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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  Worst car buying experience that I have ever had - 2015 Volvo S60
  By neilister - August 29 - 6:44 pm

  Purchased 2015 S60 T6 Platinum. Dealer misrepresented car by not telling me it was a 2015 vs. newer 2015.5 version! Post delivery had tire pressure monitoring system problem, other neighboring dealers did not want to assist with the issue until I got nasty. Contacted Volvo Cars North America and requested assistance only to be completely blown off by them. Paid 40K for a new car only to have horrible service/support. There is no accountability at Volvo when there is a problem with one of their vehicles. 21st century car supported by a less than 20th century network of people. Will never buy another Volvo as a consequence of this experience.

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  Great Choice for the family - 2001 Volvo V70
  By humantorch - August 29 - 6:23 am

  I had heard a lot about Volvos but never driven one. We saw this V7-T5 today in the lot and knew that second..this is the car we need. We test drove ...it was great...the leather, gps, sunroof...the works. The car feels quality..inside/out..and when we got the Carfax report...and it says..the car was imported directly from Sweden..that sold us... Great buy...we traded my 2001 Intrepid...with 140k miles..

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  S60R Worthy opponet - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Barry N - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Having owned BMWs, Saabs, and driven the latest Audi A4s I must say that Volvo has come up with a worthy competitor in this lux sport sedan class. It offers decent handling with optional modes depending on your mood and has enough power to earn respect of the best. AWD is a great asset and overall the car offers great value for money to the enthusiast.

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  Absolutely Best Car Ever Owned - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Jamey1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Anyone considering the BMW 3 series, a Mercedes C or E class or the Acura brand should do themselves a favor and test drive the Volvo S60 AWD. It truly is a safe and very comfortable car that will not disappoint. And, the famous Volvo seats are better than any car seat Ive experienced.

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  Hello Beautiful - 2004 Volvo S40
  By swordsman - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the car for 2 days,but so far everything is excellent. Paint,trim,fit&finish is great. After 150 miles the motor seems to be loosening up nicely and is so smooth and quiet. Acceleration is smooth and strong. Rainy weather for most of the miles and I have never felt this secure driving a new car in such weather.Transmission is sooo smoooth. Nice stereo and inventive design.Really unique! A safe and aggressive car all rolled into one.

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  Great car, great price - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Nepats555 - August 28 - 7:30 am

  Handles awesome! good aceleration, great looking interior and exterior. Drove the Infiniti g35 and Audi A4 both great cars although $$$ more for the same car, save your money this car rocks!

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  I love this car! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Justin - August 28 - 4:33 am

  I ditched my dying 97 Dodge Avenger for the S40 T5 and havent looked back. The T5 is definitely the way to go. My partner has a 06 3-series and I wouldnt trade with him for a second. Styling, build quality and performance are top notch. Only negative comment I have is the city MPG isnt that great. Even then, I wouldnt hesitate recommending this car to anybody.

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  Great Family Hauler 4 the Sports Car Dad - 1998 Volvo V70
  By mikefn - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Great alternative to the mini van, especially for those who want sports car performance.

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  Almost a lemon!! - 2000 Volvo S40
  By KQ - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car because of its touted safety features. Well after almost 3 years Ive had the air bags fixed, replaced the head lamps 3 times and have already changed all the brake pads. The other day the power brakes conked out and now I am getting a thumping noise. The service has been great I just wish I didnt have to take it in all the time. And, after the loss of the brakes I sure dont feel safe anymore.

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  Unhappy Volvo V70 - 2006 Volvo V70
  By JMK - August 26 - 1:23 am

  An ok car. Minor rattle from dash vent, should not be in a car costing over 40K. Also lacks some comfort features and storage spaces. Rear leg room is poor. If you buy this car be prepared to give up some nifty stuff .