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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  152,000 miles and counting - 2000 Volvo S40
  By sb - August 26 - 7:56 pm

  hello there Volvo world I bought my new Volvo in Sept 1999...its an S40 2000. It had only 2 miles on it and now I have over 152K! Yes...the only mjor repair was new engine mounts 5-6 years ago and a new alternator in July 2008. Im on my 3rd set of tires. The interior is still mint condtion and runs excellent. I am now obsessed to see how many miles I can get out of this car.

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  Tire issues are a problem - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Bay area gal - August 26 - 1:43 am

  Told first set of tires were just bad tires and replaced at 20 k miles due to excessive cupping. Within 10 k miles back tires cupping again dealer monitored and replaced back tires only after stating they fixed the issue. Volvo would not replace front tires. Told tires on front had at least 20k miles at least on them with plenty of wear left. 3 months after replacing the back, cupping noise back. Dealer stated they did in fact hear and see cupping starting again. Did alignment and asked me to bring back for check in 5k miles. Waited 3k miles 2 months and was just told back tires are fine, no cupping which is discrepancy from 3 months ago and told front tires need replaced. Incredible

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  The Best SUV Ive Owned - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Robb Arnst - August 25 - 5:23 pm

  This is the best SUV that Ive owned. Previously I drove a 2000 Mercedes ML320, and the Volvo rides much better, more like a car than an SUV. It has a good solid feel to it. Im 64" tall, and I find the seats very comfortable. The rear seat leg room is good, and the third row seats can actually be used by an adult. Power from 2.5L engine is adequate, but it doesnt have as much pep as my Mercedes, which I miss. If you want more power get the V8 version. Ive been getting about 20 mpg on the highway. The winter driving mode with the AWD is a nice feature. I drove home in a substantial snow storm with no problems. I looked at a lot of vehicles, and this is the best!

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  Extremely Reliable, Extremely Safe & Fun - 2004 Volvo V70
  By MadeInJapan - August 24 - 11:16 am

  This is our 3rd Volvo and I would probably rate Performance & Fun to Drive as 10s if it wasnt for also owning a S70 that has an upgraded ECU. But this V70 is just phenomenal! No repairs! It has air bags everywhere even in the pillars so curtain airbags will inflate if youre in a side impact- very safe! We like the power off the line that this car offers and nimble steering although its a luxury car- great for tireless trips w/ the extremely comfortable seats. Upgraded to IPD swaybars & HD endlinks as well as a drop in K&N air filter. I knew these would make a difference in performance even before I bought the car...and well worth it! Also changed out the donut to a full size spare.

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  Poor introducton of model - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Bob S - August 24 - 10:20 am

  My ownership experience has been less than satisfactory due to the constant irritation of having the auto at the dealership. Constant problems with programming with radio shutdown, GPS shutdown, barking dog in the fan control of AC were finally fixed with a programming fix. Two rings embedded in the back boot of the convertible cover resulted in boot being replaced after two attempts to get replacement from mfg. Blew out a tire & since no spare, took 5 days to get a replacement. Now I get a recall stating most of the problems I have already experienced. Found five shims in trunk that fell from someplace in convertible top & undetermined where they should be replaced.

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  2008 Volvo XC70 in Canada - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By NIBS - August 23 - 5:33 am

  This is my third Volvo. Previous to this car was an 02 XC70 and an 850 turbo. My experience with the 08 model is not something to write home about. The fuel economy of this car (avg 13.8L/100kms) is far less than the 2002 and the increase in HP does little to affect performance. Personally I prefer the older turbo model. I also like the center stack from the old model as it was slightly turned towards the driver. Other than cosmetic, there is very little about this car that is better than the previous model. The car is not as quiet nor as tight. I currently have 13K kms on this car and it has been back to the dealer five times for warranty repair.

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  very family friendly - 2009 Volvo V50
  By Kid friendly - August 23 - 3:50 am

  I sold my Jeep for a reason of too much as thirsty and bought this V50. Awesome quality! Although it does not have the power and torque feel like the Jeep, it suits the purpose of "utility". I would not complain about the road noise like other reviewers, because its MUCH less compared to the Jeep. The seats fold flat, even the passenger seat folds down. I carry my 2 kids, plus their bicycles, balls, toys in the back cargo space, and still have space to spare. The car drives smoothly; the audio system is good. Its just perfect for a small family. My only problem is the gas mileage. I have not reached the 31 mpg as the manufacture stated. I averaged about 25-26 mpg in mixed driving.

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  I love this car - 2000 Volvo V70
  By VolvoforMe - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd 700-series wagon. It is fast and comfotable. It has the worlds best seats, too. On dry roads, it handles like a sports car. On slippery roads, handling is predictable and confidence-inspiring. I love this car and definitely will buy another.

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  best in class - 2004 Volvo S60
  By cjs - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I drove pretty much everything in the class, BMWs, Nissans, the Passat, Infiniti G35 and I35. Each car and make has its strong suit but I think Volvo has really created the best all-around car here. One cautionary note here, I leased mine sight unseen (another dealers inventory) and really wish I had the 17 inch rims.

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  Not ready for prime time - 2004 Volvo S60
  By NRFPT - August 22 - 2:00 am

  A fun car to drive but the build quality is not up to par. Have already had the rear brake pads & rotors replaced due to squeaking and the replacements also squeak. Also have a disturbing vibration in the shifter when in 5th gear. Volvos position is that the vibration is inherent in the design of the car.