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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  S60 AWD - 2002 Volvo S60
  By J L - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my S60AWD 7 months ago with 10000 on it Ive put 8000 miles on it so far, and it has been perfect. I lowered it and it transformed the car into a handling fool. The ride is as good or better than before and it handles like a slot car. Comfortable, roomy in front. No complaints whatsoever. Could have a better (standard) stereo and speakers. I wish it had the optional Volvo radio as that is a wonderful piece J L

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  They dont make em like this anymore! - 2000 Volvo S70
  By Anonymous - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2000 Volvo S70 GLT SE Turbo for 8 years (bought it used at auction) and its going strong. It has 105K miles and no sign of slowing down. As this car ages, little things need fixing. But the overall build and reliability are fantastic. I stick to the suggested maintenance schedule and am told I can get 250K miles out of it. I love the turbos torque as much as the top end smoothness. Ive never owned a car this long and its because I simply dont get bored driving it. Its not much to look at, but when youre sitting on the inside who cares. Bottom Line: FUN to drive and it never breaks down. Wish the S80 were a suitable alternative for when I finally trade it in.

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  Volvo tried and true - 1997 Volvo 960
  By Eric - September 2 - 4:40 pm

  I am a new Volvo owner as of this year and would buy another one for sure! This car amazes me every day because it is so reliable. Smooth power, nice comfort and awesome lighting! I will say that brakes are an issue but who can complain with the crap out on the market today. Oh, and real crap cupholders!

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  This car can save your life - 2004 Volvo S40
  By John - September 2 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this car for my teenage daughter, in part because of its safety features. Within months she was involved in a serious rollover accident (swerved to avoid a deer) and the car came to rest on its roof. The car was totaled. Looking at the car afterward I would have believed it was a fatal accident, but she did not have a scratch! If safety is paramount to you, you can count on this car - it saved my daughters life.

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  not enough room for kids - 2001 Volvo V40
  By red1 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this auto used. I thought it would be great to have with my 2 kids, but it is way too small. My husband and I are tall 58" and 64" and when all 4 of us are in the car it is very uncomfortable. The back doesnt hold near enough. If you have a baby get the larger wagon (or an SUV) - wish I had. We couldnt even get to the airport for a trip because our (4) suitcases couldnt fit in it.

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  Money pit and headaches - 1999 Volvo S80
  By WhyHom - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Small things at first, like bad AM reception on the radio. Even a Kia gets AM radio. Had it in 4 times to get it fixed. Front end kept getting knocked out of alignment, even with no rough driving or potholes. The tires cost $1000 for a set. Then, major stuff started happening. Oil leaks, turbo seals, valves, radiator problem that involved a $900 part. All this before 35000 miles. Engine light keeps going on and the mechanic keeps telling me to ignore it. These headaches dont make up for the fun driving it. Reliability is a big thing to me. Im buying a Toyota.

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  Just a great car!! - 2003 Volvo S40
  By cyclegirl - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I might mention that I do have all the options on my car. I have had very little problem with the car. The headlights have gone out, and I had the rear brakes replaced. The ride is very smooth and there is more than enough power when passing or entering a freeway. I have had my car 3 years, and after 34,000 miles, its just been very reliable. Oh, mileage on the highway seems to be very good.

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  Last Volvo for Me - 2000 Volvo S80
  By readytotrade - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Many, many problems with this car. Fan,throttle,suspension,electronics,oil leaks,cd player,emission control system,squeaks & rattles. Overall very poor quality. Fortunately I bought extended warranty--has returned money threefold.

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  Cold Weather Survival Tool - 2001 Volvo S60
  By jpearsall - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Performace is all I need, handling is not quite a BMW, but this I will trade for front wheel drive. Why? The same reason I love the climate control, heated leaterh seats and great defrosters. Intuition told me if you want a cold weaterh car, buy one designed in Sweeden. My intuition did not fail me. If you live in a clod climate, you cannot go wrong with a Volvo. The only thing I dont like about driving it in Minnesota is I cant stand to see it dirty!

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  Concerned with initial quality - 2007 Volvo S40
  By nconatser - September 1 - 1:43 pm

  Just picked up my new S40 yesterday and there is already a problem, albeit a minor one. The drivers side visor is falling out of its socket when you turn it to shield your face from the sun coming in from the drivers side window. Not something I would expect to find on a brand new entry-level luxury car. Still, the car is great and the 170 hp on the base engine is plenty. Features are well thought out and functional and ride is secure and supple. There could still be more/larger storage bins, which I hear they are taking care of with the 2008 models. Other craftmanship appears good to great. Hopefully the visor will be the only issue in a long, carefree life of the car