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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  From Audi to Volvo - 2003 Volvo S60
  By G1wzwnd - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I just got my S60 after driving an Audi A6 and there is no looking back. This car is beautiful, drives like a dream and has a very comfortable interior. Its a great choice.

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  Luxury, Safety, and Utility-- Volvo V70 - 2002 Volvo V70
  By Tracy Boswell - August 4 - 9:40 am

  This car has surpassed my expectations! Whenever I have to rent a car, whether it is a new SUV, minivan, or luxury sedan, I am always delighted to return home to my Volvo V70. It drives smoothly, yet you can still feel the road to assist with driving decisions. It handles beautifully in all types of weather. And it has an extremely comfortable interior--especially the leather seats! I will definitley be a repeat Volvo owner!

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  XC90 V8 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Sheryl - August 3 - 4:06 pm

  Have shopped every 3 row SUV out there. For us, this one hits a home run. More useable interior space than a Sequoia or Escalade, due to folding first, second and third row seats, safety features unmatched by any other , the most comfortable seats I tried and a smooth, easy ride made the decision clear. The V8 is a pleasure to drive. It is smooth, crisp and powerful. The interior is among the quietest of any Ive been in.

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  Best Car I have owned yet - 2013 Volvo S60
  By hashmd - August 3 - 3:54 am

  My previous car was a top of the line 2006 Chrysler Town and Country. With the kids finally grown, I wanted a nice sedan to replace it after my son wrecked it. Of course, after a wreck, you want something safe. This car was the perfect balance of luxury, ride, performance, and gas mileage, all on REGULAR gas! Other luxury performance cars are strictly Premium grade gas. And this car passed the newest type of crash test at the IIHS which Mercedes, Audi, BMW didnt pass at all. Acura barely passed. Do other cars get better performance specs? Sure, but they cost noticably more. BMW gets better mileage, but again at higher purchase price and premium gas.

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  Inexpensive, Fun to Drive, Great w/ Gas - 2003 Volvo S40
  By ArmyWife1971 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, nearly like a sport car, but without higher insurance costs. I love the way it gets up and the comfort for the driver. I do not like the wheel adjuster for the passenger seat. For me this is really a two person car because the front passengers are EXTREMELY comfy. The rear ones are just ok. Also, what happened to a trunk light? Im on nearly 30k miles in less than a year, no problems with the car at all. Overall I am pleased. I must say my once loved SUV is now parked while I zip around in a fast but safe car.

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  Boxy but Good...Think again! - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Scott_740 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Being a newcomer to Volvo, I was guilty of stereotyping the brand based on its prior conservative looks. Once inside the cabin, I was impressed with the build quality and comfort of the front seats. The interior layout is ergonomically friendly and the choice of materials and surfaces are attractive and sporty (the wood is a great touch!). All of that on top of eye-catching exterior styling and enough zip to surprise many BMW and Mercedes owners at stop lights.

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  Volvo for Life - 2004 V70R - 2004 Volvo V70
  By RollNR John Miller - July 28 - 12:40 am

  This car is a great all purpose vehicle and HIGH performance for the money. Where can you get a car that will exceed 140 mph and transport 10ft pieces of pipe inside with 4 people. The ride is as good as the road you are driving on!! You have the feel of control at all speeds. The factor of Safety was never lost with this car. This is my fifth Volvo since 1988. The wagon V70R is a sleeper on the road.

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  Fantastic Piece of Machinery - 2006 Volvo S80
  By david718 - July 26 - 1:53 pm

  I have wanted a Volvo S80 ever since the new design came out in 1999. Although it took me till 2007 to purchase a used 2006 S80, I feel that I have scored big. The exterior design is sleek and looks good from every angle. All lines look proportionate and the headlight and tail light assemblies are "Jewel-Like." The interior is refined and practical with a "Watch-Like" dash, wood trim and comfortable heated seats. The plethora of options make driving a pleasure and you will wonder how you ever drove without them. The turbo provides enough acceleration when needed and I average about 24 mpg. Quality of finish and mechanical components has been very good and service from dealer exceptional.

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  Safety Factor - 2000 Volvo S80
  By tsdero - July 26 - 5:16 am

  I have been rear ended twice now in this car, once with 400 miles and just recently. Both times the other drivers airbags went off and I was fine. The car absorbed all of the impact. In fact, this second time, my purse didnt even come off the front seat. The officers said that it would have been any other car, the trunk would have been in my rear seat. Ill buy another just for the saftey factor.

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  Probably the best car I have owned - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Steve A - July 26 - 5:10 am

  Ive owned quite a few cars until sticking for nearly 14 years with my old Honda before purchasing the Volvo XC90. This is a solid SUV with the best safety features found. I participated in the Volvo sponsored Drivers Experience, which trained me in how to use the various safety features on the car. In the driving I do on Southern California freeways daily, I feel much more secure in this car than in any other car I have owned. My two Golden Retrievers like it, too!