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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  Update on my Moondust C70 - 2003 Volvo C70
  By 1972ChevelleMalibu - September 10 - 9:23 pm

  15,500 miles and cant wait for this summer. Only word of caution, get rid of the stock Pirelli tires ASAP. First off, they are only summer and second, the sidewalls are way too weak. You hit a pothole or bump and they are ruined. I switch over to Dunlop Wintersport M3. They also come run- flat. Take much more abuse (regulars), but low - profile in general is a bad idea. Car was totally fine in snow with the Dunlops (they are winter tires). Moondust color is perfect for hiding dirt, finish is fine, interior is perfect. No problems with anything, just get in and turn the key. Very unique. Drive all day and maybe see one other on the road. Cant think of anything else I would rather have.

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  S60 Volvo 2.5T - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Gemini - September 8 - 4:26 pm

  alot of fun to drive. Holds the road better than originally expected. Fuel economy is better than expected as well. 208 hp have plenty of power. The leather seats are very comfortable, especially on long drives. The sound system is awesome. The fold down seats are also a great feature.

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  2007 S60 T5 - 2007 Volvo S60
  By cwlgal - September 8 - 3:03 am

  This car is sneaky fast. Passing on the interstate seems lethargic until you realize youre going 80 - 90 MPH. The day after I bought it I drove 2000 miles round trip from Augusta, GA to Houston, TX and obtained an overall 29 MPG. Volvo recalibrated the engine computer so the car runs on regular gas. Im pleased to report there are no rattles and very little wind noise. It seems solid and has very comfortable seats but has a somewhat harsh ride. The turn radius will drive you crazy, especially in mall parking lots. Overall nice car but Im seriously disappointed in Volvos depreciation rate, much higher than Japanese automobiles.

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  A great car - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Jay Grant - September 5 - 10:00 am

  THis is my 4th Volvo. I have found them to re reliable and the service to be excellent from the dealership, but high priced.

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  I like it - 2000 Volvo C70
  By wansomathis - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a long run of bad experiences with used cars, but this one has been a dream so far. Everything works smoothly and reliably, and its always a pleasure to drive. Excellent handling and styling. The only minus is less than great reverse vision due to the high trunk line. Also, why o why didnt they make tha back seats fold down like everyone else?!

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  Wow - what a great car - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By Bob _bear - September 3 - 8:53 pm

  We recently purchased the 2008 XC70 after an exhausted search. The ride is exceptional and the seat are very comfortable. We are averaging 21mpg which we fell is reasonable. The build quality so far is also exceptional, not a rattle or the slightest defect to be found after two months. The park assist is excellent giving parking assist on front, back and sides. Radio and speakers are very good. I like the fact that the controls are very clear, easy to locate and only the controls you really need on the steering wheel -- cruise control on one side and radio on the other side. Overall we are exceptionally happy with our purchase

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  Im a Lifer! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Edward - September 2 - 7:36 am

  I commute 180 miles round trip each day and this car is a pleasure to sit in. I can even fit my 62" frame in the back and still be comfy. The safety features are amazing even the sunroof is safe! My s60 is quiet inside, except on bad roads it can get a little rough over bumps with no weight in the car. Cornering is actually pretty good, but bumps may require a bit of correction. Its smooth for a front drive car. My non turbo is actually really spunky. Maint. is a little expensive, but talking to other Volvo owners, they swear by the dependability of their cars...so far so good. I like the Volvo because not everyone has them...Im very happy overall with my car

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  Great Car - 2004 Volvo V40
  By Rabbit Volvo - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to replace a perfectly good honda civic as a reward for quitting smoking. I picked this car out of the beetle, element, and audi wagon because it has versitility, styling, and is great to drive. I can have kids, get a dog, and still keep this car, yet I am single and my friends want to ride with me when we go backpacking. The price was only a bit more than the rather poorly finished element with the $4000 off invoice.

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  Serious Competition - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By RPM3 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Well I had a chance to test drive this SUV at the SF preview and I am very impressed. Quality is excellent and Volvo has done their homework with respect to providing a complete package. I always knew Volvos were safe, but this SUV is truly amazing. Even at full throttle it is impossible to flip this thing. During the test drive we had it going almost sideways at about 55mph and the safety features kept the vehicle always in control.

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  Bottom Line-opportunity and wifes opinion on looks of the XC60. - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By kk1969 - August 27 - 6:53 pm

  Was deciding between a 10 XC60 and 09 BMW X3-both slightly used and great prices. Used comparison tools to look at space, residual value, warranties, gas mileage, standard features, etc. Save some $$ and get your own aftermarket NAV/DVD systems Hope this helps somebody...dont think you can go wrong with this car! Most luxurious Ive ever owned and a pleasure to drive! Virtually no road noise!