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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  Poor Mans BMW - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Scott Bentrup - August 29 - 4:10 am

  I bought in Feb 04, and fell in love immediately. Suspension is nice and tight with a feel that inspires confidence, but in cold MN winters it gets a little rough. Drives like other European sedans (Audi A4, BMW 3 series). I did have some problems with rear drivers side door locks, but easily fixed. Did also have problem with fuel pump. Both would have been pricey, but I bought an extended warranty - which I would recommend. Minor finish issues also with drivers door console, but that was fault of prior owner. Gas mileage is a little low in the city, but on the freeway at 75 it still gets 30-32 MPG. Overall, it is a very fun car to drive, very sporty, looks nice w/spoiler, fairly reliable.

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  Fun, Safe, and Enjoyable - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By VOLVO XC60 3.2 AWD - August 28 - 10:40 pm

  Overall, this car is fantastic. It is fun to drive. It handles more like a car than an SUV. Tight turning radius. The city safety feature as standard demonstrates Volvos dedication to safety. The ride is smooth and handles well on the road in all conditions. The only problem is the gas mileage. Fuel economy is great on long open roads (at times I was getting in near 30 mpg), while city driving I get close to 10. This disparity is my only problem with the vehicle. I had an idea of this going in, which is why I am happy with my selection. Volvo did great with this car.

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  Ergo Zoom! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By womangolf - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased this car from Garden State Volvo in Manasquan NJ who with David, my salesman gave me an amazing deal. I also own a Porsche Boxter but needed a winter car with AWD because of where I live. Much to my surprise this car goes like the devil! It must be the automotive industrys best kept secret, a safe, reliable car that goes way fast I have owned BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches and this is among my favorite! I can see a speeding ticket in my future

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  Satisfied - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By curtpark - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a troublsome 2000 M Class. The XC is off to a good start with no surprises. The engine is strong (I use 89 octane)and runs flawlessly. The front seats a fantastic but the rear seats a just a bit firm. The standard CD player is fine. I have not had to use it in snow yet. Mileage on the highway is at or over the EPA numbers. I hope that it is as trouble free as my wifes 96 Vovlo sportwagon which has had no problems since new, just regular servicing.

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  great car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By GRZEL - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Driving for 25 years, and this is the first car that I LOVE to drive, top up, top down, local and highway. Commute to and from NYC daily, and find the car very comfortable, with lots of pep, great ride and tons of fun with the top down. Get lots of compliments on the looks, too. Cant wait to have somewhere to go.

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  Wagon Love - 2008 Volvo V70
  By Dan De Angelis - August 19 - 12:28 pm

  I held off on my review until we had several thousand miles logged in the car and a few service intervals. This isn’t our first Volvo as we have had 240’s, 740’s and S70’s through the years. Along with Volvos we have owned everything from Mini Vans to Mercedes, approximately 55 vehicles in all. I was attracted to the V70 because of styling, performance and the need for cargo space. All of which have been fulfilled with this car. We found this previously owned with 48,000 gentle one owner mi. and all service records up to date. We have taken several road trips thus far and use as a commuter during the week. Absolutely no disappointments at all and I enjoy driving a vehicle that doesn’t look like the majority of vehicles on the road. Other reviewers have a tendency to compare this to vehicles that out perform and out handle the V70 but they miss the essence entirely. This wagon has plenty of power provided by the 3.2 Litre ( same motor in the LR1 Land Rover) and delivers well when called upon. The comfort is second to none and the fit and finish throughout the vehicle is way above the standard run of the mill cars for the masses. Our V70 is the silver metallic sans the luggage rack with 6 spoke 16” wheels. It’s amazing how many people compliment on the looks and the younger gen love it! Kinda cool for a station wagon huh ? I will be adding Bilstein HD Struts and Shocks along with rear stabilizer bar soon for ride and sound improvements but that’s it. We continue to service at all intervals and to this point have absolutely no complaints. Go find a well kept V70 and stand out!

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  Fun AWD Wagon - 2004 Volvo V70
  By lehigh88 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Needed a famiy vehicle after child number 2 arrived. Wanted AWD and luggage space. Compared PASSAT GLX AWD, MB e320 AWD, Audi A6 Avant and Audi Allroad. Looked briefly at he min- vans and suvs but not a big fan of these vehicles. After extensive analysis, we settled on the Volvo V70R and we are very happy with our choice. Great build quality, styling, comfort, performance and utility. Good value versus the competition. A few minor areas can be improved. The turning radius is wide, which doesnt impact driving but does affect u-turns and pulling into a tight parking spot. The stereo/climate control ergonomics can be improved a bit.

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  Very satisfied buyer! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By smithran - August 19 - 1:43 am

  I purchased my S40 T5 in August 2004. It is actually a 2004.5(2005). To date, I have 32K miles on the car and still handles and performs like I just drove it off the lot. The only problem I have had with the car was a defective security chip (15K miles). Once replaced, not another problem. This car feels safe and secure. The car also loves the highway. Cruising an interstate at 80-85mph seems to be the speed this car loves. I just hope I can keep evading speeding tickets. Acceleration you ask? Well..A co-worker has an BMW M3 and he has trouble trying to get away from me ..{{Smiling}} Would I buy another S40 T5? YES! Without a second thought and the price is right. {{Wink}}

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  Solid ride - 2010 Volvo S40
  By thurstrw - August 17 - 5:40 pm

  Picked up my S40 AWD R5 turbo in Sweden in early January. Have driven it 1200 miles since, through a lot of snow and construction on the autobahns, as well as urban driving in tight European streets. I love the stability of the car; it inspires more confidence than anything else Ive had. Corners very flat. The acceleration is fine with me. Great sound system.

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  Last good Volvo - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Josh - August 17 - 5:23 am

  I have next to no problems with my car. It now has 90k on it and still going strong like Volvos do. I would not buy a new one than a 1999, Ford really wrecked the things Volvo stood for (tank like and indestructible).