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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  One of the best turbo wagons out there - 2006 Volvo V70
  By Feh - January 15 - 3:30 am

  Very nicely styled, stands out from the average V70. Nice Pegasus 17" rims. Very good inline-5 turbo, twin-intercooled engine. Smooth 6-speed auto transmission. Adjustable continuously control chassis concept suspension is great: click, and you are in comfort mode, another click, and suspension fully tightens. Amazing! Excellent 4-piston Brembo brakes all around. Thick rimmed, sporty steering wheel. Leather-wrapper everywhere. One of the most comfortable seats Ive had in a car. HU-850 unit is awesome, Nav unit is OK.

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  A Pleasure To Drive - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Ari - January 14 - 5:20 pm

  This is a really attractive vehicle -- a real looker -- in my opinion. It is aerodynamic and ergonomic, and drives as nice as it looks. Doors close with a reassuring thunk, the steering is predictable yet responsive, there is power to spare, and the seats are more comfortable than any chair in my home.

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  A Pleasure To Drive - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Ari - January 14 - 1:10 pm

  This is a really attractive vehicle -- a real looker -- in my opinion. It is aerodynamic and ergonomic, and drives as nice as it looks. Doors close with a reassuring thunk, the steering is predictable yet responsive, there is power to spare, and the seats are more comfortable than any chair in my home.

• 

  Great - 2004 Volvo S60
  By T Endi - January 13 - 10:00 am

  High performance and stealthy. This car fits the sweetspot for those who want the perfect mid-sized sports sedan and do not want to spend over $45K. Far more comfortable than the competition.

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  Why I like my Volvo... - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Skittles - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with my XC70! I need my car to be able to handle well in the mountains and on the highway, and it does both very well. It grips the road for great control on wet or dry pavement, plus has great brakes and very good acceleration at high speeds. I often have 6+ friends in the car and Im able to fit 3 of them in easily. Also, the solid construction allows for a quiet ride and the seats are very comfortable!

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  been waiting for this car! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By volvo love - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Love this car!

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  Strong - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Jean - January 13 - 6:53 am

  I currently have around 4500 miles on my 3.2 XC60 with AWD. Ive driven it through a typical New England winter and found it holds the road well, even in heavy winds. I feel more confident and comfortable driving this vehicle than any other Ive had. Highway driving is fun, because the ride is smooth and comfortable.

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  IS IT WORTH IT - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Michael Lopes - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I do have to say this car is very stylish and fun to drive. But, I have had many things go wrong with this car at only 55000 miles. The front wheel bearing needs replaced at a wopping $1200 and both rear and left front Link Rods need replaced at $400. As you can imagine I am not to happy with this as it is no longer under warrenty. According to Volvo Service, this does not happen often. When you spend this kind of money for a car this is one thing you do not expect. Therefore I do not give this car a thumbs up. I am just afraid this is a sign of what is to come as the miles continue to grow.

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  One Sweet Ride! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Mike C. - January 8 - 6:23 am

  I did a lot of research before deciding on the Volvo S60. I now know, after just 3 weeks, that I definitely made the right choice! This is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned. The plush leather seats just suck you right in. The driver and passenger areas are very roomy and comfortable. The back seats have no leg room, but thats not an issue with me. Ive found the climate control system to be quite nice. My wife always likes it cooler than me, so the dual zone feature is perfect for us. The performance is awesome! Ive heard others complain of turbo lag, but I dont get it. The low pressure turbo responds very quickly, so I dont experience any lag at all. I love this car!

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  Excellent Value - 2011 Volvo C70
  By billnjax - January 5 - 1:27 pm

  We purchased this car about 5 months ago, and in 6,000 miles have never regretted our decision. The car is very comfortable, has all the acceleration that we require, and gets excellent gas mileage, actually better than our Turbo Beetle Convertible. We looked at several different convertibles in this class and the C70 was by far the best car for the money. Add in the safe and secure warranty coverage and I dont see how you could do better. Take a test drive and you will be hooked.