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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  Good Car - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Darc - September 25 - 5:23 pm

  This is a good car to own... but like any car - should be maintained... this can be expensive. Replaced the brakes at 60K, thermostat at 95K, otherwise just routine stuff... love to drive it every day.

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  Our 2002 S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Davit - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Noticed wind noise from sunroof, brought it in. Dealer of course said theres nothing wrong with it. A few months later the headliner had a water stain on it from a water leak. The dealer fixed the roof properly, but got greasy fingerprints all over the new headliner. Also the new headliner was installed improperly, now have at least 3 rattles we didnt have before. Had problem with the intermittent wipers not working and cruise control. All total weve had 6 dealer visits in the first 9 months of ownership, not what we expected in terms of Volvo reliability. Other than these problems the car has been very good.

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  Fun to drive and super versatile - 2001 Volvo V70
  By jbberge - September 24 - 6:16 pm

  I have driven this car in snow, rain, ice, and the deserts of AZ and nothing has slowed it down. I even drove it up a running river (not very deep) on a camping trip once. It holds my mtn bike if I fold the seats down, and Ive slept in it a few times too. Yeah, its a bit expensive to service and I think its a little funny looking but I couldnt be much happier with a wagon! Just be sure to stay up on your maintenance because its way cheaper than repairing something once it breaks.

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  A Blast To Drive - 2013 Volvo S60
  By jeffm5 - September 23 - 7:30 pm

  My S60 T5 is the FWD model. Ive had it for about 6 wks. and have 2,000 mis. on it. Its loaded with NAV and safety options. Front seat comfort is outstanding. All of the controls are on the steering wheel or within easy reach. Handling is outstanding,, power and acceleration are very good. The car has a solid feel. No rattles. Good visibility. The ride is a little choppy on rough roads, very good otherwise. Im getting 30+ on the highway at about 65 MPH and around 24 in mixed driving with regular gas.

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  Best Driving Vehicle Ever Owned - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Best Driving Vehicle - September 23 - 8:53 am

  This vehicle was bought used with about 15,000 miles as an early lease return. We have loved the way this SUV drives and it is a true pleasure. This vehicle is the best, smoothest driving vehicle I have ever owned. With about 26 cars, trucks and SUVs owned, that says alot. Performance has been satisfactory with the stock turbo 5- cyl. and have no complaints. Quality of some of the interior has been disappointing however and considering the price when new, is not equal. Body is solid, no problems. Sound system is great! All in all, we are very happy to have bought this SUV, our first Volvo.

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  Dont buy - 2000 Volvo S80
  By S80T6 - September 23 - 4:56 am

  Fast and good gas mileage. Absolutely terrible reliability. Many expensive suspension problems. Power window motors fail commonly and are expensive to repair. Averaging over $1200/year in repair costs plus normal maintenance. A real lemon

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By V4Life - September 22 - 9:16 pm

  In the past 10 years I owned 4 SUVs including this. I had LexusRx330,Acura MDX and Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I feel VOLVO XC90 is a great SUV. VOLVO has great product than Lexus. I love the DVD, Booster seat,Premium Sound system and excellent interior. Mine is 7 seater SUV. I am getting on average 16.4MPG in the city and 24.6MPG in the highy way. Very stylish and fun to drive. I feel like driving a Sedan. EXCELLENT SUV, go for it.

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  Very happy @ 200,000 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By in_a_hurry - September 22 - 1:40 pm

  Ive read the recent reviews and it appears most folks are pretty miffed with their XC-90s. I couldnt be happier with mine. A couple car pool trips shy of 200,000 miles (I bought it new) and no major issues - never a tranny, motor, A/C or electrical problem. I get about 45,000 miles on tires - not great but a willing compromise knowing Im driving a stout porker thats as safe as anything on the road. I have an honest, reliable mechanic who has taken care of a couple cars for me - a bonus. Other than scheduled maintenance items, there hasnt been much to repair on the car that would not be expected, given the mileage. Ball joints and motor mounts are the only things that come to mind

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  GET THE TURBO! - 2010 Volvo XC70
  By Kenneth Elkington - September 20 - 2:13 pm

  I have owned MANY different autos... including Mercedes and a couple o Porsches... but overall, this one really hits a lot of buttons: practicality, safety, styling, comfort, features and yes... performance! Volvo is offering a super incentive with SAFE and SECURE: 5 worry-free years of warranty, scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance and even "wear and tear"... plus either 0% x 72mos or $5k discount (I took the $5k). This is a very well executed design both visually as well as "fit and finish".

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  spend the money get the t5 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By les pierce - September 20 - 10:00 am

  great car, but a little slow on the pick up get the t5