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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  Expectations Exceeded - 2002 Volvo S80
  By W J Weidner - December 10 - 3:00 am

  A Mercedes owner, I wanted something less out there. 85% recyclable and 100% ozone to oxygen patented radtator along with comfort ride for the driver and passengers. Great price and reasonable maintenace costs. A keeper and will be a Family item for several years to come.

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  S80 - 2010 Volvo S80
  By RD - December 9 - 3:00 pm

  I have had the car a week know and overall Im very impressed. This being my 4th S80, they keep getting a bit better each year. Bought basically due to the comfort, reliability and safety. I have never had a breakdown in a Volvo - hope it continues. With the end of year incentives out there, this car is hard to beat for the value.

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  Never thought about a Volvo - 2004 Volvo S80
  By bobandlisa86 - December 9 - 12:10 am

  I have never owned a volvo or have know anyone to own a volvo. Was working with a dealer and he talked me in to driving one. Wow!! I was hooked from that point on. It drives great looks good and has all the pick up that I need. Had my heart set on a Lexus, but not after driving the Volvo. Love it and will look for another one when I need a car. I have taken it on 2 long trips already and I get over 30 miles to the gallon. If you havent driven one dont wait. It is very comfortable and Im not a little guy either.

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  Awesome reliability and performance - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Shannon - December 8 - 5:13 am

  My T-5 has 135000 miles and still blows away most cars of similar style. Have had some problems with bulbs comming loose but not burning out. AC compressor went out right after warantee but with research through All- Data I found a recall and Volvo picked up the tab. Gets 30 MPG on highway at 70 MPH. My WEAK Lancer only gets 32. The car needs a tune up and I still blew away a Lexus on the way home tonight. Incredible power for a 5 cylinder turbo. Have heard alot about leather and bubble problems with door panels????? I dont have these problems, Maybe its the legal 35 window tint keeping some of the damaging rays out. I buy after market brake pads and they produce less dust and rotor damage.

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  Excellent - 2004 Volvo S60
  By efaren monero - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Good performance and safe

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  Finally a Car Im Keeping! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Jay_Adams - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new back in 99. This has been my first Volvo and Im impressed! The performance of this sedan is better than outstanding! The twin turbos are just amazing! For the first time, Im truly impressed with a car. Having owned some fine luxury cars throughout the years, nothing stacks up to the T6. With the exception of one small repair, this car has been virtually maintenance free. I paid about $50,000 for this car when I bought it, and I couldnt be any happier with the vehicle. I now have 118,000 miles on the car and it runs so well. I can honestly recommend this vehicle to anyone! This is a very well engineered car!

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  Great car, be wary of the sch maint - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Timm3175 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 3 years now and everything about it is great. Fun to drive, comfortable for long trips, etc. My only complaint is the gouging of Volvo for scheduled maintenance. You bring you car in for each of the scheduled maintenace and walk out about 200 bucks lighter each time. The whopper is the 30,000 mile maintenance which ran me $510. If I had to do it all over again, I think I would go with a Mercedes C-Class or a 3 series BMW which doesnt gouge as much for maintanence.

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  Volvo S-80 T6 - 2004 Volvo S80
  By Rizzer - December 7 - 2:00 am

  3 months search ended with Volvo S-80 T6 (option: climate and xenon, no four C available in the area). Volvo was not even in my original list. I was looking at E class, 5 series, A6 (all 2004). Also compare it to 2004 acura tl, saab 95/93. None compare to volvo value (5k below MSRP with factory incentives - thanks Edmunds), comfort (most comfortable seat) and initial quality (check the finish especially around the trunk)

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  Worth the Wait! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By riddlepeople - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Researched SUVs, minivans for months before landing on this car.Husbands an ex-mechanic, and Im really picky! Weve had other Volvos- + Chevy and Chrysler minivans- and knew this would be our "Family Car" for a long time, so it needed to have everything we wanted. It took a while, but WE GOT IT! This is a great car for the family- room for carseat and older kids, with the more sophisticated style of an SUV. But its not as "open" as a minivan, so be prepared to limit some of your "extras" (playpens, strollers) if youre using 3rd row seats. Drives like a dream- smooth and capable. And looks gorgeous!

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  S40 - 2002 Volvo S40
  By RJONES - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I FIND THIS TO BE AN EXCELLENT VEHICLE FOR THE PRICE. DRIVING IS FUN AND VERY QUICK. I AM ALSO PLEASED WITH THE SAFETY FEATURES, IN PARTICULAR, THE WHIPLASH PROTECTION SYSTEM AND 6 AIRBAGS.