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:

• 

  Amazing, Sweet and Sexy - 2003 Volvo V70
  By Volvotopia - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I dont know what to say, this has got to be my most favorite volvo of all time.All those standard safety features, no wonder its the safest car in the world. The seats are so comfortable and there is plenty of cargo room for what ever your hauling.

• 

  My 1999 S80 T6 has been terrific!!! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By SamanthaCalifornia - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my T6 a couple years ago and now have 68,000 miles on it. It has been a total joy to own. I did have one problem when I first bought it but that was it. The dealer did upgrade the cars software and like I said, its been a joy. Pretty much trouble free. No complaints at all. I recommend this car very highly!

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Volvo C30
  By C30Owner1983 - June 5 - 4:16 pm

  After owning a Ford Focus and a Pontiac Vibe, this is by the best hatchback I have owned. I fell instantly in love with the unique design the moment I saw at an auto show. Anyone who loves attention will love this car, I couldnt count how many times people stop me to ask me about my car plus the looks, stares, and pointing. Ive only had one issue so far. The shifter would bind up, but it was covered by warranty and its been smooth ever since. Acceleration is great, handling is superb, interior is simple and comfortable, MPG is nothing too spectacular but still good. Also, it handles decently in the snow, but in SE PA we never really get that much snow anyway.

• 

  S80 3.2 a great car - 2008 Volvo S80
  By KEN WALL - June 5 - 12:53 pm

  This car is a great value for mid 30s range. Its quality is second to none. This is my second Volvo and it is really a tight and great riding car

• 

  great care, great price - 2005 Volvo S40
  By harvey - June 4 - 7:30 am

  i was shocked to read about all of the problems some people have had with their s40. the only problems ive had with mine are the ones i caused - i got a little too close to at trash can on the side of the road and cracked my mirror (but only the glass, the motor was fine), ran over a nail and got a flat, cracked my oil pan backing down a driveway even though i was extremely careful (i guess the car is a little low for a sedan). other than that, NO problems. i love harvey (my car)! super fun to drive and plenty of power. on a road trip to vegas i was approaching nascar speeds - and i dont have the more powerful turbo engine.

• 

  First Volvo - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By Calc - June 4 - 6:57 am

  The power and handling is amazing

• 

  Not a minivan - thank goodness - 2008 Volvo S60
  By Mc Mom - June 1 - 8:16 pm

  This car is fun to drive and is just beautiful to look at. Its great for driving kids around, but even more fun when you get to drive it on your own. No one will ever suspect this is Moms Taxi. This is no minivan, but has lots of room for 5 and a huge trunk. I never thought I would drive a Volvo, but my T5 is just awesome.

• 

  Love your Volvo, it may save your life! - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Travis - June 1 - 8:04 pm

  As a car enthusiast having owned many cars - including an current model Escalade, Audi RS7, Mercedes CLS 550, BMW650 Gran Coupe, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and many other cars - none blend the styling, comfort, price and safety technology this Volvo has. But this isn’t for those who don’t like technology or struggle to stay centered in the lane - this is made for those who love technology, like safety and design and are proud to drive something a little different. The infotainment system does have a delay when it starts - it takes about 10 seconds. The ride isn’t as plush as a 60’s Cadillac - I wouldn’t recommend springing for the 22” wheels - the 20’s will ride better (but don’t look as snazzy). The 2.0 liter engine has almost 44 bars of pressurized air from the turbo and supercharger (that is a lot of boost) and per liter is more powerful than the Audi RS7 - in a family SUV. With all that boost the engine has plenty of power - but isn’t as smooth as your regular non boosted v6 engine that dominates this segment of SUVs. No, this is an SUV made for someone who enjoys driving, having an experience and can understand that some character is what makes a Volvo unique. If you want a Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer - go get one. If you want a cool German SUV - get one of those. If your values of safety, technology, being friendly to our planet and having a fun and unique driving experience matter - get the Volvo. Plus - when that other driver runs a red light and moments before the impact are you going to wish you were in an XC90, the safest SUV made? With a zero percent fatality rate according to the IIHS, the results speak for themselves.

• 

  Still Smiling - 2005 Volvo S40
  By CJF - June 1 - 5:23 pm

  Purchased the S40 T5 at the beginning of August, 2004. Ten months and 13000 miles later, I still smile every time I see my S40 in the parking lot or garage. I had also considered the Acura TSX, Infiniti G35 and Honda Accord V6 coupe - and have no regrets over my decision. The low end torque provided by the turbo means fun starts any time I want them. The sport suspension provides crisp cornering and keeps the car headed where I want it to go. While a compact car, the back seat is still large enough to haul three teen agers around town comfortably.

• 

  Perfect All Weather Convertible - 2010 Volvo C70
  By KW - May 31 - 1:20 am

  I purchased the C70 after trading in my XC90. I have never owned a convertible but am enjoying the all weather hardtop. With the top down, this Volvo is really quiet, even at highway speeds. The wind is controlled with the windscreen and the car is really an exciting ride. I have had the car for over a month now and feel the build quality is solid, so far no rattles or noises from the roof. The space in the trunk is great, even with the top down and 4 "adults" can ride in comfort. Overall, I am really happy with my purchase and would recommend this convertible for anyone looking for a spacious, fast, comfortable hardtop convertible.