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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  The Wagon of Choice!! - 2006 Volvo XC70
  By Gaith_XC70 - December 1 - 7:43 pm

  After carefully researching all the other similar vehicles, we picked the XC70, with the premium and climate packages. Other makes came with more options for less money. But..a volvo is a volvo...is a volvo - it is all about safety. Most of all we love the feel of the solid construction. My wife surprised me by actually liking the feel of this car. When compared to an Accord, it has a slightly ponderous feel, but it is easy to get used to. Also the room...other AWD wagons in this class simply do not have the same roominess.

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  The Perfect SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Upton185 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  After researching all the competetive SUVs in the luxury segment, I decided to lease the new Volvo XC90T6. Although the great demand limited some of my option choices, I can state without equivication that this is the finest atomobile Ive ever owned. The well thought out cabin, the versatility of the 3rdseat and the safety of the gyroscopic anti-roll technology is unbeatable, not to metion the finest car like ride that any SUV could offer.

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  Best Suv I Have Owned or Driven! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Scott Prichard - November 24 - 5:53 am

  I ordered the XC90 V8 about three months ago and just received it about three days ago. I was fortunate enough to get a loaner V8 by the dealer until mine arrived. I dont have anything bad to say about it and it is a pleasure to drive. Incredibly great handling and a very solid feel. We drove just about every luxury SUV and it was really a very easy decision for us. The rear seat entertainment is the best on the market as far as we are concerned; much better than the "drop down" systems. Excellent car choice, especially with people with small kids!

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  Experiences With My Current Volvo S70 - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Vivian - November 19 - 10:30 pm

  This is a stick shift car which is going strong at 92,000 miles. I use it for both business and personal use. It is roomy inside, handles beautifully, and I feel very safe when Im driving. I like the design better than the new Volvo sedans design. Fuel economy is impressive - better than the published figures (my driving is about 50% city and 50% highway). Trunk space is more than adequate. We generally keep our Volvos for fourteen or fifteen years and they are always manual transmission cars.

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  volvo is hard to beat - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Stephen Dixon - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had 3 volvos,, they last, they are safe,, and now they are sporty and fast. This one turns heads. AWD is perfect in Colorado. A blend of a sporty car and a reliable sedan. I dont see anything else on the read that compares.

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  Volvos60 AWD Impressed! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Kym - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Havent owned very long but have owned Many cars & Minivans & I have to say this is my FAVORITE!!! This car gets up and goes, and safety...well need I say more than its a Volvo! Looks GREAT! Handles well in and out of snow, just A++++ Car!!!

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  Great Drive - 2008 Volvo C30
  By sweethome - November 18 - 3:16 pm

  Terrific car. Went in to replace my 2001 Cross Country with the new model, wasnt crazy about the feel, and ended up testing the C-30. Cant believe I went from all that space to this 2-dr hatchback. What a good decision. With the back seats down, I can put my golf clubs, my wifes golf clubs and all the luggage we would ever need for a long trip. Comfort, ride, sound, all spectacular, and you gotta love the BLIS - no more neck craning to find that truck hidden in my blind spot. In my travels on the east and west coasts and the south, I have yet to see another C-30 on the road, so the uniqueness is a plus as well. People do stare.

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  T5 - 2001 Volvo V70
  By volvo lover - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Love this wagon . Had 850T5 love that one . no one can do a wagon like VOLVO.

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  My Sports Car Replacement - 2006 Volvo V70
  By V70 R AWD - November 13 - 10:40 am

  We are pleasantly surprised. We had to find a family vehicle to replace the not so family friendly 03 Porsche 911. My new replacement vehicle is a wolf is sheep’s clothing: fun, fast with room for our new addition (our daughter) and the family dog. I was not expecting the performance that is provided in this car from a Volvo, not to mention a wagon. As it stands now, I don’t even miss my beloved Porsche. Interior is well laid out and all functions are easy to operate. As for fuel mileage, average 26.1 mpg; this is higher than the 25 mpg advertised in every review I’ve read thus far. Love it!

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  Great R - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Relmid - November 13 - 3:03 am

  Wonderful driving experience. Compared it against the Acura TL, BMW 3 series, hands down the Volvo is the car to own.