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 DRIVE, REPAIR FREQUENT - 2001 Volvo S40
  By ANGRY/NOW IM MAD - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the car handles, but disappointed with inferior parts. Headlights BRAKES (last 15,000 mi), no auto trunk, window motors, air conditioner leaks on inside, recalls. Had several repairs, some my fault, other have been under warranty, Im at 30,000 mi, what happens at 48,000 mi when warranty expires, I stuck, right?I purchased a volvo for longevity, reliability and safety, instead I got a car I can only sell at a loss and fear of expensive repairs after the warranty expires

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  I Love the 05 XC 70 - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By gesteiger - March 27 - 12:43 am

  The 2005 Volvo XC 70 handles well, and is comfortable to drive. I love the heated seats and dual climate control. I also like all of the great safety features, including the all- wheel drive. I will probably purchase another Volvo in about 15 years.

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  Great SUV Crossover - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By new15 - March 26 - 8:19 pm

  I purchased the Volvo XC 60 in May of 2011 for my wife. She has been the primary driver of the car and has put over 23,000 miles on the car in nearly one year. We have been very pleased and could not be happier with our purchase decision. The car rides great and the front seats are exceptional for overall comfort. The car is equipped with the 3.2 engine with AWD.

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  Surprisingly FUN! - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Kenneth Bunch - March 26 - 6:26 pm

  Initially, I got the car b/c I could not pass up the great lease deal. This car has great pickup for a 200 HP engine, is very roomy and comfortable. It has a firm drive and is has very responsive handling. Interior lags behing Lexus but is respectable. 6 airbags in the car is a plus.

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  NEVER BUY A VOLVO - 2000 Volvo S40
  By lopp - March 25 - 11:43 am

  I will never buy another volvo in my life. My car has been in and out of the mechanic shop for various reasons - coil springs, thermostat,sensors, throttle position, etc. Believe it or not my car has even accelerated twice on its own. Talk about a scary situation. The drivers window doesnt go down and interior parts from the sunroof have fallen off.MY radio antenna recently fell off. Last but not least half the lights on the radio no longer work. Thanks volvo for the lemon!

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  Love my wagon - 2000 Volvo V40
  By carrie - March 25 - 7:06 am

  I hit a soft shoulder in this wagon going 70 mph and it stuck to the ground like rock. I feel very safe in this car and it is extremely comfortable for the driver and front passenger. Three kids in the back complain!! The driver cup holder is awkwardly above the CD player or below the middle arm rest. The booster seats are nice, but when kids fall asleep there is no support for their heads. I had to replace the rear wiper multiple times (6-7), but I will be sad to part with this car. The leather held up nicely, but I did also have a problem with the lights on the control panel which was >$650 to fix when I thought a fuse change would do it.

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  volvo s60 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By snoopy29 - March 23 - 5:56 pm

  Fun car to drive in the city

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  Nice Looking, but. - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Paul - March 22 - 5:56 pm

  Too many issues. Mostly electrical, control type problems. In dealership for service far too many times. No reason to do the Volvo experience again

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  Beautiful Car Inside and Out - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Magic BlueOne - March 22 - 11:00 am

  First off, I enjoy just looking at my C70, it is a beautiful car. Its handling, breaking and acceleration are all capable, so for my intended purpose of top down cruising it is a pleasure. For the reality as a daily driven commuter work horse the Northeast its proved both comfortable and reliable, and the hard top is a necessity. Its a sedan when I need it, a convertible when I want it. Nice job Volvo.

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  Good Car - 2007 Volvo V50
  By mattypv50 - March 21 - 4:08 am

  Mine has 156,000KM on it. Bought it as a demo with 22,000KM (Canada). Its been good. Here is a list of things that needed repair: 1. Ambient temperature gauge wouldnt work causing the A/C to malfunction. This required 3 trips to the dear to fix it 2. A/C Air Compressor died around 130,000km 3. Both wheel bearings needed to be replaced 4. Both front shocks needed to be replaced 5. One day while driving the car just full on shut down. Had it towed and it was a fuel line sensor I think thats about it. So only left me stranded once. Overall, a pretty good car.