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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  NOT BAD BUT NEEDS WORK - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Robert B. - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Comfort level is high in the front but diminisshes as you go rearward. Not really large enough to have 3rd row. After 3000 miles I feel as though the vehicle is definately lacking in size and performance even with the T6. The shifting from 1st to 2nd gear under high acceleration is horrible but, it handles very well. I have the running boards and they will tarnish your pant legs in bad weather. The sound system is very well thought out and sounds great. The same goes fr the seat heaters which work wonderfully. I must admit though I am still upset that Volvo hasnt followed up with the entertainment system for the vehicle.

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  Very disappointed - 2001 Volvo S40
  By BadLuck - September 29 - 8:03 pm

  Bought my 2001 Volvo S40 and after 3 years, I had the enjoyment of trading it in for a Mercury Mountaineer SUV! Im a big guy: 6 feet 200 and I was sick and tired of receiving a head concussion every time I stooped down to get in this vehicle. A/C never worked right and not cold enough despite multiple trips to Volvo dealer. CD player constantly skips even with entire new factory Volvo unit. Intrument panel/radio/cup holder ENTIRELY NON-USER FRIENDLY and confusing! Only good thing was turbo engine was quite peppy and good gas mileage. Because this car was so small and multitude of creature "dis- comforts" that it had, I had the pleasure of dumping it for a nice big SUV. Whew..what a relief!!

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  From one car guy to another - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Jeff V - September 28 - 3:35 pm

  This is a really great SUV. Classic Styling, spacious and well appointed interior and just the right amount of prestige. And then you look more closely. I really want to love this car and, truthfully, I just got done telling my wife that its been a good car for us. Nearly 10 years and 115,000 miles without any real problems. I mean, the transmission has slipped or done mildly sporadic shifting a couple dozen time throughout owning the car but were one of the lucky few whos transmission hasnt failed them (do lots of research on the transmissions around 2004-2007). Weve been diligent about regularly scheduled service (which is not inexpensive at all) but have not had any major surprises or mechanical issues. Still, It looks great, has a ton of conveniences and is very comfortable so I really wish I loved it more than I actually have. In the end, its a small taste of luxury but upon closer look its built with low quality parts that scratch, break or rattle more than they should. It drives as though its twice the size and twice the [already heavy] weight. Pot holes are jarring and it eats through tires (AWD) and brakes faster than my 5 yr. old crushes a juice box. Did this car treat me well? Absolutely. Would I buy this again? If it was brand new and I was paying with someone elses money. Sincerely, The hypercritical, undecided Dude

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  $50000 Lemons with multiple recalls - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Angela O. - September 28 - 2:30 am

  Purchased for safety and reliability of Volvo. Mistake! Wonderful for the first 2 1/2 yr even with multiple recalls, then at 56k mi the problems started. Over last 12 mths I have spent over $4000 on repairs including 4 tire replacement (not the cheap ones!)twice within 10k mi and brake repacement twice within 8k mi. Now AWD is not functioning and the battery goes dead due to malfuctioning module. I am told that I must replace at my expense the AWD module and brake module for approx $3000-$4000! Cmon Volvo thats not normal wear-n- tear...thats a recall! No more Volvos for me!

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  First and LAST! DO NOT BUY - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Sarah McCarthy - September 27 - 2:20 am

  I purchased this vehicle and within 60 days these were replaced: blower motor, locking mechanism on fuel door, entire rear differential, front rotars and Brakes, latches on 3rd row seats, 2 wheel bearings, and 4 new tires. I am very sad because I LOVED how it looked and felt- but it literally is falling apart underneath me. I will never purchase another Volvo XC90 and wouldnt recommend it to anyone.

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  Dont buy - 2000 Volvo S80
  By S80T6 - September 23 - 4:56 am

  Fast and good gas mileage. Absolutely terrible reliability. Many expensive suspension problems. Power window motors fail commonly and are expensive to repair. Averaging over $1200/year in repair costs plus normal maintenance. A real lemon

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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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  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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  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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  Many issues...no resolution - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Esc5150 - August 23 - 11:43 pm

  Have had the car for 3+ years and experiencing same issues as others. ABC control replaced ($1000), MAP sensor, lights and more lights, weird shutter/noise from front end and more engine fault codes than I can count. No service available outside dealership which is over-priced, questionable and I am always treated poorly when requesting service. Door panels are starting to peel and waiting for the known transmission issues at 130K. Very disappointed in build quality considering price and reputation from years past. Had planned to keep for 10 years but decided to return to Acura (had my last one 10+ years and it was perfect!). Avoid this car unless you are married to a mechanic!