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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  Glad I bought it - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By San Diego Guy - January 9 - 2:03 pm

  I love my XC90...the car is well designed and has been solid as a rock so far. Buying experience was the easiest Ive ever had and the car has lived up to its billing by Volvo. Only flaws so far has been the headlight washers which just squirt onto the hood (had the dealer disconnect) and the Homelink system had to be replaced, but Volvo took care of both. Mileage could be better, but Im getting about 18.5 mpg combined driving so not too bad. Get one if you want a well built, comfortable, and fun SUV to drive!

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  Sports car with space - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Mike - January 8 - 10:43 pm

  I love this car. Its the smallest of the three Volvos Ive owned (previous cars: 245DL wagon and an 850 sedan), but by far the most fun. I wanted a car with sports car-like handling and acceleration, but I also wanted space in the back to accommodate, for instance, a couple of bales of peat moss. I got it all. The car flies--merging onto the highway is really fun now--and its power is evident at low RPMs, too. I have the brushed aluminum interior and its very cool. Cons: Theres not a great deal of storage space up front, and the back seats are a little tight for normal-sized adults, but we have an SUV for long trips. A great drivers car.

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  Parking brake needs service - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Jo - January 6 - 6:26 pm

  I have owned my 2016 XC 90 for a month and it is already in the shop. When I came out of the store my car wouldnt start due to a warning light that indicated the parking brake needed service. I called the Volvo dealer and they had me try putting my key in the slot on the console to see if that would work, nothing happened. I was told that the car would indeed have to be towed into the dealership. Also, since my phone was connected to the Volvo it wiped out my contacts due to a computer glitch in the car! Since the car was in park the tow truck driver had to call the dealership to see how to override the transmission so he could get the car to move. I watched as they dragged my car up the tow truck ramp. I traded in my 2010 XC90 with over 100,000 miles on it and the only time it was ever in the shop was for service. I would wait to purchase the 2016 until all the bugs have been worked out and people know how to work on them. This is so disappointing and frustrating.

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  For the Price - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Volvo for Life - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This car looks like a Mercedes and gets mistaken for a BMW all for a fraction of the price. I think this is one of those cars that was overlooks by the American public. It has the sporty look of a european exotic and the safety of a Volvo. Great for a young single guy.

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  VOLVO SAVED MY LIFE - 2006 Volvo S40
  By jlong4 - January 2 - 6:26 am

  I was driving an 06 black Volvo s40 2.4i. It had 138k miles and drove like brand new. I loved every second of it. However, one day there was a dog on the freeway in the fast lane. I swerved and couldnt gain control back. I went across five lanes of traffic where I then flipped, all while doing 70. The curtain airbag deployed and I was able to walk away with a small bruise. Needless to say, I went and bought another 06 blue Volvo s40 T5. And I could not be happier. Once a Volvo, always a Volvo. I have not had any issues with the new one. Usual maintenance and what not, gas mileage is at about 24-27 MPG, but not bad for a turbo.

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  S60, Better than the 325i because..... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By gator1845 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  As an Auto buyer, i was looking for something a bit snotty, but reasonable at the same time. I was impressed with the sportiness of the S60 2.5 T, the comfort and craftmanship. When i drove the BMW 325i, i was not as impressed. One of the reasons is that it lacks the power of the S-60, the BMW is nice mind you, it handles well, but the S-60 is very competent on the road as well, also the luxury features for the money are better. The safety features are bar none, you owe yourself at least a drive, if you are considering a 325i. I suggest getting the premium and sport package at minimum, it makes the car very fun.

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  xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By marta - December 31 - 2:00 am

  i have had many suvs and this is the best one i have had.its extremely comfortable and accelerates quickly. superb stereo system and comfortable interior. drives like a luxury car, not truck or suv like at all, very smooth.

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  Poor Mans Luxury Import Sedan - 2000 Volvo S80
  By The Big Guy - December 30 - 10:00 am

  First import in our garage. Great to drive, reliable, scheduled maintenance only. When you compare standard/optional features, price and comfort against BMW, Mercedes and Lexus the S80 beats them hands down. Bought the car because Im 6 6", 320# and it was the only thing other than a domestic boat I could fit in to. Glad I did. Outstanding ride, city or highway.

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  My Dream car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By VolvoFanatic - December 29 - 10:10 pm

  I love this car, and have wanted one since they came out with the new body style in 2004.5. The only trouble I have had was the alarm siren had to be replaced, but was of course covered by warranty. I was considering an Accord, but I am glad I went with the S40. I replaced my 2000 S70 with it.

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  I look forward to driving this S60 every day - 2013 Volvo S60
  By virginiacarguy - December 29 - 12:31 pm

  Having owned many BMWs, Audi, Acura and various other cars and SUVs, this S60 is the perfect balance of comfort and fun to drive. The old Volvo stereotypes are long gone. While it doesnt have the track or tech specs of a 3 series (like 50/50 weight distribution), it excels at daily driving by perfectly balancing performance and comfort. The S60 is smooth, quiet, composed, solid, quick, very comfortable with superb seats and firm suspension that is never harsh. I recommend the Polestar modification that makes the vehicle faster, reduces throttle/pedal travel and makes power available more immediately. A loaded 325 hp S60 is thousands less than a loaded 4 cyl BMW.