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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  Volvo S40 D 1.6 RDesign - 2009 Volvo S40
  By albaad - May 4 - 11:18 pm

  Do not buy! I bought a Volvo when my daughter was born in 2009 selling my super reliant 1.7 Puma. The engine failed after just over 2 years. As I had had my 2nd year service late (less than 1000 miles) Volvo said the warranty was void. The customer care team refused to speak to me. 7 days after spending £6,000 on a new engine the new engine fails in the same way as the previous one. The car has been towed back to the garage. Having researched the engine, it is rubbish

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  Like a Bat outta Hell - 2013 Volvo S60
  By azelscotto - May 4 - 11:59 am

  She flies. That torque curve is unreal. After a week with the R-Spec I can say that the tight suspension handles uneven pavement better than I had expected. The cabin is very quiet and IMO the sound system is equal to the Audi with the Bang and Olufsen, as I tested the Audi and the Volvo the same day.

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  Great Wagon - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Mr Mom - May 2 - 2:00 am

  The sport wagon title has certainly lived up to its name. Very solid feel and the 5 cylinder motor sings like a sewing machine with plenty of power.

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  Fantastic used bargain!! - 2007 Volvo S60
  By happy 1st time owner - May 1 - 12:16 pm

  Came across the S60 in Consumer Reports "best used cars"; they rate the 07 S60 reliability higher than Infiniti G35(!). Found well-equipped one w/low miles for great price. Very pleased so far: it has sport package & ride can get a bit choppy over lateral ridges at times, but for the most part is pretty good, similar to 3-Series etc., very nice on hwy. Expecting ride improvement when OEM junk Pirellis replaced. Great solid build quality, nice amenities, front seats *very* comfortable; rear are as well but a bit cramped for tall folks, look @ S80 if you need more room. Excellent radio & climate control. Engine could be smoother, but has good torque. Averaging 27 mpg on commute.

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  01 V70 T5 Geartronic/ Auto - 2001 Volvo V70
  By cub740 - April 30 - 5:51 am

  Bought my V70 T5 Automatic 2 years ago not knowing the bad rep the car has. No wonder the price is pretty low. In 2 years, i put in 50K miles with total support from Volvo specialist for a routine maintenance and to tackle to usual problem. It has been maintained with full synthetic at the specialist (NOT JIFFY LUBE) who knows this car in and out. Car has been served me well but it does cost a lot to maintain this car. But when you compare this wagon to a BMW / AUDI/ Mercedes wagon, then volvo still cheaper than those germans. Dont compare these cars with your HONDA or TOYOTA. Compare Euro to Euro not to the Japs. Your idea of cheap maintenance, get a honda/toyota. Problems below*

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  The Volvo That Caught Fire - 2003 Volvo S80
  By Michelle V - April 30 - 1:02 am

  Fell in love with this car, spent about 3,000$ on repairs and rode like new. Beautiful car and fun ride. After owning used car for ~2 months, it caught on fire while i was driving and melted the hood shut and totaled the entire front compartment, and the car. Fire rescue couldnt determine cause. Be careful in this car.

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  Amazing Friend over the years... - 1996 Volvo 850
  By vgirl - April 27 - 2:39 pm

  I am the original owner of my 1996 850 Turbo Sedan. The odometer stopped about 3 or 4 years ago at 194,000 and we guess it has about 250,000 miles on it. I havent had to do much to the engine over the years--or anything else for that matter. It does leak oil now, but after so many years I can afford a little oil now and then to keep the girl happy. Would love to buy another one when she finally quits. Not sure when that will be....it will be a sad day for sure!

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  excellent awd wagon - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By legend007 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Have 4,000 miles, so far no problems. Awd handles deep snow with no problems, feels very stable with wet conditions. Fuel economy could be better-have gotten 26 mph on skiing road trip.Car is so comfortable-definite long trip vehicle.Compared Subaru, VW passant 4- motion, Volvo was most comfortable- more room.

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  Love/Hate relationship - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Cheapflyfishing sob - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This car drives me crazy. On one hand, it is a very nice car and holding up very well. On the other hand, as a former Honda owner, it is frustrating. Lots of problems with dashboard - major squeek in radio area and the glovebox had to be replaced because they couldnt stop the door from squeaking. Many similar problems as other people such as A/C, calipers, O2 sensor. The dashboard remains creaky-cheap plastic. But the amazing thing is that the creaks have not changed since the first year I had the car.

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  Mix of sporty character and luxury - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Mariusz - April 26 - 2:00 am

  My first Volvo, the best car Ive ever owned. Solidly-built, very comfy ride, more comfy than sporty though. Makes great safe family car, but still gives you feeling of driving coupe. Definitely go for TURBO version, basic 2.4 seemed a bit sluggish, 2,4T moves.