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:

• 

  No fun - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By wsa10 - May 19 - 3:26 pm

  I leased a 2007 AWD 3.2 Volvo XC90 in August of 2006. I am so glad that I chose a 24 month lease as opposed to a 36 month lease. We have 2 more payments to go, and cant wait to get out of this car. I knew the car wasnt all that fun to drive, but was surprised that it would be as unreliable as it has been.

• 

  volvo ownership - 2004 Volvo S80
  By La Vonne Stewart - May 14 - 10:40 pm

  Sitting in this vehicle is comfortable but Ido not like the center console. It is not convenient to have a cup of coffee while driving. And that mickey mouse pop-up console drives me baty as it doesnt hold anything properly. i also dislike the control for the side view mirrors. Your 1986 model was much more efficient. I hate having to hit the right or left first then adjust. Ive had better steering wheel adjustments. Take the 1983 Tyota for instance. I dont really feel I have complete control of this vehicle. It in a way controls me. And I would prefer push button passing gear..like the 91 240for instance. Also theres not enough room for C.D storage nor does it fit properly.

• 

  Overengineered, Overpriced, Unreliable - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Karen - May 14 - 3:40 am

  After 2 years of owning an XC90, we decided to sell it -- while we still could. On average, our car was in the shop for service every 3 months. Small, annoying things were always going wrong and they were generally related to the electrical system/computer malfunctioning. Additionally, in two years, the car had over 16 recall items -- many safety related. Also, for a mid-size SUV, the gas mileage was terrible. Anyone for whom reliability is a priority should steer clear and drive directly to the nearest Acura dealership.

• 

  Car to Avoid - 2003 Volvo S60
  By AVOID VOLVO - May 9 - 10:00 am

  In 11 months of ownership the cruise control failed, transmission doesnt shift right, all bulbs on the rear of the car have burned out at least once each, and the throttle control system required replacement. The transmission problem required 6 different visits to the dealer, and still has not been corrected. The interior has 2 ongoing squeaks and rattles that after 3 attempts, the dealer can not seem to repair. Overall, the quality of the car is extremely poor, performance is very average. The only attribute this car has is comfortable front seats.

• 

  Transmission needed - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Bill - April 18 - 10:10 am

  Always had Volvos and this was our first SUV/crossover. Bought used with 55k miles and at 62k needs transmission with a 7K quote. It doesnt have tow package so it was babied by previous owner. Thankfully the dealer is helping make good on this awful vehicle. Test drove others and felt skipping in trans...so never again will we purchase an XC90. And the mpg is among the worst in the crossover line at 14.2 city and 18-19 highway. What a shame because the vehicle is beautiful and comfortable, its just a mechanical nightmare!

• 

  Is it held together with plastic screws? - 2005 Volvo S40
  By stephen3484 - April 10 - 6:13 pm

  What a piece of junk. I have owned many cars (German and American) and this one is just awful. I have 21000 miles on it but it drives like there are 121000 miles on the clock. A/C problems; stereo has a mind of its own; creaks, rattles, and shakes; the windows have a mind of there own; the gas gauge is unreliable; the ABS doesnt work; the whole steering system is screwed up and the list goes on. The car has gotten to the point where the steering and lack of ABS have made it almost unsafe and definitely unsettling to drive.

• 

  Electronics on this car is a nightmare! - 2005 Volvo V50
  By V 50 is a haeadache - April 1 - 1:46 am

  We are soccer parents so are on the road almost every weekend shuttling kids from event to another. We need a spacious and reliable car. The first 2 years were ok. The last 2 years have been a headache. The car is in the shop every month! The electronic system is always failing, with all kinds all scary warning signs: Engine Failure, Break Failure, Transmissions failure! This week was the worst. The immobilizer warning comes on and the key is stuck at position 1. Had to get it towed to the shop. Volvo has not been able to fix the problem after so many software upgrades. If you do not want to find yourself stranded 200 miles away from home, do not buy this car

• 

  Dont buy 6 cyl FWD - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By RonP - March 31 - 9:10 am

  We bought the XC90 3.2ltr FWD 7 passenger for its comfort and versatility when the grandkids visit. We thought the inline 6 cyl would get decent gas mileage, at least better than the Explorer we had. Wrong! In town we are only getting 12-13 mpg as opposed to advertised 18. Highway 22 mpg about what expected. The 6 cyl is significantly underpowered - having to downshift constantly. Also the car has the most unintuitive controls, i.e., washer/wipers, door locks, headlight controls Ive ever seen! Must be Swedish logic! It is a comfortable ride however for a mid-sized SUV.

• 

  Hate it, but guess Im lucky - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Hating it... - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Replace both brake pad sets at 31K ($330) - 90% worn and threatening rotors (no warning from dealer at 15K check-up); Head, tail and dash lights blown out; Turbo fuel line leaking; Poor customer service at dealer - Volvo of Carlsbad, CA. All, a mockery considering were talking VOLVO.

• 

  Buy the extended warranty! - 2000 Volvo V40
  By oasis - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a long litany of problems, from the indicators and lights failing, the a.c giving up twice, the turbo that failed at 30,000miles, the radio that is useless, the engine supports that collapsed at 40,000 and the interior trim that is now falling off....what can I say? DO NOT BUY A VOLVO