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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  Finally Got One - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Kirk Frady - September 9 - 10:00 am

  After 6 long months of waiting, we finally got our XC-90(2004 Model). Overall, its all the car we expected it to be and then some. The leather seats are extremely comfortable and provide adequate lumbar and under the knee support. The XC-90 handles more like a sports sedan than an SUV and takes the bumps well. Lots of safety features. Awesome vehicle. Having said all that, the XC-90 does have some minor drawbacks. First off, our Volvo dealer wasnt willing to budge on the sticker price, period. What you see is what you get. First time weve ever had to pay sticker on a car. Bottom line is....get one if you can.

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  great car - 2005 Volvo V70
  By volvolover2 - September 8 - 8:46 pm

  this is a great car. the rear leg room is a little short but it is pretty accomodating

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  First Volvo - 2008 Volvo S60
  By aikiman - September 7 - 8:46 pm

  This is my first Volvo, had an Acura and Maxima before this. Ive had this car for approx 18 mos, bought it used with 9500 miles and love it. It is built very tight and feels heavier than it is. The turbo gives it a lot of power when merging or trying to pass. Highway driving is excellent, it definitely loves to cruise. The back seat is tight, I have an 8 year old and 10 year old and I have to move the passenger seat and my seat forward for them. Quality so far is fine,front headlight washers needed new motors and the computer has had to be updated once because the immobilizer would occasionally get triggered preventing it from starting. Problem fixed but it still does it sometimes.

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  Safe and Fast - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Contaxian - September 7 - 5:00 pm

  After one initial problem with a connector for the 4C system, which was repaired very efficiently, this car is absolutely a joy to own. I put on a lot of highway mileage and am constantly surprised at the reserve of power available. Ramps and corners can be taken safely at speeds that would couse wrecks in other cars. The Canadian model comes with every option (except snow tires) that anyone needs or could want. I considered Audi, BMW and G35, but these cars just dont have the same power/safety per dollar value (the Audi and G35 are also very unattractive vehicles, in my opinion). BMW (M3)is too small, lacks 4WD, expensive to repair and more suitable for people who want snob appeal.

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  Love it! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By chunka Smith - September 7 - 10:49 am

  This is our second XC90 and we love it more than the first!

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  One Fine Swede - 2007 Volvo S80
  By Bob - September 5 - 6:33 pm

  My fifth Volvo, the best yet. At 23,500 miles Im getting 28 MPG on the highway at 75 MPH with and average of 25 MPG city/highway. My car is loaded less rear seat intertainment system.

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  2/3 the way through my Volvo lease - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By d. from denver - September 4 - 7:00 pm

  This car is very stealth; it performs way better than the image it projects. If you get into the turbo, it will leave most everyone else sitting at the stoplight. Very solid build quality so far (at 30k miles). Maintenance not too bad because the major ones covered under warranty, which they no longer do (cheaped out). Run synthetic oil most the time in it.

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  There is no substitute - 2004 Volvo V70
  By JWSholtis - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a performance wagon that had to be "red". The only comparable vehicle from my perspective is the Audi S6 Avant. The "R" is a much better value. The build quality is "outstanding". The styling is a bit understated, but there are some very unique "R" touches that make it standout. I considered Audi A6 Avant, Audi Allroad, and VW Passat W8 wagons but felt the V70R was the best in the group based on performance, cargo capacity, features, color, and overall uniqueness (500 to be built). There is no substitute... If you can track down a V70R or a dealer with a open allocation, I suggest you move quickly because there are only 499 left!

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  Dont miss out - 2004 Volvo C70
  By sladder - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo c70 is the perfect car—or at least the perfect car for anyone who wants to have fun driving and doesnt want to look silly in a cabriolet. Its beauitfully done--what a pity that Volvo didnt push harder. No doubt it will become a classic.

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  2001 volvov70 cc. Too many problems - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Unhappy Volvo - September 4 - 7:18 am

  Electrical problems. Sunroof opens wont close. Throttle body went out. Pcv system is bad. Bought at 135k miles car has 146k has depreciated by 60% and the problems continue. Stay away from these cars. B