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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  Great small wagon - 2009 Volvo V50
  By Nick - July 9 - 6:03 am

  Greatly enjoy the car. Feels safe and is quick and fun to drive. Not quite as quick as my wifes BMW and has slight turbo lag but much less than previous turbos I have owned. Used to go skiing many times this winter without any problems. Very practical and reasonable mileage. The car is attractive and distinct. Interior is very comfortable but back seat is cramped for adults.

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  My 2nd XC & Third Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Steve G - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 2003 to replace my 2000 and boy am I glad I did. Although the 2000 was a really nice car, it does not compare to the 2003. Roomier interior and great looking exterior make it a great option over an SUV. After driving Pathfinders and Explorers for 10 years, I can not imagine going back to an SUV. Great in the snow (anyone who lives in the NYC area can attest to the winter we had) as well as dry pavement..

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  SUV that was worth the wait! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By wls - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I had been short-listing SUVs since May of 2002. We had narrowed our choices down to a fully loaded GMC Envoy or the Acura MDX. Envoys ride was not as good as Acura. Just as we were to make our choice in January, my wife read a piece on the XC90. Ordered Feb. 1, picked up July 4, in time for holiday. In short WE LOVE IT. Make sure to get the Dolby Surround and the sub-woofer. The sound is perfect! The ride is excellent (nearly car- like on twisting country roads)! Factory window tinting is plenty. Have black leather seats and on 95° day was not too hot to sit on. The 2.5 with turbo offered plenty of oomph when needed.

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  BMW... Almost - 2007 Volvo S80
  By CSRMAX - July 7 - 1:36 am

  Traded in a 2006 Infiniti M35X for the V-8 S80. In my opinion, the S80 is a nice blend of the BMW 5 and the Lexus GS.

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  Volvo XC90 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Jeannie - July 6 - 6:53 pm

  My Volvo XC90 is my new favorite automobile. I am a very particular consumer who spends a great deal of time researching before buying a new auto. This vehicle has been my most satisfying purchase yet. I may never leave Volvo if they keep making this vehicle! It is everything a professional mom could want...both sexy and safe! I am considering a volvo for my son when he gets his lisence soon.

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  Excellent! Excellent!! Excellent!!! - 1997 Volvo 960
  By KillerBox - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife but, I love it! This car rides excellent! Real peppy!

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  A great vehicle - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Susan M. Monopoli - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many different makes of cars including Jeep, Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW. The XC-90,however, is the most comfortable to drive. It is roomy inside and has overall terrific handling. I have owned Lexus RX300S,a Mercedes ML320 and other SUVs. Although the other SUVs were good, the XC-90 is far superior.

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  Great looks, even better ride! - 2006 Volvo V50
  By calguy - July 1 - 10:26 pm

  I love how solid this car feels on the road. There is very little play in the steering wheel. Weve had it for almost 17,000 miles and have had no mechanical problems with it. This is by far the best looking small wagon on the market. Volvo sales experience and service are great. Would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Industrial Chic - 2010 Volvo C30
  By TwelveCrows - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I am a big fan of the Ford C1 platform. Prior to my C30, I owned an 04 Mazda 3s; I loved it. But as much as I did, it pales in comparison to the C30. It is more comfortable and more solid with a more powerful and responsive engine. Other than the wind noise coming from the side mirrors, the cockpit is quiet-isolating the road noise and allowing the driver to hear that throaty growl when the foot presses to the floor. The automatic transmission is smooth- though Ive only used the manual shift feature once. The only problem here is that 227 hp driving front wheels can sometimes make the tires slip- with heavy acceleration like pulling out into traffic. The GTI doesnt have this issue.

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  Our experience - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By GFamily - July 1 - 5:33 am

  We bought the car because we thought it would be useful, versatile, fun liked the design. We are not disappointed in any way and are happy with our purchase.