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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  xc90 work car - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Richard Fryman - October 14 - 10:20 am

  I bought it mostly for work and trips to Florida. So far a great car, plenty of get up and go. The spacious interior anddriver conforts were just what I was llooking for.

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  almost... - 2002 Volvo S60
  By oldingmar - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Had S70 GLT before. S60 2.4T is an improvement, stiffer body, better transmission, better wheels(mine has tire and wheel option). Used it 10 000 miles in Europe, from Lapland to Mediterrainia. In most situation handled OK but I still found it lacking as far as handling is conserned. Something appears to be missing - just cannot match the feel of the BMW. no it is not the front wheel drive! I like front drivers, but S60 comes up short. To bad, it is otherwise a really nice product. Lets see how it matches the traffic in California - it should be here soon. Probably it will do better in our traffic here just as the S70 did..

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  conservative good looks - 2004 Volvo S40
  By bpwrightwv - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my car for only a couple weeks, enjoy it so far. Rides smoothly, handles nice, good zip, conservative exterior good looks have made some turn their heads. Drove over a portion of highway that had been stripped in order to repave, fairly considerable buzzing in the drivers side pillar, though normally it doesnt. Noticed a very slight squeek when coming to stop, not sure if its brakes. I also considered the Acura TSX and also came down to styling, TSX looks too much like an Accord, the dealer wasnt very friendly, nor would they respond to my email queries. The Volvo staff were very friendly, not pushy and were willing to negotiate via email.

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  Company S60 II - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Tom - October 10 - 10:03 am

  My company provided me this S60. If it were my money, I would not buy one. It is a fine highway car with wonderful straight-line acceleration and a comfortable drivers seat. The S60 is not good on curves and in corners -- its weight and vague steering adversely influence the handling and do not inspire confidence. After 29,350 miles, the only problems I have had are a loose passenger side door seal, fixed during an oil change service, and a rattle that I cannot locate by the passenger door frame. Passenger seat is awkwardly oriented and uncomfortable on long trips – seems to place passenger at an angle within the car.

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  Sure and Steady - 2000 Volvo S70
  By Pugsleypie - October 4 - 9:23 am

  I have owned my S70 for 5 years. Its been very reliable, great gas mileage, and very comfortable seats. However, it has severe blind spots making it tough to change lanes. And forget the outside rearview mirrors - no help with the blind spots. The base engine has more than enough power and runs on mid- grade gas. Cloth seats are difficult to keep clean. This is a great car, but watch those blind spots.

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  Too Often Overlooked - 2003 Volvo S40
  By S40 in MD - October 3 - 2:00 am

  The S40 has got to be one of the most over looked automobiles. I have owned the car for 8 months and it is a joy to drive. Plenty of acceleration, good handeling, comfortable, very secure in bad weather, economical, reduced insurance and no gimics. The model is to be replaced mid-year 2004, so watch for good discounts as Volvo does.

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  Decent Car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Name - September 29 - 12:23 am

  After driving several station wagons and the classic 240, I bought this car used in 05 w/ ext. warr. Frnt and back seat cup holders broke after 2 wks. Have replaced tires, ext lights numerous x, transmission, brakes & cruise control. Thank God for the ext. warr. Paint scratches incredibly easy - quite a nuisance. Frnt cup holder is in a bad place and poorly built. Glove box wont close all the way. Knobs for a/c & radio are cheap and the material chips off. Leather stains easily. Drivers headrest sits up too high for short ppl like me. It honestly pains me to say this but after driving Volvos for 20 years and having such a "lovely" experience with this one, Im done with Volvos.

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  Volvo XC90 V8 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By NHMan - September 24 - 1:33 pm

  Last vehicle was a 2004 Acura MDX. The XC90 has a better, with the V8, engine and transmission. Very comfortable with most of the controls in a good position. Only have 700 miles but have been averaging 19 mpg. Only driven it in the rain but the handling, while not sporty, is good. If you want a good overall SUV, this should be high on your list. Any BMW X5 will offer better handling and performance but doesnt have the cargo space.

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  Electrical nightmare - 1998 Volvo S70
  By enga - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the comfort of this car, and it feels really nice...very solid. However, this car has less than 70K on it and the alternator blew, ive had 3 shorts, the AC motor died, the windows have stopped working 2 times, etc etc. I love Volvos but this car is a lemon. Back to Japanese i go, and fast.

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  S40 Exceeds Expectations - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Eric T. - September 17 - 3:53 pm

  My S40 began life as a RENTAL CAR, and 30k miles later, I purchased it. Why this car? Initially because of its value, reputation, style, & service competency at the dealership. I havent had a single problem with my car. I commute 50 comfortable miles r/t daily, and get 30+mpg. Ive never struggled to merge into fast moving traffic. I keep it clean, change the oil myself, and monitor fluid levels and tire pressure/wear. Volvo has higher value over time, and is safer than most other cars on the road. When I want performance acceleration/handling/braking, Ill put on my helmet and leathers, and head for a track day on my superbike. My car is more than competent at what I expect from a car.