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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  2003 S60 AWD - 2003 Volvo S60
  By ed - April 9 - 7:56 am

  Bought mine used. Put 60k on it in not quite 4 years. Nothing major has ever gone wrong with this car. I love the car. The interior is downright swank. Heated seats are the bomb, Acceleration is surprisingly powerful, mileage is average or a hair less than I would have expected (26 mpg). Yes, its noisy. If that bugs you, itll be too much for you. If not, the car is awesome. And if you have kids, youll feel very responsible while still having a sporty, fun, and good looking car.

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  Jims review - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Jim - April 8 - 5:36 pm

  The car is very comfortable and well constructed. The stereo system is amazing. The convertible top is ingenious. The fit and finish of the vehicle is outstanding. Styling is sleek and mature. The engine power could be classified as peppy. Interior and exterior design is distinctive and elegant.

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  Reflections - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Jamie - April 8 - 10:56 am

  Bought the car from the distribution center. Came to me with no squeaks, rattles, etc. Has so far been a flawless experience contrasted with my 2005 and 2002 CLK cabriolets, which were both problem-prone.

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  lMy first volvo- - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Michele - April 8 - 7:00 am

  I waited 2 yrs for this car! Needed the suv body style, very happy with this! A few minor problems (computer errors). At 25,000 miles, had to replace tires. Not happy about that. Was told its common on Awd suvs?! Would like to know what other owners think about this.

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  Best seats ever, buy this SUV for the seats alone - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By erikn206 - April 7 - 8:05 pm

  Go on one good long drive in this Volvo and youll see why this car is a great deal, being cheaper than luxury cars, but a step up from your standard choices. The seats arent noticeably different from other cars until you get up after a long drive and realize how much better you feel than if you were sitting in a normal car that long. I bought an R-Design for the looks and it has a ridiculous amount of power. I have also driven non-R-design versions and they are also quite good and much cheaper. Note that you do get the occasional false alarm from the forward collision warning system, but Id rather have one or two false alarms then get in a collision.

• 

  Money Pit - 1996 Volvo 850
  By KBarry - April 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is an utter joy to drive and one of the most comfortable cars when it is not in the repair shop. This year alone Ive had the rear main seal, ABS controle module and radiator fan go. Very common problems on these cars and Volvo does not stand behind them, especially the brake problems. They claim they have no knowledge of these problems. I have filed a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Association for the brake problems. Repairs are astronomical and relaibility is subpar for a luxury vehicle.

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  First 1000 miles - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By nicksal - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2000 Suburban on the XC90. Clearly a fantastic vehicle. My wife and I have enjoyed every mile so far. Our 3 children 7,4 and 3 are very comfortable without any compromise. No matter where we are, people stop and look at the car, often being complimentary. I recommend this car over a Suburban or an Expedition based on personal experience.

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  Happy with my S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By gurgstar - April 1 - 7:13 pm

  I have owned the 2001 S40 for about a year and a half. Contrary to many of the other reviews (many of which pertain to the 2000 model anyway, which I know had more issues), I havent had any service problems with mine, aside from the "Check Engine" light coming on once. The car handles well, and the engine is powerful (though my previous car was a V6 and I do miss the V6 a bit). My only complaint would be the that the interior controls (climate and radio) are poorly designed.

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  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

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  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.