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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  Good at everything, excels at litle - 2000 Volvo S40
  By MGB GT Racer - December 3 - 9:23 pm

  Its a great car, but was expensive when fully optioned. The lower optioned cars tend to drag the loaded ones into negative equity. Its deceptively fast, not quick. With a few aftermarket mods itll show taillights to most anything.

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  Quite satisfied - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By jdpusa - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought an XC 90 AWD after test driving Lexus range and Acura MDX. Very happy so far - 4 months and 10,000 miles. No reliability issues. Good performance and handling. Inside is spacious and very comfortable. Sound system is good quality. Did couple of long trips and the vehicle really excelled on the open road.

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By sbndominic - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I read many reviews before I purchased my 2.5T AWD. Power from the 5 cyclinder is very good. Test drove the T6. In my opinion not a big diference. The comfort and appointments are outstanding. Seats are exquisit. All systems have worked as expected no quality issues. In fact, this is the very best car I ever owned. My first Volvo. I could not be happier with the decision to purchase the XC 90. Also looked at the Taureg and the X5. The availability of 7 passenger seating and the safety features won us over. It has turned a few heads and received many compliments. My wifes only request is a place for her purse.

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  Great V8-- a wonderful SUV--perfect for us - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By rr - December 2 - 2:26 am

  After much dreaming and waiting for a VOLVO SUV, the XC90 does not disappoint. Its a comfortable, safe people mover that gives everybody a great ride (3rd row seats are higher for better views). The V8/6-speeds are mated nicely (purrs well!). Good snow traction and power here in the Rockies and for the highways on OE all-season tires (special winter tires were not needed). Love the split rear hatch and easy access throughout. Beautiful looking vehicle, great lines and finish. A solid and well built machine. Well designed and thoughtful interior. Easy to read dials and settings (although the radio is a bit clunky to set). Were going to get the Bluetooth installed next month. Great SUV.

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  Good car! - 2003 Volvo S80
  By Mark Lewis - December 2 - 2:20 am

  This is an excellent car. Its fun to drive, and it gets good gas mileage. I consistently get 430 miles to the tank. The only problem I have is that the rear passenger speaker produces static. Other than that, the car accelerates well, takes turns well, hugs the road and has plenty of amenities. The trunk is very large. The hinges fold into the side and not into the well of the trunk. It gives you more space. Thats especially important when you are grocery shopping for a family of 5! Overall, its a great car.

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  xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By rich6789 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Awesome vehicle! Safest thing I have ever seen, short of a Tank.

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Eduardo - November 28 - 9:40 am

  If you take care of this car, it will love you back. Ive had only 1 minor electrical problem in 6 yrs. The car has zip, gets great gas mileage and is the safest car in its class. Airbags everywhere. The seats are the most comfortable of any car. Huge trunk. Stops on a dime and is a blast to drive! Much more fun and safe then any of the Japanese cars Ive owned - Camry, Maxima.

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  Very happy with my 04 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By volvolover - November 26 - 11:23 am

  All in all I have been very satisfied with my XC90. I looked around for a while for good cars, and was told that the comfort of the car is very good. Every time I drive, the safety features give me a peace of mind, when I have my 3 kids in the car. For transportation needs, me and my husband settled on the 3 row seater, which is actually comfortable, considering most crossovers have a very uncomfortable third row. The gas mileage is pretty good at around 20 city and 24-25 highway. It is wonderful.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Pye - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Awesome, totally awesome! This car has been a dream from day 1! Rides great, fun to drive, trouble free, excellent safety features. Volvo XC rules!

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  Im a ballet mom, not a soccer mom! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Keystonegal - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Before having children, I didnt care about safety, now I do -- I bought it for safety and love it for everything else -- comfortable seats and cooling system, great handling (it doesnt feel like a boat like my minivan did). Great pick up, though its no sports car, and its not flashy, but it looks good. I want to stand out for my accomplishments not my car, but nothing is more important to me than safety -- I have it all. Get the reverse warning -- its worth the bucks, as is the vinyl floor pads -- they look neat, and will ease cleaning troubles.