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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  Sport Sedan and Ute all in one - 2000 Volvo V70
  By jabba - November 22 - 9:06 pm

  Great wheels look out suvs

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  Its a Ford! - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Its a Ford! - November 22 - 10:00 am

  All complaints posted apply to my auto too! Buy the extended warranty. Maybe the numerous "kinks" will be out of the car by 50K. Having logged as many as 8-16 annual trips to the dealer for repairs, why take a chance? I bought the warranty, at 45k. When not in the shop, the car is a dream to drive. Repairs major:38k mi. slow down on the freeway = throttle etc; noisy suspension = motor mounts,struts,etc.. Minor annoyances:door lock, steering wheel adjustment failures/breakage. Brakes wear fast 3-front,1 rear replaced before 40k;tires too -nope not the driver, its the car (soft, safe Volvo brakes, heavy car (note the motor mount failures).

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  This is the Ultimate Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Ira Tate - November 22 - 10:00 am

  When i first purchased my Volvo XC90, i was well impressed. It feels so much like a car when i drive it. All of the amentities in the interior are superb. I love the way Volvo designed the truck period!

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  Fabulous, fun, fantastic!!! - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Ann Marie - November 22 - 8:53 am

  You are missing out if you dont drive the new Volvo V50--its pickup is great, the upgraded Bose sound-system is a must-have for any driver. Its also very easy to park, and has excellent dimensions for trips to Home Depot and picking up bigger items.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By MKMVA - November 22 - 6:46 am

  When we purchased the XC90, we did not plan on moving and having to maintain 2 households 300 miles apart. We have already put 24k miles on our XC90 and have not had one problem. The fuel economy has been wonderful! Better than expected. Our navigation system has been a life saver in our new city. With 3 boys. We needed a comfortable and safe ride. This car has fit the bill.

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  A classic wagon (with great seats) - 2008 Volvo V70
  By Peter - November 21 - 8:56 pm

  This isnt necessarily a "fun" car, but it is comfortable, quiet and practical. I think it makes a lot of sense for a family that needs something big enough for kids and gear, but isnt interested in a minivan or SUV. The interior is beautifully designed and assembled. It is one of those cars where almost every design decision appears to have been driven by a lot of thought about ergonomics. Materials are generally high quality. While the base price might be 32K, it is difficult to find one without a lot of options (and a much higher MSRP). However, I was able to get a "left- over" 2008 at a bit over 25 percent off. I have had this car for only two weeks, so ignore my reliability score.

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  A great car if you treat it right. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Jesse Coley - November 20 - 3:30 am

  I bought this car used with 80,000 miles on it. Its currently pushing 100,000 miles and I have had none of these problems other reviewers keep talking about. My brakes are FINE. The Check Engine light only comes on if I gun the engine while it is still cold, but then the light usually goes back off before the day is over. I had to replace the turbo when I first purchased the car, but Im sure thats why it was for sale in the first place. Turbo cars have special needs. Synthetic oil and letting the engine idle a bit before shutting off the car is a MUST. Im sure the previous owner didnt. Some people complain about bulbs burning out. The solution is to turn off the day-time running lamps.

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  V70 2.5T Wagon - 2005 Volvo V70
  By Jude - November 20 - 1:36 am

  This is our second V70, we had the first for 4 years. Purchased the first wagon used, had minor issue with brakes, oxygen senor however nothing major. Our second V70, 2005 wagon purchased it used, great car, looks and drives great.

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  Just Purchased - 2008 Volvo S40
  By ericp - November 19 - 10:53 pm

  I just purchased my S40 in Feb 09. I never thought of owning a Volvo but the dealer had this silver brand new 08, the sticker was $27,400. They let it go for $19,000 so how could I refuse. So far it is a very enjoyable car. Simple and very strong! I wish it had about 20 more HP, however it still is a wonderful car.

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  Reasonably satisfied - 1997 Volvo 960
  By Richard N. - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Original owner. This is my third Volvo (previous 2 740s). Nagging problems during first few years of ownership - nothing serious, just irritating. I had less problems with the 740s. Mechanical repairs limited to a faulty O2 sensor and a fan installed to prevent a malodorous aroma from airco (high humidity climate). Sun roof repaired twice. The service problems seem to have abated in the last couple of years. Bought extended warranty - so far they are ahead with one year to go.