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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  Great Compromise - 2010 Volvo XC70
  By Mark - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Replaced Volvo S60 T5 (250 hp) and Lexus LX-450 (inline 6 at 218 hp) with 2010 XC70 T6. Key features: rear seat that folds into flat floor for transporting dogs, drivers seat I can sit in for an hour without my back hurting (sadly the reason I couldnt go with Audi), acceptable performance with 281 hp engine, nice mix of luxury features like highway manners at 90 mph. Delivered on all of the above at what seemed like a very competitive price compared with functionally equivalent vehicles from other manufacturers. Biggest drawback is having to refill gas tank so frequently.

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  A Good little Sedan - 2002 Volvo S40
  By RMLV - May 26 - 2:00 am

  A nice peppy little sedan. The car is fun to drive and has all the features of larger cars.

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  LOVE IT! - 2001 Volvo S80
  By kristak107 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my T6 for 2.5 years and loved every second of it! The comfort, style, and features are fantastic. Since I have two little boys, I really appreciate all the safety features. That being said, every car has a few annoying problems. My turn signal works only occasionally-I just stick my hand out the window and use my bike signals. The rubber trim under the pass. door refuses to stay put. The cup holders are less than great. Maintenience costs! On the plus side, I just discovered that the front passenger seat folds down. I can buy 8 lumber, slide it all the way to the front and close the trunk!

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  Volvo S60 - 2001 Volvo S60
  By James Anthony - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. Very comfortable, very economical.

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  great car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Scotttttt - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great freeway car with great looks and the smoothness that seems like you are riding on glass, with power to spare!

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  Just Right - 2010 Volvo C30
  By Hondo123 - May 25 - 10:03 am

  We test drove a Mazda 3, Nissan Altima, and Mini Cooper S with the C- 30 as the spoiler. We found the Mini to ride HARD, have severely limited visibility, weird pedal placement, cramped, found the center speedo and other quirks just too annoying, and we know someone who sold theirs because it was too scary in the snow. We found the C-30 to be in a class by itself - a highly refined vehicle for an amazingly reasonable price. Fast, fun, engaging, safe, this purchase ended up being a no-brainer. Only downside is that Volvo dealerships dont appear to be too willing to deal. (Same w/Mini.) A LOT of car for the money. This vehicle is a class leader. See for yourself. Were very happy.

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  2004 Volvo review - 2004 Volvo S60
  By eturner - May 23 - 2:30 am

  Have owned two previous Volvos and now own two 2004 S-60 2.4 sedans. Have driven both long distance and around town and find them to be very enjoyable to drive.

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  This is Volvos M-Series - 2004 Volvo S60
  By dropthatpuck - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I drove and evaluated the new M3 and 535I compared with the Volvo S60R. The R has better lines and exterior design than the BMW and the standard power, although turbocharged, gives you the torque and power you need to satisfy even the most discerning motorhead, particularly with the standard 6- speed. Turbo lag is nearly non- existent and even when cruising along at 70-80mph+ in 6th gear, pressing the accelerator will push your head back into the seat. Volvo solid throughout, great interior (upgrade for Atacama leather is outrageously expensive - and it looks like a new baseball glove for $1,800). Incredible braking power.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2004 Volvo S60
  By gator21 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  When I told my friends that I was buying a Volvo, they laughed. Now they cry. This is without a doubt, the best European Sports Sedan, under $30,000. You dont know until you drive it. This car should not be purchased in AWD. It is not built for that its built as a FWD rocket. You wont get the fun from the AWD.

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  Lovely car - 2005 Volvo S80
  By Volvo - May 17 - 11:13 pm

  This car has a very smooth V5 engine. This fine Volvo has a very smooth ride. This car has been relliable. This car rides very well. It looks very good. This car is the most comfortable car ever.