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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  Small things bother me - 2004 Volvo S60
  By VV - May 31 - 4:56 am

  I have had my Volvo for over a year now and its a good car, but I cant get over the radio knob for the pre-set stations, its a pain to use. Also, there is no trunk release in the car, which means I have to use the unlock function inside the car or on the key fob. Also, there is no where to put trash. The rear seat headrests block my vision, therefore I drive with them down and it looks stupid.

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  Much better than I expected! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By FredMant - May 30 - 12:00 pm

  We bought this for my wife. Im a BMW nut, but the X3 was too small and the X5 was just too expensive. I didnt even drive it until she picked it up. Now, when we go out, I love to take HER Volvo. Im amazed at how peppy the 2.5 engine really is. The seats are as comfortable as the ones in my BMW 530i sedan, and I like the higher visibility. Heated seats work great, the climate control is easy to use and the stereo is great for a stock unit. FM and AM reception is far reaching and quiet. My only complaint is the drive around town gas mileage is a poor 14.5 mpg. On the highway, I can get about 19. We love the XC90. We got in silver with black leather interior, so it will look good for years!

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  Do people even know how to maintain a vehicle anymore, love my volvo - 2001 Volvo V70
  By derove - May 29 - 8:37 am

  so i bought my volvo new in 2001 and i am currently at 400,000 miles, what did i do, i changed the oil every 4k miles, changed the timing belt every 105k miles, i did have to fix the gas gauge cause the bobber in the fuel tank was stuck, and let me think what else oh i needed to put a new cd player in it bought it a stock one from ebay for 50 bucks, people are just stupid you cant just drive a car and expect it to last without normal matanice, you guys complain ill be back when mine reaches a million miles and thats my word.

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  BUYER BEWARE - 2004 Volvo S40
  By KC PLAZA BUM - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I really like my car, however, the paint is severely oxidizing on the top panels. Volvo North Americas representative would not even look at my car saying it was not covered. The finish is dull and must be waxed everytime the car is exposed to bad weather or washed. I would look at other comparable cars. The yearly maintenence on this car is expensive. Oil change is $75.00, 1st service at 15,000 miles will run $250.00 and the 30,000 mile is just over $500.00. I also needed to replace my brakes at 25,00 miles for $500.00. Volvo uses very soft pads, your alloy wheels will always be covered in brake dust a day or so after washing your car.

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  Misterious Coldstart reaction - 2003 Volvo S60
  By elvira - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I now own a 2003 S60 T5. My first try was a new 2002 S60T5 which was returned to Volvo because when cold starting the vehicle and placing it in gear the car would "choke" and jump. Now our 2003, brand new volvo S60 T5 is doing the same thing and the dealership cannot find what the problem is. This is very frustrating since im paying a fortune for the car, and my confidence in the reliability of the vehicle has been blemished. Im truly dissapointed in the ability of checking the vehicles system for faults, since Volvo appears unable to detect the fault.

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  2004 Volvo HPT Convertible - 2004 Volvo C70
  By VolvoHPT2004 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Great Appearance, powerful engine,many features come with car that were optional

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  Phenomenal vehicle! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By AtlantaEric - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Volvo has outdone itself with this vehicle. The design, the performance, the quality of the materials and the workmanship - everything is just outstanding. This SUV is a fun to drive: it is quiet, sporty, comfortable, with wonderfully ergonomic controls. Yes, I looked at BMW X5 and Infiniti FX-whatever, and they dont even come close. Volvos XC90 is classy and sophisticated, and my neighbor doesnt have one. :-)

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  great car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By gregll - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo XC90 T6 is a excellent car. I like the T6 performance. Very good handleing on sharp curves. Excellent audio system with dolby pro logic 2.

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  One year later - 2014 Volvo XC70
  By xira1 - May 27 - 9:38 pm

  I now have been driving my XC70 for one year and 15,000 miles. My impression, after looking at some other comparable cars, is that it remains a wonderful value in terms of interior quality. Even the $50,000 Acura MDX doesnt have as nice an interior. Every component is top-notch. Its great for a long trip because of the comfort and the FABULOUS sound system. Where it disappoints is in driving dynamics; its not really fun to drive; its safe and predictable and road-holding but not exciting.

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  Unexpected Surprises - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Jesus Levy - May 27 - 8:23 pm

  Great compact sports sedan, totally packed with luxurious features that makes this car a pleasant and unexpected surprise for the new driver. Nimble and precise handling, great maneuverability, awesome power and throttle response and fun to drive. Volvo has got it right this time. Not only the car excells on all safety and security features, but the box design is gone forever!! Now thats what I call thinking out of the box. The new design and platform are superb. Brakes stop on a dime. Cornering is quite sporty and inspires a safe feeling all the time. Traction control is unobtrusive, so you can also have a fun ride whatever the highway demands. Just avoid harsh terrains.