures in the power door locks and windows. SECOR VOLVO said its my fault since I park outside half the time, saying "WE have seen some problems with condensation like that." Two power door locks failed under warranty. Drive train fine over 24000 miles. In rear ender, the front of the Toyota was destroyed but the Volvo only needed a bumper. Great in the snow, I can park it anywhere. Remember, it is a Volvo. Near-luxury, not luxury.

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  Buy Japanese - 1996 Volvo 850
  By mtlatham - June 8 - 6:23 am

  Air Conditioner has gone out $1500. Emissions sensor has gone out $1500. Incessant squeaks and rattles. I have basically torn out the dash trying to find one rattle - still havent found it. Dealerships suck. I owned an Acura before this - I will go back.

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  Lethargic - 2013 Volvo S60
  By thrustreverser - June 6 - 3:28 pm

  Found myself shifting the trans to "Sport" mode because in drive mode it shifts like a granny and is unresponsive; it short shifts into 2nd gear when under moderate to heavy throttle. In regular mode off the line, this car feels like a prius. It is slow to accelerate and short-shifts every gear. When trying to pass, the transmission takes too long to respond. I would not buy this car.

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  Great Car - 2009 Volvo V50
  By fred - June 5 - 4:10 pm

  Traded a Subaru for new Volvo, big difference in quality of materials, features and comfort. Feels solid and handles well all at a very competitive price.

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  generally satisfied - 2000 Volvo S70
  By objective consumer - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had minimal problems with the car since weve owned it. The biggest problem has been that the security system has malfunctioned three times and does not recognize my key and will not crank. Performance is sufficient--peppy for being less than a 6-cylinder. Comfort is good and the car is a top pick for long trips. Although this is an excellent vehicle, I still long for my heftier 91 740 wagon.

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  Maintenance Headache - 2001 Volvo S40
  By JPP - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I leased this car for my wife. Was looking for something that wouldnt be a headache. Since weve had it the interior lights, headlights and fuses constantly blow out on a rotating schedule. My wife drives like a grandma so we didnt have to replace the brakes until 20k. The tires are worn out now at 24k. We had it in the shop three times to get the horn to work correctly. And the two right rims are bent without any major bumps. I thought we had a lemon until I read all these other reviews. Cant wait for the lease to be over...

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  XC90 Great Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By salebo - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This car was a great purchase. The interior is beyond comfortable and the sound system spectacular. The center consol is a little sparce and looks nowhere near as luxurious as the rest of the car. The third row seat is great and fold flat down into the car, and the wooden steering wheel is nice. The availability to get the car is tough and getting DVD and/or navigation is much much harder. The rear backup control suprisingly came to be more helpful and worthwhile then I first imagined, and the Manumatic shifting is a fun feature my son enjoys. Compared to my 2000 RX300 this thing is a sports car, my take: when in the market seriously consider.

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  Not Impressed - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By JZ - May 31 - 3:03 pm

  I leased this vehicle and Im glad I leased it and not purchsed! Looking forward to giving it back! The seats are uncomfortable, at least the driver seat is. Blind spots, visiblity isnt the greatest! I owned a Ford Explorer prior to this lease and I plan to go back to the Explorer once this lease is up! I also experience a delay when turning a corner and steping on the gas. It takes a second or two before you actually accelerate!

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  nice car - 2002 Volvo S80
  By fyouse - May 31 - 1:56 pm

  nice car