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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  5,060 Miles of S80 in Europe - 2007 Volvo S80
  By Werner Koczian - February 25 - 3:00 pm

  Picked up a new S80 3.2 on June 4. Over a 2 month period, drove to the Riviera, back north through Italy, Austria, Germany, and Scandinavia (for home shipment). Lots of driving in crowded cities like Paris, winding back roads as in Provence, Austrian mountain roads, and German Autobahns... the car performed flawlessly. We averaged over 23 mpg in what I would consider some extremely demanding driving conditions and speeds (think Autobahn with cruise set at 150 KPH). On European roads, this is definitely a large car. But it drove nimbly and had no trouble running with the little guys. My Austrian/German relatives and friends thought the Big Swede is a veritable Rocket!

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  T5 is very unique and great power - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Luis H - February 25 - 1:56 am

  T5 engine is a must have. got it in red and is very good overall. still looks like new almost 6 years later. 1st few months was a rear brake grinding noise that took several visits to replace. Then the sunroof molding kept coming off. turbo valve had to be replaced. 2 years ago my oil trap had to be replaced at about 75K miles. Dealership and Volvo denied this was an issue. Cost $600. 3 months later my wifes 2005 T5 s40 had the same problem at around 75K miles but volvo still denied this was an issue or a recall. 2 exact cars w/ the same issue at around 75K owned by same family on long island not an issue????? 3months later recall issued. now both cars have water leaks when it rains

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  Driving goodies - 2008 Volvo S80
  By doctordick - February 21 - 3:43 am

  The basic vehicle is fantastic, but some of the goodies available make it really special. I especially like the adaptive cruise control; it takes a bit of getting used to, but its amazing on the highway, slowing you down when you come up on slower traffic and speeding up to your set speed when its out of your way. The vented seats too are wonderful on hot trips, and the ride adjustment is most helpful when you get into mountain roads. I have some reservations about the run flat Pirrellis but cant complain specifically yet. Plenty of power, very comfortable, and great to drive! I strongly recommend trying one!

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  Wow! - 2006 Volvo S60
  By David Kasten - February 21 - 12:30 am

  This is overall a great car and fantastic value for money. It is an extremely comfortable car with a great ride. Pickup is extremely smooth and vibrant.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By pj8 - February 19 - 1:07 pm

  I have never had a better experience with a car. I have owned a Honda, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Toyota, and this Volvo has by far been the best car out of all my experiences. I have over 130,000 miles on it and it runs like it is new. I have never kept a car this long, but I never want to get rid of it! I have taken really good care of this car and kept up all the maintenance, so maybe if you dont thats where the problems come in that other people are having.

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  S60R Review - 2004 Volvo S60
  By chiro444 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the perfect car for me. All wheel drive, 6 speed manual transmission, electronic suspension and 300 horsepower. Plus it safisfies the need for a "family car" with four doors and reasonable gas mileage.

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  Smiles Every Day - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Nick - February 16 - 7:53 am

  This car has two personalities: casual cruiser, all-business performer. I have done two 8-hour+ trips in this car and arrived fresh. But on tight curves or in tough traffic, change the suspension and it will deliver. Sport and advanced settings deliver good road feel. No torque-steer noticed on hard acceleration. Brakes are excellent. I love entering the highway from a standing start...then glancing in the mirror. My mileage is a few MPGs above rated. Parktronic is a must-have, and watch the blind spot off the left. Winter road grip (w/ snow tires) is rock solid. Manual shifter takes practice, but is smooth. No mechanical problems.

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  good car for the money - 2003 Volvo V40
  By jimg - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I like the car very much I put around 65,000km a year The operating costs is low for a car from across the pond I will keep it for three years and move to a larger version though.. this car is fantastic in the city but lacks weight in the country roads

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  XC90- Wow - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By FarsideJohn - February 16 - 2:00 am

  The Volvo XC90 is an incredible vehicle combining luxury and utility. Every aspect of this car has been thoroughly thought through. This is easily the best SUV available on the market today.

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  Total Package - 2006 Volvo XC70
  By HuskyMom - February 13 - 1:46 pm

  This is the total package vehicle. Volvo did their homework and produced a winner. I purchased this vehicle for my show dogs. With all the extras that are available, my dogs will be as safe as I am. I feel very confident and safe while driving or riding in this vehicle.