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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  Bulldog review - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By drbulldog - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. We bought it for the safty features. We needed the extra room for a 3 child and did not want a mini van. It is a very classy vehicle inside and out.

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  A great vehicle but lots of repairs - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By VolvoBuyer - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I came on this website because i have a bad dealership working on my XC90 T6 and want to inform other buyers. I have had it in the shop 4 times and the same problems keep recurring. The last problem was the seat which moves 1/4- 1/3 of on inch upon stopping and the dealership admits problem but wont replace the seat. I have a BMW 528 and E320 and bought Volvo for its reliability. Brakes have drag against the drum until mod was performed. Squeeking in front left strut upon turning. Interior molding has come loose or has been broken under normal wear. Car is costly but I expected better quality from Volvo. I say one thing - Buyer beware!

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  XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Rene75 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this car so far.

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  Great MPG - 2007 Volvo S40
  By Daniel - December 27 - 2:20 pm

  My wife and I have 11,000 miles on ours and we love it. The people who complain about the gas mileage are the same people you see gunning off the line, only having to slam on the brakes in 100 yards. We are averaging about 27 MPG city, and 34 MPG highway, with A/C. This should be an option for everyone who is looking at a 3 series BMW. No, the fit and finish isnt as nice, and the engine isnt as peppy, but it is an amazing car with a less expensive starting piont.

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  Dont know what everyone else is driving - 2000 Volvo S40
  By jake! - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive been reading all these reviews about replacing the brakes and the bulbs and whatnot every month..i have had no problems with my car for all 2 years that ive had it..the only thing that even bothers me a little bit (reliability wise) is that the check engine light comes on when your really low on gas..other than that, i havent had any problems. I do agree with everyone however that the cupholders could have been much better placed.

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  I love my XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Robert - December 26 - 4:16 pm

  This is my third Volvo and my favorite. I love the space and everything about it. The white paint and excellent leather still look new. This is nicest vehicle I have owned and I have a few SUVs, even a 2006 Pathfinder, that was not near as nice. I understand two different vehicles, but the Volvo definitely fits me.

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  well.... - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Nano - December 24 - 10:00 am

  2 problems within 6 months after purchase of a new car. speed meter stuck at 60miles/hr and never moved. head light was burn out. ruttles at hundle when driving slow

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  Nice car but has a very rough ride - 2008 Volvo S80
  By Dave M - December 23 - 10:23 pm

  My S80 is a well built car, but after owning it a couple of weeks, Im extremely disappointed in how rough the ride is. I called the dealership to see if they had could order shocks that arent as stiff but they tell me that none are available. Their recommendation was to decrease the tire pressure; not much of response if you ask me. Next time, Ill be sure to test drive a car on something other than the dealers recommended route.

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  My 2nd XC 60 - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By stlhd - December 22 - 5:50 pm

  Wow! We are impressed... Our first one was a 20091/2 XC 60. After buying it, I was actually complaining about this and that X 15 despite the many safety advantages. This 12 R Design Polestar upgrade has more than just the engine improved. All areas have been reviewed and improved, including the gas mileage, comfort, power (325 HP/354 lbs torque), ride quality, brakes and even air leaks. I could go on but the actual 10K price hike was to us worth every penny.

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  be careful - 1999 Volvo S70
  By neilk - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Had it for 3.5 yrs.Problems initially- generally not taken care of to satisfaction first time.Note somesort of a silent recall for ignition sensor problem-2weeks in shopfor parts- suspension problem had to get worse before experts figured it out ,never mind the mis alignment wear("mntnc") item-bulbs burn out far too quickly ("not engnr problem-bright lights for safety is the cause")-steerig wheeel "paint runs under hot" midwest" sun replaced once now again but no warranty.