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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  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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  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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  Do Your Homework - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Henryh. - December 22 - 3:10 am

  I dont understand people buying this vehicle then complaining about the gas mileage or the poor nav system. Do your homework. Online customer and editor reviews are everywhere - edmunds, kbb, others. Everyone complains about the poor gas mileage and nav, so you should know this going in. Ive had my T6 for 3 weeks now and absolutely love it. I got climate & convenience packages, power roof. Its smooth, quiet, corners very well, quick off the line and passing on the highway. Size is perfect to throw the dog in back or load up on Costco runs. Now I know why it was named Truck of the Year at the LA Auto Show.

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  Volvo #2 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Dawn - December 20 - 8:03 am

  After driving a cross-country that had worn a path to the Volvo service center, I took a chance on another Volvo. I am so glad that I did, as the XC 90 is a beautiful car that is comfortable and fun to drive. It is well-suited to my small frame, and is extremely comfortable for the kids in the back. The power is not as impressive as some of the V8s that I tested, but its more than enough to put me ahead at the traffic lights! I do wish they were more creative with spaces for cell phones, sunglasses, etc. The location of the cruise control button drives me bonkers, as it sits right where my finger hits it when I hold the wheel. All in all I just love the secure feeling of a Volvo.

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  Very pleased - 2008 Volvo V70
  By Bill - December 20 - 3:36 am

  I have owned the car for three (3) months now and have been very pleased. I was looking for a vehicle that would be capable of towing a small pop-up camper, yet not be as bulky as an SUV - a station wagon was a good solution, and the car is very comfortable. As I was previously a Honda owner, fuel economy has been disappointing, but not unexpected. I average 22 to 23 mpg with my city driving and a tad over 25 mpg on the highway - not too bad all things considered, but I do use high octane fuel.

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  Best family SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By MyothercarisaBMW - December 20 - 3:03 am

  Picked up the car in Gothenburg on OSD - recommended "free" adventure for those who can wait for the car. The safety features incl. 3rd row side curtains and whiplash protection, V8 and 3rd row seating made us buy it over Lexus, Cadillac, Toyota, Honda and Acura competitors. The car is really fun and comfortable to drive and gives a solid impression.

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  first full month of ownership - 2009 Volvo C70
  By houston - December 19 - 9:00 pm

  C70 is a beautiful car that exceeds my expectation of how livable a convertible can be. The folding top is a marvel to see in operation and the interior is Scandinavian simplistic. This car speaks of adult sophistication.

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  an ok car - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By progger7 - December 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a truly great vehicle for my needs. I bought the car mostly for safety as we just started a family. But I also prefer the wagon to an SUV.This is a truly great vehicle for my needs. I bought the car mostly for safety as we just started a family. But I also prefer the wagon to an SUV.This is a truly great vehicle for my needs. I bought the car mostly for safety as we just started a family. But I also prefer the wagon to an SUV.This is a truly great vehicle for my needs. I bought the car mostly for safety as we just started a family. But I also prefer the wagon to an SUV.This is a truly great vehicle for my needs. I bought the car mostly for safety a

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  Perfect car (cars) - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Larry - December 17 - 10:43 pm

  Like 2 cars in one- coupe and convertible- Beautiful looking- great interior-very comfortable- fun to drive- people stop to watch the top go up and down- No problems in over a year- and best of all it gets the highest safety ratings unlike BMW which I eliminated because of its safety ratings- Love theVolvo

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  Great Car - 2006 Volvo XC70
  By 530n523 - December 17 - 7:20 pm

  After four years and 68500 miles my XC70 is holding up well. Still drives like a new car and enjoy it every day. Interior and exterior build quality is great. It has never broken down and the only repair was a hole in the radiator for road debris. It is always loaded with surf boards and still has room for three people. Very comfortable seats and outstanding visibility. A great balance of snow, mild off road and street performance. Around town MPG 18 and highway 23.