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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  Very intelligent choice - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By san - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car at many, many point of vue. Versatile, very comfortable, excellent package (Sport for 2004), spacious, very good looking...

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  Great Family SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By PWD2008 - January 20 - 6:56 am

  Have owned my XC90 for 6 years and worked through several minor but aggravating issues while under warranty. I bought the XC90 for Volvos reputation for safety and reliability, styling, and comfort. Im very satisfied overall performance and this is one of the best highway vehicles Ive owned. The ride is smooth and the 5 cylinder engine is responsive enough for all my needs. On the reliability side, I believe Ford took several cost savings measures and put cheap parts into a high end vehicle. e.g. headlamp cover pitting, rear wheel bearing wear, lug nuts rusting, and electronics problems. Very aggravating.. My 2nd vehicle (Honda Element)is more reliable at 1/2 the price

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  Skip the Tech Package - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By mms34cougar - January 19 - 4:48 pm

  I love this car! It is fast (even with 87 octane gas), my back has never felt better (the seats are firmer than non R-Design seats), the premium sound is great, and with the Red R-Design we get compliments on the looks at least once a week. The tech package is amazing when it is not broken. We have had it in the shop 4x with a complete replacement & sensors that stop working. Also, if you travel in snowy climates the parking distance, blind spot, collision & adaptive cruise can stop working due to ice build-up on your grill, bumper, and side window cameras. We get combined City (30%) /Hwy (70%) Mileage of 21.7 over the past 6 months.

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  XC90 After Chrismas Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Harry - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the XC90 December 26, 2004 at the same time gas prices hit $2 a gallon in Las Vegas. My Ford got 13 MPG and I saw the cost only going up. I returned from Phoenix today (9/12/10) and averaged 23.7 MPG with the 2.5 T FWD. It has been a trouble free purchase with the original Michelin tires still on the vichele.

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  I love my XC 60 - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Rob - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I was in love with the Volvo XC 60 since I first saw it at a secret test shoot in Reno a few years ago. From that moment, I wanted one (and I already owned the Volvo XC 90). I finally bought it a few months and and I absolutely love it. If I have any complaints---they are: 1. Gas Mileage is subpar (the car REALLY gets about 14 MPG in the city, and 21ish on the highway (and I have the smallest engine). 2. Theres a bad blind spot looking out the back window. Other than thats, its fantastic. And...dont buy their navigation system (I didnt). Buy a Garmin NUVI 3790(which is better)and have your autosound dealer install it and save $$. Other than that, I love this car and so will you

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  No Regrets! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By ayang90 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  It was between the Audi Q5 and XC60 and I went for the XC60. Have about 3500 mi. on the car and I have no regrets with my decision. Its fun to drive and I havent had any problems so far. Fits three kids comfortably in the back with the integrated booster and serves as an adequate backup family hauler when not using our mini-van.

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  Volvo - 2000 Volvo S40
  By S40 John - January 18 - 7:00 am

  Yes this car has its problems, every car does. For the most part the pluses outweigh problems. The styling is classic, Its very fast and fun to drive. Huge sunroof, amazing on gas, fits anywhere and AMAZING in the snow (was as good as my 4wd Jeep I owned). Aside from keeping up on things that break from time to time, its a very solid/safe smaller car.

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  Built strong to last long - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Hartman - January 17 - 12:13 pm

  I have the manual trans. and I love flipping through gears on the back country roads. The volvo rides really well, and brings a strong sense of safety while inside. The S70 has surprising jump and performance for a 5cyl. The car handles great in snow and rain (firestone affinity tires), hugs tight corners well, and driving the S70 leaves me daydreaming of rally car racing! -no joke- Only a few minor quirks but overall this car is flying under the radar as an awesome sedan - and this is comparing to the bmw 3series and vw passat

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  A Winner for the Long (and Large) Haul - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By Gail - January 16 - 5:16 pm

  I purchased this wagon for Michigan winters and it has been wonderful. I hate vans and SUVs so this was a great way to transport kids, snowboards, and weaving looms but then also have some dignity and style. It has been perfectly reliable and made winter driving a joy for this transplant from NC. The only change Id make is the digital clock that tends to speed up and is difficult to set exactly. The car doesnt get super mileage, but the tradeoff is a heavy, safe and sturdy vehicle that I will keep hopefully as long as my last Volvo (15 years!!) I highly recommend this brand/model and hope it is still a winner in 10 more years.

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  2004 Volvo XC70 - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Tracy - January 16 - 1:10 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned! Its safe, comfortable and has a fantastic stereo system. My 2 dogs are safe in the back section and it had all the bells and whistles without having to buy up. My lease ends next year and Im in the process of purchasing this vehilce early I love it so much, I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a great alternative to an SUV.