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 XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By chogan01 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Nice car thus far reliable. Gas mileage on the lower end of its suugested performance

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  Boston Snow Storm - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By JAB111 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the third row seat, Volvo saftey and the great experience we have had owning previous Volvos. But in the snow storm over the past weekend, I was amazed at how well the XC90 handled the 24 inches of snow. It went everywhere with no problems.

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  The Perfect Vehicle? - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By BL - April 8 - 11:53 pm

  Coming off 8 years of XC90s. But wanted a more enjoyable driving experience for commute. Could be the most beautiful interior of any car/any make. It is gorgeous inside. Same engine as my last 08 XC90 but peppier, sportier. Really fun to drive. Test drove the redesigned V6 Subaru Outback (GREAT drive)that surprised me; MB GLK (pointless joke of a back seat); VW Tiguan (just for fun); and considered Audi Q5 but not seriously(too expensive/smaller.) Driving the XC60 is a blast. Feel is refined, tight with a first-rate finish. Two tone leather seats and blond wood are stunning. Hard to leave the Volvo brand. And I think 6 yrs from now Id rather be in this than anything else. Just perfect.

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  Very happy with the car... - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By jc12171 - April 8 - 1:03 pm

  Looking for a small-mid sized SUV after my Altima lease, consider and test drove Audi Q5 and BMW X3--both nice SUVs, but dont like the front grill in Audi and cheap looking front light on BMW. XC60 definitely is the best looking of all three. Plus better equipped and 5 yr free maintance, so went for Volvo. So far everything has been meeting my expectations. Very smooth and nimble handling with T6 engine. Comfortable seats, very little engine noise on highway. After 1000 miles, gas mileage has been better than advertised.

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  A Smooth Ride - 2007 Volvo XC70
  By maggiemay - April 7 - 6:43 pm

  This is my first experience with Volvo and after having driven the XC-70 for two years, I submit this review. The XC-70 is a wonderful machine with an incredibly smooth ride for a wagon. I feel very safe in this vehicle and the weight of the XC-70 surrounding me evokes a secure feeling. The XC-70 handles well in inclement weather and is easily maneuvered when quick action is required. For comfort and safety, I would recommend this model to any couple who loves to travel by auto. Would not recommend it if back seat passengers are often along -- too cramped.For safety and reliability, I would say it is second to none.

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  Tuuuuurrrrbbbooooo - 2006 Volvo V50
  By A H - April 6 - 10:03 pm

  The T5 is a must. I test drove the 2.4 and the T5, the T5 blows the other away. The car has excellent pick up that will dust even the most agressive cab drivers. Sleek inside and outside styling. The car feels sturdy and sporty. It aint your fathers Volvo. Fremont Volvo in Fremont, CA made us a fabulous lease deal.

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  Exceptional Value - 2000 Volvo V70
  By beaver - April 6 - 12:26 am

  Great family car! We have hauled kids, pets, furniture, you name it and this car has weathered it all fantastically. It has so much cargo space that I even hauled a washer and dryer in it. Very comfortable on long trips. I love the turbo. This car has never let me down. I got the extended warranty to 100,000 and have hardly had to use it for repairs. Always serviced and maintained at the dealership. I love the look of this car and I feel safe driving in it.

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  Volvo #4 is The Worst By Far - 2000 Volvo S40
  By JAMN - April 5 - 12:53 pm

  I have owned four Volvos, ranging from 240DL to a 960 wagon. This 2000 S40 has had so many problems that this is my last Volvo. The red paint comes off on a drying towel after washing. The stereo speakers stopped working. The cabin climate fan just stopped working. What else?: Rattles, check engine light, headlight bulbs, rust forming under hood seam, turn signal malfunctioning, etc. Never again Volvo. Honda, here I come.

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  Finger Nail Across the Blackboard! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Jerry L. - April 5 - 1:47 am

  before i bought this car, i did a lot of research, and test drove every car in its class. on paper this car has the most standard feature among all of the same vehicle in its class for the price hands down. but soon after i got the car, i start hearing break noises...... now i am driving a loaner car for the fourth time! every time so far has been with the same issue.... noisy breaks. perhaps this problem isnt as serious as those electronic failure or engine and transmission issues, but for a new car that i have driven for less than half a year(it has literally been at the dealer ship for about 28 days for repair total i kid you not! the previous time i sent it in for breaks and they fried the turn signal module while doing software update, i waited over 3 weeks for that one time since the parts come from abroad). if you ever drive on the freeway and hear loud squeaky breaks and try to look for that semi but then realize that it was you then you would know how it feels. i have told Volvo and the dealership that this will the last time i am fixing this issue. if they still cannot fix it i would need to end the lease. Volvo and the dealership have been nice so far, the reason i didnt say helpful because my issue has not been fixed. my suggestion for those of you considering this car is wait until the 2018 model, heck i dont think they have fix the break issue for the 2017s. i also wish that those of you that have gotten the vehicle do not experience what i have experienced, it is beyond annoying and frustrating.

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  Good overall, many small repairs - 1999 Volvo V70
  By SBdriver - April 4 - 1:06 pm

  Got mine from my father w/ around 145k miles. Originally a rental. Drove good, handled good, could take it camping, did fine in semi-off road conditions, very comfortable seats, good MPG, somewhat cheap to fill up, roomy. Inside covering for the back hatch came off/apart frequently - had sketchy mounts. Terrible cup holders, couldnt use center compartment when in use. Lots of minor/major? repairs including belts, strut cushions, something to do w/ the heater/ac, speakers on one side stopped working, hose burst once, steering out of alignment - car "rumbled" at 75+ MPH. Over all enjoyed the car. Crashed at almost 160k miles, still going strong. Appreciate it much more now that its gone.