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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  Wow! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Rrrreally Nice - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Just got my S60R. Wow! Silver with the blue interior is the way to go. The blue leather is not as loud as in the brochure. Acceleration and handling are excellent, and the seats are much more comfortable than the BMW 5 series.

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  Great Value - 2004 Volvo S60
  By GOIrish - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Exceptional value for the Money. Looked at M3, S4, G35, TL, C32AMG, A4, 330i, 330xi and you just cant beat or match the performance and AWD received from the Volovo at its price level. Not as fast as M,S or AMG versions but faster then all the rest. Insurance costs for this car also make it more attractive then the burners.

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  3 Tome Winner - 2004 Volvo S60
  By EFS - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We looked at Mercedes C230 series and Lexus ES 330. There is no comparison in integrity and safety. The 16 inch wheel package adds to the great looks. The heavier glass is a surprising plus in quietness. Even without the turbo there is plenty of power. 100% satisfied with the car. The dealership, unfortunately has some service problems. I have never had a Volvo that didnt go 250,000 miles. I expect no less from this one.

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  Over Four Years and Trouble Free! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Gabriella - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 99 S80 T6 now for over four years. Aside from regular maintenance and a recall performed at no charge, Ive done nothing but drive this car. Maintenance has been relatively inexpensive as I expected it to be more. I know Volvo released a computer download to correct all issues on these cars. I had it done to my car at no charge shortly after I bought it. My dealer said after they do that, theyre arent too many cars that can touch the S80 for its great reliability. I have absolutely no complaints at all. The 99 S80 is great! Super comfortable and power that cant be touched by any other luxury car out there. Recommended very highly!

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  Safety first.. Volvo First - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Trini - December 13 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I wnated a mini van, something that can hold 7 passengers. Waited a year after the intorduction at the Detroit Auto show, and it was WORTH the wait. Car like drive, lots of nice features, and you feel very safe in this suv. I have been sold on Volvo and this is my second car, nothing beats feeling safe! After 6 months I am happy to see all the GREAT reviews... means we made a good decision :)

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  The Best There Is - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dodopodoman - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven the competition (M-B ML, BMW X-5, Lexus RX330, VW Touareg, etc.) and nothing comes close in terms of overall package. My runner- up is the Acura MDX. Weve put 6100 miles on our T6 AWD XC90 and love it. No problems. Easy to get in and out; responsive turbo and steering; superb brakes; lounge-like comfort; superb Premium Sound System (better than Bose); luxurious interior; beautiful exterior that does not compromise people room or cargo versatility; and a feeling of being as safe as you can get. P.S.: The 5-passenger version has a nifty, large hidden grocery bag and storage compartment.

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  XC is a big improvement over SUV - 2001 Volvo V70
  By ericj - December 13 - 1:30 am

  After 2 small SUVs I bought the XC. With the interior capacity, roof rack with cross rails and roof storage container, I can carry more than when I had an SUV. The ride is much smoother and the power of the turbo helps getting on the highway. I get about 18mpg around town and 28mpg on the highway. I have kept up with maintenance and only had a problem with a leaky angle drive. I have to drive farther for work, so I am putting more highway mileage on it. Very comfortable to drive long distance.

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  I LOVE it!!! - 2000 Volvo C70
  By lovemyvolvo - December 12 - 10:30 pm

  I bought this car after my jeep died. It is a 2000 with 65000 miles on it. I couldnt be happier. Of course repairs on the car can be a bit pricy but Ive had few problems. The only issue I have had is with the top chime sensor. It kept going off while driving. Apparently one of the wires was pinching causing the malfunction. I am taking the car in this week to have this issue addressed. Hopefully it wont cost too terribly much.

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  Great experience with 2000 V70 XC - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Banjo - December 12 - 6:13 am

  Few things to mention. Owned it for 24 months, found that a 10 year old Volvo is like a 3 year old domestic. When I buy used I take the following precautions: 1. replaced the oil every 3 months, regardless; air filter every year. 2. always replace the thermostat, battery, and change your antifreeze 3. drive it like its age. this turbo can toss your head back but it is aging. so why f&k with the tranny and engine, capisce? 4. keep her clean, wash it. 5. check engine and other lights are overrated, look into the real problem using a european mechanic. Domestic tech kids should remain in their toyRus sandbox. Volvos and Subarus are easy to fix but use a professional. 6. Read the manual. Ciao

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  Solid - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Pmedhat - December 11 - 7:36 pm

  We have three XC90s in the family and the V8 is by far my favorite. The Yamaha engine never runs short on torque. The acceleration between 50-80 mph is amazing. The minor improvements to the interior are subtle but affective. I especially appreciate the iPod jack. The handling is awesome with plenty of room for the family.