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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  The Ultimate Volvo - 2007 Volvo S80
  By Baddbone - January 11 - 6:36 am

  This is now my fourth Volvo (with my wifes fifth). I started with 850, then to the S80 2.9, the S80 AWD 5cl turbo, and now, the all powerful S80, V8. What a machine! Loaded to the gills. Only hiccup: guzzles gas like crazy! But if you want power from a Volvo? This is the one to get. Plenty satisfied and sharp design also.

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  Fuel pump failure - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Shane Brossette - January 9 - 3:46 am

  My XC90s fuel pump failed at 8000 miles! Volvo replaced the fuel pump, filter, and fuel tank. This was very unsettling and frustrating so early in my ownership.

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  Sweet Ride - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Michael - January 3 - 7:06 pm

  I replaced a 96 maxima that I rode hard for 200k with this car. The Maxima was fast for only 190hp. I wanted something that was fast. I had been looking for an s-60. 1st gear aint much to talk about, throw it in second and with the right RPM, youve got a rocket. The high pressure turbo is different. I squeal the tires after it is in gear and the RPM goes up. The car is one of those classic designs that wont go out of style. (They modeled the new S80 after it.) I only wish I would have sprung for the later edition R60 with 300 HP. Maintenance aint horrible but there are weird squeaks & rattles all over the car. My car has all the options for an 01, trackball 5-speed.

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  Planned Obsolescence? - 1998 Volvo V70
  By msharmon - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Volvo. I love how it drives. Powerful, very comfortable. Ive owned this car for 4 yrs and 6 days, just out of warranty. The worst problems have been the brakes, needs new brakes every 15-20K (unlike my other Volvo), a complete AC compressor replacement, a broken electric seat. Most annoying, the Check Engine light on if the gas cap is not replaced properly. The dealer needs to reset the computer when this happens. Im 6 days past my warranty and the Check Engine light is on. If it isnt the gas cap, is the dealer willing to help? No. Im afraid most of my dissatifaction is the dealer. Im trading for better service. If your city has only one Volvo dealer, beware.

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  Keep looking - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Disgusted S40 Owner - January 2 - 10:00 am

  The check engine light comes on several times a month. Front & rear brakes replaced at 16k mis. Three dealers that I have been to do not spend time to diagnose the problems. Service is disappointing, especially for a luxury marque such as Volvo.