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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  Tire Problem - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Don - June 9 - 11:30 am

  This is our third Volvo and the best. Ordered this car on the overseas delivery program in May 09;accepted it in Sweden in June and picked up at our local dealer in July 09. We currently have 18,000 miles of enjoyable and safe driving with this car. Weve had some minor problems with the BLIS; replaced the unit and reloaded the software a couple of times. Problem remain with a lot of driver side false warnings. -TIRES- came with the Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 235/60R18 tires. After the 15,000 mile service I noticed a rapidly increasing tire noise. Took it to the dealer who did an alignment (not out much). Severe wearing and cupping on the inside. Volvo denies problem exists.

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  No doubt about it.... - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Hope - June 9 - 5:00 am

  this is the best car I have ever had. the safety features are phenomenal, it is reliable, plus extremely comfortable and nice looking.

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  Excellent wagon - 1996 Volvo 850
  By josh p - June 9 - 2:00 am

  It has been very solid, dependable. Still drives like a dream at 74K miles. I have kept it up and folks who dont know volvos still think its a new car. I had one problem, the abs unit went bad and was replaced under warranty. I plan to drive at least 125K miles, then reevaluate it.

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  high school speedster - 2001 Volvo S60
  By high school speedste - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Since my dad crashed the car I was going to drive he went out and boughtme the 2.4T for safety, and I love it. It is the most comfortable car ive ever been in and it has a spectacular 10 speaker sound system. It is kind of a soccer mom car but still the kind of car thats perfect to own and all my friends are envious.

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  Love the car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dmassey - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Over all I love this car. My second volvo. I have a 2001 s-80. Only problem has been with the driver side automatic window. Bought the car in Santa Monica Calif. but have it service at San Diego Volvo where I live. Great dealership. Very comfortable and easy to drive car. Turbo isnt working hard at 75mph. Gas mileage is so so.

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  Great ride - 2003 Volvo S80
  By vikingpwr - June 8 - 7:46 pm

  Best car ever had,worst dealership!nothing major yet,replaced the oxygen sensor,4 times the headlight bulbs ,trunk lock.Very fast break rotors replacement and they(the dealer) wouldnt turn the rotors.Radios AM very poor reception,problem with the A/C but it got fixed during warranty and knock on wood warrantys expired and hope not to see a mechanic for a long time.

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  Not what they used to be - 1998 Volvo V70
  By jerseygirl - June 8 - 5:53 am

  I cant believe there are so many others that have had the same problems...power window, leaking oil, check light always coming on, brakes, tires/alignment, abs, control arm, shift console and now the engine and valves! Some problems couldnt be resolved because every service station (including the dealership) diagnosed it differently. And when the diagnosis was a recalled throttle, Volvo disagreed! Too much money into this car. We justified each repair by reminding ourselves it was a Volvo but no more because they are not what they used to be. The name no longer means anything. (Doesnt Ford own Volvo now anyway?) Ill be buying a Honda or Toyota next. Too bad Volvo isnt what they used to be.

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  Beautiful Car...Improve Reliability - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Beautiful Car - June 8 - 1:16 am

  I have had the car about 1 year. It is a beautiful car in Passion Red and well equipped. It is fun to drive with plenty of power, excellent handling, comfortable ride and is quiet. The biggest issue is an intermittent electrical problem. It has been in for repair over 4 times for more than 20 days with issues with the airbag sensor, door locks, windows, A/C, etc. We have another Volvo (2006 S40 T5) that has been problem free. Weve also owned a Volvo XC90 (2004) that was very reliable. We will continue to own Volvos as we like the cars but this particular car (V50)has been a little disappointing. I will say, however, that the dealer has been very diligent in trying to find the problem.

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  Better than expected - 2002 Volvo S80
  By cb - June 7 - 6:50 pm

  I was familiar with the bad rap the early S80s received and bought a 2002 anyway for my wife. It was under warranty and I figured the bugs should be worked out by now. So far the car has been wonderful to drive and own. Weve had zero problems and my wife absolutely loves it. The 2.9 NA motor has decent power but is by no means a hot rod. Fuel economy is superb for such a large car and it is extremely smooth and quiet.

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  Better than expected - 2002 Volvo S80
  By cb - June 7 - 5:10 pm

  I was familiar with the bad rap the early S80s received and bought a 2002 anyway for my wife. It was under warranty and I figured the bugs should be worked out by now. So far the car has been wonderful to drive and own. Weve had zero problems and my wife absolutely loves it. The 2.9 NA motor has decent power but is by no means a hot rod. Fuel economy is superb for such a large car and it is extremely smooth and quiet.