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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  06 S80 2.5L Turbo - 2006 Volvo S80
  By caniacfan - May 8 - 6:12 pm

  Bought this car when it had 60000 miles on it and now has 124000 miles. Very happy with car. My wife loves it. She drives it more than I. Had to have AC condenser replaced at 119000 miles. Headlight connectors go bad and have had to replace headlights more frequently than expected. Other than those issues it has been normal maintenance. Get 24 MPG on average and 28 on hwy.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2017 Volvo S90
  By Joseph L Fernandez - May 7 - 4:33 am

  Check out competition . Took delivery of my s90 inscription in August 2016. Car has exceded my expectations and those of my family. A joy to drive , excellent navigation, best car seats anywhere ultra high quality materials. Some recalls ,normal in a completely new vehicle , perfectly done by dealer. Long drives on NYS Thruway excellent. Trips to Manhattan and Brooklyn from Monroe , a pleasure. Car is quiet, roomy and very confortable. Last 9 years drove 3 335xs BMW .

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  I cant believe I bought a Volvo!! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Hemanth - May 7 - 3:46 am

  Thats right. I cannot believe I bought a Volvo. 3 months ago if you had asked me if I would consider a Volvo S60R my question would be "a Volvo??" Actually I had gone to the Volvo deaerlship to test drive the xc90 and found the R very appealing. Took it for a spin and rest is history. I have fun everytime I drive this car. My previous car was a 97 Honda Prelude which does not come close to the ride feel, comfort, and solid built of the Volvo. I am yet to see how reliable the turbocharged engine turns out to be where my old Honda never let me down but overall I am very pleased with my R. Test drove the IS300, 330I, TL, G35 before I decided to go with the Volvo.

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  First Volvo and very pleased. - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By twelborn - May 5 - 5:08 pm

  I did not ever think that I would be a Volvo driver, but once I took a test drive in this SUV I knew that I had to have it. The comfort that Volvo offers its drivers and passengers is outstanding. Despite the smaller 5-cylinder engine, this car has spunky acceleration and I can manage decent fuel economy for this size of a vehicle if driven properly. I have only been driving it for about 1 1/2 months, but I have had no problems so far and this car was meticulously maintained with its previous owner so there are no problems that I anticipate should happen.

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  many many problems - 2004 Volvo S60
  By wakk - May 4 - 7:10 pm

  i leased my s60r in 2/04 and have had nothing but problems with it. first the hose for the power steering went out and then a week later a fog light burnt out in april. since then it has 7500 miles and the chassis setting has gone out and it keeps backfiring between shifts. the backfiring has been a problem since april and service told me to first wind out the rpms and now i am told it is a characterisic of the s60r. the front tires are now rubbing when turned to the far right or left.i am meeting with the tech guy and volvo rep 11/10/04 hoping to get out of my lease and move on to a dependable car like the nissan maxima.

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  Movin up - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By USNav8tor - May 4 - 3:03 am

  I recently traded my 06 BMW M3 convertible in for this SUV. I needed the space for our new baby. My rating is slightly lower on performance and fun to drive just based on the fact I have a hard time not comparing it to the M3 - totally different vehicles, but Im still having a little separation anxiety. I do love this SUV. I did my research and really found this to be the best bang for the buck and it is. I have been a german car owner and vowed to never buy anything else... well Volvo won me over! The Volvo XC90 is fantastic!

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  My Volvo did not last - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Kevin - May 3 - 6:40 am

  I am someone who wanted to be a Volvo owner for life . I had always heard how dependable Volvos are . Well my XC90 was anything but . At 59000 miles I needed a new transmission . And the Volvo dealer was not helpful with anything . I am just getting ready to turn 110000 miles and I need another transmission . Also I had to put in a new drive train at 90000 miles. Along with a new front axle at 64000. Granted I do drive alot of miles in a year. But I purchased a Volvo so I could have a safe reliable car . And my Volvo cost me way to much in repairs and way to much on rental car bills . After my experience with the Volvo XC90 I would recommend it.

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  Fun and Safe - 2001 Volvo S60
  By chicagomatt - May 2 - 6:03 pm

  My family are loyal Volvo owners. I, being in my 20s, have always owned 2 door, sporty cars. Then, I bought a S60T5 with every option. It is an amazing car that my friends love to ride, drive, and be seen in. The optional sport shift is great for passing and provides better control of the vehicle in all weather. Interior is sporty. The optional 4 disc indash cd and Dolby surround system is amazing qualtiy, even for the most picky of ears (whether you are listening to RENT or Van Halen). Plus, you have the ultimate car for safety with all safety standard. The only complaint is sport tires/wheels can rub against the wheel wells if turned too hard. Otherwise, the car is exceptional!

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  Hard to find a better SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Caly - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I went to the Frankfurt Auto Show in late September after purchasing my Volvo in the beginning of August. I couldnt find a vehicle I liked better. Designed with safety in mind, this SUV drives like a car, has plenty of room, is very comfortable and seats 7 when you need to. This vehicle is very well thought out. Get the 2.5T vs. the T6: Better transmission(5 vs. 4-speed), better fuel economy, and faster 0-60. The T6 is for those who want the top model but do not do their homework.

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  2011 XC90 R-Design - 2011 Volvo XC90
  By Jack - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Am I the first to review the 2011 model? I have had one four days now and I absolutely love it. I can not find anything to criticize about the car. You pay for what you get and I feel every option was worth the price. The Volvo drives rock steady on the road and I feel the engine is adequate. I had some concerns about the 6 cylinder but it does the job. So far in mixed driving I am averaging 20MPG. I think with highway driving that will increase. Bluetooth is now built in and works superbly. The radio/telephone controls are mixed together and are a little overwhelming at first but work as designed. The seats are very comfortable and love the R-Design color scheme. Love this car!