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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  On my second - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Randy Miller - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my second C70 Conv. in 3 years. I almost bought a 5-series BMW, however, I still wanted something a little different. They dont make many C70 convertibles; and I still love getting thumbs-up as I drive around or the validating compliments from would be buyers. The performance will not dazzle you, however, the car is just so damn fun to drive. The build quality is exceptional and comfort is beyond comparison when matched-up to its competition.

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  Love affair is fading - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Jim Pribbeno - May 14 - 10:00 am

  96 850 turbo is fun to drive with it’s sporty suspension, 16” low profile tires, & 222 HP performance. Unfortunately it’s also the most expensive Volvo we’ve owned (4 others) in terms of upkeep. Compared to our other Volvo, a 92 960 wagon, the 850 is a cash cow!!! I’ve put on new tires every 23k miles. I’ve replaced the transmission (dealer only repair, $2400) at 90k miles, why? A new air mass sensor unit ($250). I’ve refilled a/c several times because the evaporator leaks & costs over $1000 to replace. The TRAC & ABS lights are always on & the braking system occasionally freaks out requiring a new computer module costing over $300. Why?

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  9 mos retrospective - 2002 Volvo S60
  By mikepghpa - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, no doubt. It handles curves very well at good speed and the braking capacity is outstanding. It is very comfortable with probably the best leather seats in this class. Trunk room is surprising since it is square without tapering to more narrow dimensions. Fuel capacity is remarkable since the tank holds 21 gallons. At 9 mos, reliability is excellent. Only problem Ive experienced is a back seat squeak.

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  2016 T6 - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By Bill - May 13 - 8:20 pm

  This car is definitely one of the best when comparing price, luxury brands, as-well-as performance. Leased a 2016 Volvo XC 60 T-6 AWD for my company and it definitely doesnt lack in performance. The shifting is smooth, no lag in power, & fast is definitely the way to describe it, around 6.5 sec from 0-60. The interior has a lot of room for all the passengers and gear, especially for going out of town. Handling can use a little bit of work, but for the size & height of the vehicle it meets my expectations. Compared to my previous Audi Q5 & Mercedes ML the Volvo is an Excellent car.

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  Better than BMW or Mercedes - 2006 Volvo S60
  By dwightex - May 13 - 9:25 am

  Really great car. I had a 2004, drove about 78000 miles over the 4 year lease. No problems (other than I scrapped the front fascia against a parking lot curb) Also, dont drive this car in heavy snow. even with snow tires, computer couldnt deal with 6" of new snow. Handling and acceleration is very satisfying. Seat is comfortable. Nav is okay. Sport and Comfort settings are great, stereo is great. Little back seat room but we never used the back seat

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  Just Right - 2009 Volvo C30
  By Terri - May 12 - 12:50 pm

  I literally test drove 12 vehicles and kept coming back to the C30. I love the size after driving a station wagon for so many years. Its easy to fit in spaces and maneuver city streets. Cant understand why they arent more popular because there are so many great features. I was looking for a car with good pick up and boy does this have it. I love my new little car.

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  A miniature tank! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By hagimihale - May 11 - 10:00 am

  My fiancee bought the loaded showroom model (only missing item is Xenon headlights) for $25k. Solid car with the best seats ever!! OK low-end power, but passing ability on the highway is impressive. Comfortable on long trips and stable at high (75-90) speeds. Great ergonomics and a good sound system. Constantly gets compliments – most people think it’s a $40,000+ car. She test drove the BMW, Audi A4, Nissan (Maxima and Altima), Mercedes C230 (which was the winner until she drove the Volvo), etc. Of course the safety aspect lets me sleep at night – the pillars are thicker than a bodybuilder’s legs!

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  A Fun Ride - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Patricia in Maryland - May 11 - 10:00 am

  With the top up, i feel safe in my Volvo, with the top down, I feel like im flying!

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  What A Joke - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By David - May 9 - 2:33 pm

  I purchased the Volvo XC90 for safety and reliability. The air conditioner has died three times, the engine blew up when the service department turned off the service light, leather seat split at the seams at 80,000 miles, font head lights faded and had to be replaced at 60,000 miles. There are no after market parts, Volvo stands behind its product as little as possible and charges $1,000.00 for just about everything. Even the key broke and thy charged $300 for a new one.

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  Reliable Workhorse - 1996 Volvo 850
  By DETIGEL - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car and relatively inexpensive (for us) in upkeep, except for scheduled maintenance -all at dealer- we have had no problems. We do use summer and winter tires, car does not handle that great in the winter (however probably not worse than other front wheel drives.