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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  Excellent Choice - 2002 Volvo V70
  By stjean - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2 year old, and safety was the primary reason for selecting a V70. Very comfortable ride, especially on extended trips. Never thought I would every own a station wagon, but a V70 is more than just a station wagon. I never considered any other. Have received a lot of compliments at my choice.

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  My first SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By kentmilani - May 2 - 10:00 am

  We were looking for a safe 7 seat vehicle, comfortable seats, reliable and economical to run. The MDX is only the only other SUV to come close to this descripition. The fuel economy (or lack thereof) has surprised me in the first 800 miles. My Toyota Tundra V8 does better in city and on highway. I have BABIED the XC90s throttle and I get 14 mpg (US gallons)in the city and 20 mpg on highway. Tell me its just during the break-in period?! Dealer tried a few "tricks" when I went to pick it up, but they backed down when I objected. Otherwise, our whole family is very happy, comfortable and safe.

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  Volvo Return Customer - 2005 Volvo S60
  By grserody - April 30 - 12:10 am

  I owned a 2000 Volvo S40 and while I liked the car, it was small and not heavy enough for me on long trips. Since I bought the S60, I have been on 3 trips on interstates and love the way it handles and feels.

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  Best sedan on paper and on the road - 2006 Volvo S60
  By sfoster - April 28 - 11:33 pm

  I test drove many comparable sedans but could not get past the S60Rs choice of features and performance. The car is a sleeper but still has an exclusive factor. 4-C suspension is great and the 6-speed is smooth. Truly nothing like it for the price (I got if for 9k under MSRP!) and performance.

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  Most comfortable car! - 1998 Volvo S70
  By cali mom - April 26 - 4:06 am

  I have over 200K miles on my Volvo S70. Original engine and tranny. Recently had to replace ball joint and struts. No biggie since that is all have had to put in it in the last year. I put synthetic oil in mine. I noticed that I get a random black film on the inside of my sunroof. -Not sure why. Door panel pleather came away from the door and needs to be re- glued. It did this on all 4 doors. My mirror control buttons are melty and sticky! Yuck! My black leather has held up well in the CA sun. I condition it regularly and put up sun shades. Most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. I have driven it to Seattle and back to Sacramento 6 times in less than a year. Great car for weekend get aways

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  Great car - 1997 Volvo 960
  By Aimee - April 25 - 11:56 pm

  I have owned this car for three years now and the car is 11 years old. Great performance, very reliable for its age. I have only replaced the brakes and rotors once. Thats not bad in three years. My only complaint is the cup holders. They are cheap and dont hold a cup. This is the last year that Volvo made there cars. Ford now builds them and I would never buy from Ford. All in all this is a great car.

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  Finally, an enjoyable car to own! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By BobSellsHomes - April 25 - 10:00 am

  To begin with, Ive owned an Infiniti Q45, an older Jaguar (1987), two Bmws and now a Volvo. I bought my S80 back in 1999 which was the first model year for this car. I do not have a single complaint. To date, two recalls have been performed at no charge and thats it! I have right around 55,000 miles on the car and I wouldnt trade it for the world. I love everything about this car! I have yet to see any luxury car that can stand up to the S80, or even come close. As far as safety, there is not a single car that can touch an S80. On a scale of 1 - 10 I give this car an 11. Its a super smooth and solid vehicle! Volvo did great!

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  Very happy Volvo owner - 2002 Volvo V40
  By jk - April 24 - 11:36 pm

  This is my first Volvo, and I bought it used two years ago. It replaced a Honda Civic. So thats the car to which I compare my V40. As noted, I bought the car two years ago. I havent replaced a headlight yet. The windshield does need to be replaced, but living in Wyoming means high winds and sanded roads will affect a windshield negatively. I wish the fuel economy were better, but who doesnt? The cargo room is just about perfect. The seats are comfortable, and the ride is very quiet. (Perhaps its my tires.) In fact, given the choice between taking our newer Subaru or the Volvo on a 2,000 mile round trip road trip, we decided on the Volvo. This wont be my last Volvo!

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  Dont get the BLIS! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Matt - April 23 - 10:00 am

  First Volvo Ive ever owned. Tested multiple vehicles in this class and the Volvo was the best deal. Pretty much satisfied with the whole vehicle except the optional BLIS. Since I picked up the car Ive been getting multiple BLIS "false indications" on the drivers side. Took it to the dealership and they duplicated the problem but Volvo didnt authorize repair, called it normal operation. Have had multiple e-mail exchanges with Volvo customer service and there response has been, its an "information system" and not a "safety system", it will give off "false indications" under certain driving conditions, which must be most of my driving conditions since its always coming on. Very frustrating!

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  Best money I ever spent on a used car! - 2000 Volvo V70
  By edanstrekal@live.com - April 22 - 6:35 am

  Ive owned quite a few used cars. I was always attached to unique or freaky cars--old Volkswagens, Cadillacs, 1980s Audis, and more recently Saabs. I always wanted a Volvo wagon because I thought they looked cool and Id heard excellent things about reliability of the 2.4L 5 cylinder engine. I was a little hesitant about the electrical system as it seems all European vehicles have electrical issues, some more so than others. With that being said, this is by far one of the finest vehicles I have ever owned (and I only paid $2500)! I bought it from the second owner with nearly 190K miles on it. The former owner provided me with all the maintenance records from the time it was new. In the last couple of years, he himself had addressed many of the preventative maintenance issues including timing belt, brakes, shocks, and radiator. The only issues were the lock on the tailgate doesnt work with the central locking system and there is a bulb burned out behind the odometer. Since Ive owned it, Ive just kept the oil changed, tires rotated, and replaced the plugs and air filter when necessary. Ive had a few issues with the check engine light coming on now and then, but Ive just cleaned the MAF and throttle body thoroughly and that seems to have fixed it now for other a year! The wagon is very utilitarian. I can carry all kinds of things in the back, bikes, dressers, tables, almost anything within reason. The heating and cooling are much better than expected, and the acceleration for being a non-turbo isnt half bad. Its not a hotrod, but it has the power to go up and down over the Sierra Nevada mountains, which I often do. The seats are some of the most comfortable Ive ever experienced. It is almost nice returning to my Volvo after having a rental car. As far as gas mileage is concerned I average about 20.8 around town, and on long trips I can usually manage over 30. Thats not half bad for a car this size and weight. Although it rattles, and it isnt the smoothest ride, it handles well, always starts up, and just keeps on going at 195K miles now. A great bang for your buck, and since its old I really dont care what happens to it.