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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  XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Anton Vasyukevich - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Overall the best SUV ever. I enjoying it every minute I drive

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  Excellent Luxury Sedan - 2008 Volvo S80
  By amcdad - August 5 - 8:43 am

  This is a competitive class, and the S80 competes well with all around competence. Good handling, top of the line safety, excellent comfort, and options that make the driving experience all the more pleasurable. The safety is key- compare the IIHS crash tests to the Mercedes E and BMW 5- and youll be surprised that those companies charge over $50,000 for a car that doesnt keep you safe. The 281HP S80 T6 has plenty of oomph, and the handling, while not in the BMWs league, is a lot better than Volvos previous sedans have been. Most will enjoy it just fine. The Dynaudio stereo upgrade is worth the money- 650 Watts of the most incredible car audio youll ever hear. All in all- love it!

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  Reliable and Fun - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Stephanie - August 5 - 3:00 am

  I purchased this car the minute it came out in October. I have put 17,000 miles on the car and have driven it across country 3 times. I was disappointed that cruise control was not standard but I added it for 250 dollars after my first cross country trip. It has been extremely reliable and handles beautifully. It handles mountain roads smoothly and never loses acceleration no matter what the grade is. It is extremely comfortable and spacious and I have sat in it for 12 hours at a time. It also has amazing cargo capacity once seats are folded down. My only problem is that ulphostery beneath the glove compartment did come undone but it was easily repaired.

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  I love this Car!! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Cody - August 1 - 7:23 pm

  I drive back and forth to school twice a week. I have never had any major problems.

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  20K+ and Still Liking it - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By 20K+ - August 1 - 6:03 pm

  Ive driven the XC90 for 20K+ miles still love it. Mileage is almost always over 20. Trips - Norway/Sweden 1,700 miles - 23.8 mpg. Upper Midwest 2,400 - 23.4 mpg. New England - 3,400 miles 23.7 mpg. Amazingly good mileage. Comfort cant be beat. Have had ZERO problems, not even one repair trip to the dealer. It will be a long time before I trade-in this car.

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  Awesommmme!!! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By KeyBlake - July 31 - 2:00 am

  What a great car! I originally went looking for the C70 convertible, but when I saw this one on the showroom floor, I couldnt resist. Imagine: 4 doors to accommodate a family; 6 speed manual transmission; AWD, 300 HP, and great gas mileage to boot! I love this car.

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  Cant wait for next season - 2003 Volvo C70
  By 1972ChevelleMalibu - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I have to put in my opinion on this car because they are so hard to find, etc. I have had my Moondust C70 with the high powered turbo for 6 months and 6,000 miles. So far, it has been a fantastic car. It is powerful (252 HP), smooth riding and the seats are extremely comfortable. I originally struck out to find a used one, but it was so difficult, I bought a leftover 2003 new. People come up to me at stoplights to ask what it is and say how much they like it (sometimes one person a day) when the top is down! If you have the $, it is either this, or I would check out the new Saab (was not out when I got mine).

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  Love it - 2002 Volvo S80
  By buckley - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Our S80t-6 has been a joy to own. I appreciate the acceleration on the highway. The interior is comfortable and plenty roomy. Im over six foot and find I do not feel as tired or stiff if I have to drive a long distance.

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  Mikes V70 Review - 2001 Volvo V70
  By mikemccrary - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is an excellent car; probably the most comfortable of any car Ive ever driven. It has a few reliability problems (since I bought it in July 2000, Ive had to replace the alternator, right electric door lock, brake booster, both headlight bulbs, one tail light bulb, and some air conditioning work - cant remember exactly, but it wasnt blowing cold air). Visibility out of the rear side windows is hampered a little by the front seat headrests. Very peppy, wonderful ride, and fun to drive.

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  Highly Recommend - 2001 Volvo S60
  By mbecker - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has a very tight design. Its like youre driving on a cloud...you dont feel the turns or the fast breaking....