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 car - true Volvo reliability? - 2007 Volvo S40
  By Luke - January 10 - 12:40 am

  Ive had the car for about 3 months and am a fairly satisfied customer. I spent several months debating between an Audi A4, BMW 325xi and finally settled on the S40. Considering cost, performance, reliability, etc., the Volvo appeared to come out on top. The car worked flawlessly until last week - 2 fault codes: #4 injector failure and evaporative canister purge. Lets hope the dealership service is as good as its reputation. Only drawback so far - poor fuel economy, even with 91 octane. 21 city, 26 hwy @ 65 mph. Still optomistic at this point.

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  Not A Good Idea - 1996 Volvo 850
  By kittycrabbs - January 9 - 5:56 am

  People like to say Ford screwed up Volvo, but the 850 was made long before Ford took over and its a dog. Constant front alignment problems, tire wear, abs problems, shifter wouldnt move, glove box decided not to open. I got rid of the car when the seat belt wouldnt pull away from the door post- wanted $650 to fix it. Never left me stranded, but the smallest repair job cost a fortune. I thought Id have it a lot longer than 130k miles.

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  More than Impressed - 2008 Volvo S40
  By phil - January 8 - 4:16 pm

  Unless your family is morbidly obese, the small foot-printed yet comfortable Volvo S40 is perfect the vehicle. The seats are best in any class and the rear leg room is adequate for people who didnt lose their legs. The driver foot well is a bit narrow, thus an automatic transmission version is recommended. Although the model is 4 yrs old, the face-lifted 2008 has finally done justice for the lines and shape of S40. Its beauty and sophisticated design is up to par with other just released 2008 cars. An attractive Volvo, what has our world come to?! Anyway, you buy Volvo for its comfortable road manner and silky smooth ride. BMW is no longer exclusive b/c they are everywhere.

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  Its a Love/Hate Thing - 1999 Volvo S80
  By WaterGirl - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought used from a reputable Volvo dealer and I love the comfort and performance. But, weve had a lot of problems. A software upgrade to fix all ills: Been there, done that-more than once. The radiator, alternator, battery, engine mounts (twice), some seal thing($$), and the fire box(big $$!)have all been replaced. A rear door has been fixed and lots of small things. Notably some finish work is cheap/marker lights fall out, levers and covers breaking, etc. Very disappointing at 50K but Id like another one, I hear theyve worked out the bugs. (The service guy whispered that the transmissions have been problematic, as well $$$!!)

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  Solid, Stable, Good Performer - 2000 Volvo S70
  By ctyndal - January 7 - 2:00 am

  An enjoyment to drive everyday on a long commute. Comfortable, quiet, and solid.

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  Good Looker....high maintenance - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Paul Hr - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had 5 Volvos and this is definitely the best looking and the least reliable of the lot. I have had great service and free loaners from the dealer, but have had some problems with the air conditioning system and the top especially. Everything else has been within reason. I also have had the "slow seat" problem, and a seat that failed when in the fully forward position, which necessitated towing. I must say though I have talked about trading it in for a new solara convertable or the new saab, but once they roll up the car when i come to pick it up I change my mind....it is a lot of fun especially here in south florida.

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  Love my XC90! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By brangmas - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven this car since 9/03. My previous car was a Subaru Outback. This car is so comfortable. It has a distinctive external design, great head and tail lights for visibility.The seats are adjustable to a degree Ive never had before, and very cushy. I enjoy the heated seats...an extra, but worth it so far this winter. The dashboard controls are easy to read, and everything is easily accessible. The ride is very smooth and the car handles well on city streets, as well as the highway.

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  Best of Everything for a Solid Price - 2012 Volvo S60
  By roubaud - January 6 - 1:35 pm

  I never thought Id own a Volvo. Ever. My Acura and Mercedes were sweet rides. But here I have a sporty four door that is billed as the safest sedan out there, plenty of pep and road feel, and after 8,000 miles Im won over. Small squeaky belt issue, and mileage could be better (25 combined, 29 on highway) but the seats are SO comfy, and I like the sparse / not busy interior with smoother leather than youll find on similarly priced cars. I wish I had a 2013 AWD, but for this price its a lot of bang for your buck. I dont know why anyone would get an overpriced and dull Merc C instead of this (in regard to a previous S60 reviewer).

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  Lots of Troubles - 1998 Volvo V70
  By drc - January 6 - 10:00 am

  In the first 30 months we owned this car it was in the shop 26 times. Nothing major (except a fuel leak)but lots of minors issues like burned out headlights, rear window that wont roll up and lots of times the "check engine" light came on. Now the leather is separating from the door panel on the drivers door. The troubles just will not stop with this car.

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  Couldnt get any better - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Cecilia - January 5 - 5:33 pm

  Never been more enamored by a vehicle.