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:

• 

  Major Improvement over 2002 Model - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By Andrew - December 13 - 6:40 am

  This is my second Cross Country, having had a 2002 model. Improvements are dramatic: transmission shift smoothness, great radio controls and sound quality, and reduced turning radius are welcome changes. Seat comfort remains unsurpassed: even after a 10-12 hour non-stop trip you arrive refreshed at your destination. Dont be concerned about fuel consumption during the break-in period as it improves significantly. MPG during first 1000 miles was about 14/20 city/highway, now averaging 18/24 after 5000 miles and still improving. Initial thirst followed by major improvement in fuel consumption after break-in is a common Volvo characteristic. Build quality and fit/finish are excellent.

• 

  new car - 2005 Volvo S40
  By kjohnson - December 12 - 4:16 am

  Fantastic car. I love it.

• 

  Nightmare - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Nightmare - December 11 - 9:00 pm

  I bought it used in 04 and have regretted it ever since. Im looking at Japanese cars to finally replace this clunker. I got it with 41K miles and 10K miles later I had to replace a number of things. The biggie was rebuilt transmission at 73K miles; since then it drives like a truck with its 13 mpg. The night mirror chemical dissipated soon thereafter, and now the car lurches to the left whenever I brake. Volvo mechanics have been unable to solve this one.

• 

  S40 Good but could be so much better... - 2004 Volvo S40
  By btp - December 11 - 3:40 pm

  I have driven the car on long trips as well as used it as a commuter and the driver comfort is excellent as are the interior features. My S40 is the 5spd manual non-T5 yet I LOVE the responsiveness and handling of the car in all types of weather - and the good mileage! (way better than auto-trans). I got the winter mats (a must for a New England winter) and had the dealer install - those little buttons that hold the mats in place REALLY should be fastened better. The other nag is that I get intermittent wind noise/whistle from somewhere in back. I dread the first rattle - PLEASE dont be a Ford and rattle after 30k miles! -the fuses for the 12volt were dead when I bought it...bummer.

• 

  Many problems - disappointed owner - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By jnkn of KC - December 11 - 11:10 am

  We had our T6 for 20 months and have had a number of problems. They include power steering rack replaced, horn malfunction, transmission seals replced, right rear hub replaced, radio malfunction. These were are covered under warranty but for $45,000 we were hoping for a more reliable vehicle. The also never mentioned that tires will not last more than 18- 20 thousand miles. Be preparded to spend $900 for new tires regularly.

• 

  Volvo S40 T5 Revoew - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Jim Loukides - December 8 - 2:36 pm

  Since purchasing this car, 2 months ago, it has been back to the dealership 6 for repairs on the radio. I purchased the upgraded stereo, which obviously was a mistake as it never works. When trying to change a station on the radio, after the car has been restarted, the sounds dies and the radio "locks-up". The only way to "un- lock" the radio is by shutting the car off and restarting. Volvo Corp. has been very unresponsive in my concerns about this issue. I will think twice before EVER purchasing another Volvo.

• 

  Almost nearly - 2000 Volvo S80
  By CRITIC - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Have owned one Porsche, two BMWs, one Mercedes, and now two VOLVOs. I have enjoyed driving this S80 as much as any owned except the Porsche. I bought the S80 because of looks,room,perfomance, and reliability of the previous VOLVO 850. Everything as expected EXCEPT reliability. ELectrical problems, front suspension, transmission,A/C,power window, radio, brakes. This car is maintenance intensive and it is a shame because when everything is working correctly it is a great car. Won,t own another

• 

  Long Term Evaluation - 2004 Volvo S60
  By swedewheels - December 8 - 6:57 am

  I have owned the S60 2.5T for ten years, 175,000+ miles, until the sad day I totaled it. What Ive learned from my Volvo experience - ultra reliable, smooth running, and well built. Some driver sight line issues. Repairs: after 75k much front end work on tie rods, bearings, & struts and was still a little rattely. Replaced many tail lights (always kept spares in trunk). No drive train issues except some trans shift flaring from day 1. Interior plastic parts (console lid and steering wheel adjustment handle) broke about 100k. Gas port lid hinge (cheap plastic) broke off at 35k and lost lid on freeway. No rear seat space. Overall an 8.5 out of 10

• 

  Volvo V70R a fun sleeper - 2004 Volvo V70
  By A. Hanlon - December 7 - 3:13 pm

  Fun Wagon. Quick, fast with 155 mph top end. Handles great. Functional. A great looking sleeper car. Great seats. Many a parking valet has said cool wagon, if you need a wagon this is the way to go. Automatic is not as quick as manual. Volvo should not have decreased torque. Plus its safe since its a Volvo.

• 

  Reliable, Safe & Sporty - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Brian - December 7 - 2:16 pm

  No complaints...so far...Ive only had the auto for two weeks. It has unexpected power for a 5-cylinder and everyone seems to think its very stylish