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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  A new experience in auto ownership - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Sonny99 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  My Volvo C70 has to be the very best auto I have ever purchased, as I have owned at least over 40 vehicles of various makes over the years. It is a true pleasure to drive. I only wish I had purchased a Volvo years ago.

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  2015.5 T5 Platinum Shines Brightly - 2015 Volvo S60
  By roubaud - August 7 - 11:02 pm

  I had a 2012 S60 T5 and loved it, but wanted xenons (all Volvo cars should have xenons period). The 2015.5 platinum makes an already good car superb. Its simply fun to drive -- not as fun as my old Merc C230 coupe, but still pretty darn good for a sedan. Mileage in the first few months is about 33 hwy and 28-29 combined -- that should get better, indeed I hope it does with the touted drive-e engine (I was at 24 combined in my 2012 T5).

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  great car - 1999 Volvo S80
  By armensr - August 7 - 10:00 am

  My 1999 S80 T6 is a fun car to drive and is ultra safe. I have had no problems whatsoever and would highly recommednd it to anyone.

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  850 Wagon - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Believer - August 6 - 4:23 pm

  Bought for my 17 yr old son after research on safety in an accident. NO REGRETS.My 17 yr old fell asleep mid day on cruise control at 65mph and had a head on collision into corner of a trailer parked in the brkdown lane. Car totalled, but a miracle he walked out without a scratch. Only bruises from seat belt. If he wasnt in a Volvo, he would not have been here for this Christmas.Praise the Lord for providing the Volvo.Just bought another for my son.

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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By RL - August 3 - 9:10 pm

  Purchased my XC60 after owning a 2001 and 2004 S60s and while I really enjoyed the S60’s (I did buy two of them) the XC60 is an enormously improved vehicle. The gas mileage is not great but let’s face it this is an SUV/crossover and I am pretty happy with the 18mpg I am getting in city driving (my S60 got only 21). Love the design interior and exterior, seats are improved over S60 (which is saying a lot), all controls improved, love the panoramic moon roof. Amazing vehicle! Absolutely no problems or complaints! Compared to other vehicles in the class the XC60 offeres the best value for the money by far... note even close to others.

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  Wow, what are these people talking about - 2000 Volvo S40
  By burcotrut - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my S40 and have never had a serious problem with it. Why are people complaining about the size of the car? If you want it to be bigger, get an S60 or 80! Yes, the cupholder position sucks but it has all been changed. This was the first year that the car was released in the US, and is bound to have some design flaws, but they have all been fixed in the newer models. Maybe if people were less abusive with their car, then they would not have problems. Also, the price of maintenance is high because ITS A EUROPEAN AUTOMOBILE!!!! What do you expect. If you cant afford maintenance, buy an american car.

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  Great Value - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Carfan111 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  After 2 weeks, everything is great. Love the sure footed traction, handling and looks. Very utilitarian companion.

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  Performance plus fuel efficiency - 2013 Volvo S60
  By jschuld - August 1 - 12:34 pm

  Having owned a 2005 TSX, 2006 TL, 2011 Maxima, I was looking for something a little different. I really liked the looks and performance of the Maxima, but driving 45,000 miles a year was taking its toll on the wallet with premium gasoline and 25 mpg. I like decent performance in a car and that is one reason I passed on Volvo each time I took a test ride in the past. When I noticed the new S60, it really caught my attention. Having driven my S69 6000 miles now, I can say its the favorite car I have owned. The ride is a lot like the TL, there is a great feeling for the road and it handles turns exceptionally well. It also runs fine on 87 octane fuel.

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  Comfort Mobile - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Nel - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The only car I have ever driven that makes my back feel better instead of worse. Just love it.

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  More HP - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Daniels, CA - July 28 - 10:46 pm

  A little less sporty for a convertible. Would help to have more horse power. Bluetooth should be a must have especially in CA.