Volvo Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.36/5 Average
5,634 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 1691 through 1700 of 5,634.00
  • Loved it! - 1999 Volvo S80
    By -

    I bought mine wrecked with 70k miles-- my dad owns a shop and he fixed it and then we moved across the country. It does excellent in bad snow, even with the winter driving off. I had no issues with this car whatsoever. My only issue was that parts cost so much and you really have to take it to the dealer for just an oil change because no one carries the filter. Its pretty fast for a full size sedan and mine got 25-28 mpg. The stereo sound is pretty awesome for just being factory. If brand new ones werent so expensive I would buy another.

  • pleased - 2000 Volvo S40
    By -

    I have been very pleased with the Volvo S40. It has been quite reliable, and I feel very safe with it. I get about 28 mpg on the interstate (which is most of my driving). Ive had little in the way of any problems. If asked to present constructive critism for the company I would say the armrest between the front seats. I would consider it pretty flimsy, it has broken three times. Other than that, I really wouldnt complain, its truly been a good car.

  • Last Volvo - 2000 Volvo S70
    By -

    This has been the most expensive car Ive ever had to own. I wouldnt say its very reliable either Warranty service was fair at best. I dread the check engine light going on. Thats never less than a $1,000. I like the way the car looks and drives but I cant afford it or can I rely on it.

  • Love it Love it Love it - 1999 Volvo S70
    By -

    Bought my T5 on ebay, Love the visual lines, lack of blind spots, overall performance is incredible. Slight hesitation in the turbo boost is forgotten once the apparent endless flow of HP kicks in! I prefer my 5 spd to auto trans as the control over the HP makes the car a real trip to drive. Volvo also makes the most comfortable seats of any manufacturer I have experienced. The ride is solid and my upgraded Michelins have resulted in a ride that would rival most new cars. I love my T5 (my wife will confirm) and will drive it for many years to come... Only improvements are flimsy cupholders and that my turbo eats gas at an alarming rate (thats the tradeoff)

  • My Favorite Car to Date!! - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    I, like many, was looking at the BMWs, Audis, etc. But this car most surely outperformed! And is so sassy! I love it!!

  • I Love Volvo for life! - 2007 Volvo XC90
    By -

    I Love my Volvo! To own a Volvo had always been my dream, and finally came true! I got my Volvo for my birthday! I am so happy driving my XC90, with 7 seats has room for everything and everyone, it is beautiful, is eye catching! I feel so safe when I am on the freeway, it takes the curves so easy, and it feels so smoth!...I love every single detail of the vehicle, but what I love the most is that it is so roomy in the inside, without being to big in the outside. In SF is not easy to find parking, and I always wanted a vehicle, that will be easy to park, but that will be big enough to carry my whole family and pet, and also that will be elegant and safe...I sure found all that in my Volvo!!

  • Decent Car for price range - 2005 Volvo S60
    By -

    Issues I have with the car is that the steering radius is the worst Ive ever experienced, visibility from drivers seat isnt the greatest due to cars design that causes blind spots, cant select specific songs to be played on iPod, mileage for city driving is poor (I get about 180-200 miles per tank). Very basic interior, so I purchased for a wood trim kit in an attempt to give it a little luxury. Steering on my car is pretty tight (which I like), but Ive driven other S60s that had way too much power assist. Evidently something about the model I have made it tight, thankfully. If the 3 series BMW had front wheel drive, and the rear seats folded, I would have bought it instead.

  • Great ride - 2000 Volvo S80
    By -

    I believe I own the best European car on the market. Maybe not the best in every category, but definitely the biggest bang for the buck. I love the ride, safety, and the awesome reliability. In 73000 miles, Ive had a position light burn out-- thats it. I love this car from the outside in. I bought my S80 with 6 miles on it, and I plan on driving it until the odometer stops turning and the wheels fall off. And last but not least, Ive experienced very competent Volvo after sale service.

  • S40 Volvo Desires - 2000 Volvo S40
    By -

    If you like small cars, this is an excellent choice. Drink holder in front is about as convenient as reaching for the one in the back. Option pricing puts this car way into stratosphere for what you get

  • Let Down - Not what they used to be - 2002 Volvo S40
    By -

    I have owned this vehicle for 4.5 years, purchased certified pre-owned and the 1st yr was great. This vehicle has soooo many mechanical blunders that when I look at it, Im afraid it might need to go to the shop. I have invested atleast $6,500.oo or more in repairs and replaced tires twice. One dealership replaced parts on it that werent required to fix the problem and I had it towed from the dealer to a small time mechanic who fixed the problem for 1/4 of the price. I could vent more about it but Ill save their face. I will not buy another Volvo.

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