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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  It needs more work on the brakes - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Dr Wolverine - August 17 - 10:00 am

  It was fun to drive the car, but after 12months of driving, I start to feel pain/uncomfortable with my knee while driving it daily. I dont think its my phyical problem, but due to the design of the car.

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  Love hate relationship - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Vish - August 16 - 3:16 pm

  I have owned dozens of European cars, sometimes real quirky ones that I know I am buying for the style over the dependability. I have always sworn by Volvo and kept one as a second car because they are traditionally extremely reliable. In the past I owned a Volvo 240 that hit 400K before I sold it off! My Volvo S70 is comfortable, VERY comfy to ride in and very comfortable to drive. It is plagued with electrical problems, engine problems as well as interior quality issues such as poor quality leather that just cracks and fades like no other. The car has a misfire in the engine that we cant get rid of. $2.5K in mechanical bills within the first few months! Great style and character!

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  no reason to panic - 2007 Volvo S60
  By S60R - August 16 - 7:56 am

  Ive had my R for about 6 months and couldnt be happier. I was a little nervous after reading some of the edmunds reviews, but can honestly say I have been thrilled thusfar. I got mine with the sport package. I, like many was looking at the IS350 and the GS. This is a hoot to drive, not as throaty and braggadosia as the Infinit, and feels bigger inside (at least the front seat) than the lex.

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  Impressively quick - 1996 Volvo 850
  By DIC_CAMARILLO - August 15 - 5:16 am

  Our Volvo 850R wagon was suppose to be a Home Depot weekend hauler and occasional camping car. Then I discovered the economy/power button! Wow! This car really moves. The economy mode allows the transmission to shift at lower rpms and less boost. The power mode lets this wonderful little engine roar! Turbo boost up, rpms up - right in the power band! If the numbers are correct, this car will beat my Boxster. After feeling the boost, I believe it will walk away from my Boxster up to 80mph. The seats are also very comfortable, the car has nice features and it sure is fun to drive. The suspension is okay at best. Overall a very impressive little box.

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  Do Not Buy This Car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By jennelle - August 13 - 9:45 am

  Do not buy this car. I bought brand new from the Ontario dealer. I have had one problem after another. However, I only have 700 characters here. Most were minor but annoying since my closest dealer is 1 1/2 hrs away and they dont offer authorized repair anywhere but at a Volvo dealership. Now at just 60,000 miles the transmission and drive shaft have to be replaced to the tune of $5000+. If the dealer does the repairs is $8000 . And Volvo wont help one bit. Talking to my local mechanic and reading the blogs the Volvo SUV have had a lot of major mechanical problems. Do your research... do not buy a Volvo SUV you will be sorry.

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  The Worst Car of My Life - 2005 Volvo V50
  By bob - August 12 - 9:23 am

  This car has 44,000 miles.since Feb06, it has been on a flatbed 3x because it wouldnt start.Two of those times, I was on vacation 500 and 350 miles from home.They "fixed" it once.This car is a nightmare. Two sets of tire by 45000 @ $200/tire. Cd player has been replaced.Fuel line has been replaced.Rear wiper has fallen off.Should I expect more for a car in the $30+K range.Volvo customer care is a joke.They do not care."On Call" operators never told me about trip interruption insurance (Ive talked to about 6 of them). I received the info form a dealer.If this is any indication of Volvo quality-forget it. I cannot wait to rid myself of this car. This is the worst car purchase of my life.

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  Quick for a brick - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Marcel van Dijk - August 11 - 8:50 pm

  This is the best car that I ever owned. It has the room for a family to visit the inlaws, but when you are alone, "it is a blast". 150 Mph and it is nailed to the ground. Love it! I have the Geartonic, next time it will be a manual.

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  Great Handing - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By jsandek1 - August 10 - 8:50 pm

  Prior experience is 2004 XC70 which still have but the XC60 is so much better. Options are navi-audio/cold weather package/metallic paint. Would have liked homelink but not willing to pay for the unnecessary items in convenience package. Getting ~20 mpg with mix of driving (first 500 miles). Car is great in high speed sweepers-very stable. Quiet on highway. Baltic Blue/Black. Surprised how zippy considering its 2 tons

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  Volvo S70 - 2000 Volvo S70
  By Larry - August 10 - 12:13 am

  Great car except for the major problem that Ford inherited with the emission systems Electronic Throttle Assembly. Fortunately, Class Action lawsuit allows owners to have it fixed for free up to 200,000 miles saving you $1,000. Kudos to Ford/Volvo for doing the right thing! Handles well and is great for long drives. Front end rides rough over bumps but maybe because Im used to SUV tires.

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  awesome car! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Rose A. Abreu - August 9 - 3:20 am

  This is my second s60 and I love it more than the previous one. It has excellent acceleration and handles very well. It is very steady on the road. I had an incident where I am convinced that the stability control and the way the car respond to sudden changes, saved me from an accident. Overall an excellent car.