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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  A Good Solid Car - 2003 Volvo V70
  By Chicago Matt - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for about three months. It spends most of its time in the city, where it does very well. Where it really shines, however, is on the highway. We took a 2,000 mile trip and it was amazing - comfortable, smooth, quiet and fun to drive in the mountains. On the highway, I got 28 mpg. In town, it is closer to 16 mpg (all stop and go). The acceleration makes it fun to drive. The brakes are awesome. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a solid, high-quality and versatile people and stuff mover (who doesnt want an SUV or minivan).

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  The S40, a poor mans BMW 3 series - 2000 Volvo S40
  By graphics_diva - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a great car. Some of the interior items (knobs, handles) scratch and wear poorly. Cup holder and automatic window controls are poorly located. This car goes thru break shoes extremely fast, like every 15K, but to be fair, it stops on a dime. Volvo dealerships treat all car owners like gold, even if you have their lowest priced model as I do. They fix head and tail lights for free and with no argument and will provide a loaner car if only you ask for one. Customer service is a number one priority and they are THE BEST. It is mostly the service that convince me that my next car should also be a Volvo.

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  A solid car - 1998 Volvo S70
  By tmcdaniels - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with over 151000 miles on it . It still runs like a top and does not miss a beat. The car is very comfy, great leather and seats. Super sterio. Solidly built, fun to drive.

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  Review - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Mo - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my car! The only drawback is that, being a "petite" (short 53") woman, the ergonomically designed seats dont really work for me. I have 2 kids and feel really safe in this car while fully enjoying its creature comforts.

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  my volvo - 2001 Volvo V70
  By dark1 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I am happy with my V70 T5. Only a few minor problems. Drives great. Has a sporty suspension feel.

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  Volvo S60 Rocks! - 2003 Volvo S60
  By backno37 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the best in class...hands down!

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  Own it 1 week, at service shop twice! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By fromny2la - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Looks beautiful and hopefully is safe, but had to bring it back twice within four days of purchase. Makes loud swooshing whistling noise upon stepping off gas pedal. Per the dealership, they are aware of this and are working on a "fix." Alignment is off completely. Service couldnt find anything yet car still veers completely to the left. Car shakes if you go over 60 mph. Was told by a good friend that she know three other people with similar problems.

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  Bad Car Days - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Lake Jackson Tx. - October 31 - 4:36 pm

  Paint flecking off. Paint scratches easily. Freshly shampooed hair stains the interior. Some kind of coating on interior knobs is coming off and they are sticky. Lightbulbs inside and outside of car are forever going out. Steering rack replaced twice. Air condition will blow hot or cold high and low whenever it feels like it. Check engine light is always on. Problems with the radio. Cruise control works when it feels like it. Console lid is broken. Front cup holder is a joke. Overall do not buy this car! The parts for this car are way over priced.

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  2 Summers of Fun - 2004 Volvo C70
  By jipsu1988 - October 31 - 10:36 am

  2nd review, sold the car after 2 great summers. Great ownership experience with no mechanical problems at all. Always looked great/unique, the 2 kids had lots of room in back. Smooth Georgia roads with turns brought out the best of this car. Interior comfort and quality were great (unlike some others experience). Not a firm, sporty drive (like BMW and Audi A4) but a fine GT cruiser. Avg 23 mpg in mixed driving, 28 on highway. Extended warranty if youre buying used may be required w/reference to others mech problems. I would stay away if you live in a city with rough roads. If you can find one used at low-mid 20s it should still be worth 15K in 3 more years. Good fun for not much coin!

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  Our XC60 Nightmare - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By nzgazza - October 30 - 10:58 pm

  We live in NZ and bought a new XC60 T6 12 months ago. It now has done 6,500km, and has been off the road for a total of 4 weeks. The issues -Engine oil leak - new gasket was fitted -Since the oil leak repair we have topped -up the engine oil. (still an issue?) -False seat belt alarms (not yet resolved) - City Stop activating twice with no obstacles in the way, terrifying my wife and two boys. -The car failed the WOF due to a leak from the power steering, a new steering rack was fitted -A new faulty steering pipe had to be replaced - A fastener was also required the same job We contacted Volvo Sweden who didnt want to know. Our first and last Volvo, worst car we have ever owned