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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  Good Solid Car - 2009 Volvo S40
  By Chuck - July 13 - 2:43 am

  This is our third Volvo. The other two were station wagons (over 15 years ago). Purchased this for my 17 year old daughter as her first car. I am impressed because it is sporty enough for her and it is still a solid little Volvo. I just wish I could drive it sometime.

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  Volvo S60R - 2006 Volvo S60
  By outlawez - July 12 - 8:43 am

  Excellent car...very roomy throughout the front seats, rear seating could be larger. Safety features on this car are top-notch. When considering a safe, fun four door nothing else compares.

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  Great S80-T6 - 2003 Volvo S80
  By thom1 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle - going to buy another too

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  Test Drive - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Alex1212 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Watch out BMW and Mercedes! This vehicle is simply the best. It feels tight and is very easy to drive. I have test driven many Lux SUVs and the Volvo tops them all. The Acura is its closest match in size, but the Volvos looks, opions and safety is beyond compare. I feel sorry for those who are willing to pay so much more and get so much less!

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  Definitely Recommend - 2003 Volvo S60
  By M_T - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I had S60 AWD for 8 months. No problems. Fun to drive. Also considered AUDI and BMW. Definitely recommend

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  Great car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Matthew - July 10 - 7:43 pm

  I purchased this T5 with 50K on it from a Volvo dealer figuring they would have auctioned it off if it was bad. This car has been a joy to drive, fast and fun, with no machanical issues. At 113K, it still feels new. I have had a few repairs but no big deal over all. I will be looking to buy the R once I reach 200K on this one.

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  Nicely Appointed - 2008 Volvo V70
  By Phil - July 10 - 11:30 am

  Ive had the car for two weeks, I am very satisfied with the vehicle, its got lots of pep, is very stable in snow and ice, is rock solid on dry pavement, very tight steering, very little torque steer, great in tight turns at speed, a quiet and enjoyable ride. Im getting 21.5 in mixed driving, I burn mid grade fuel.

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  Im never buying a different car! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By ikey - July 9 - 5:53 pm

  The S60 has been a pleasure to drive. 247HP out of a turbo 2.3L I-5 is quite impressive and it is very reasonable with fuel. My mixed average is 25MPG, which is comparable to that of smaller cars. A lot of attention has been given to details and the build quality; it feels solid and is a quiet ride. The outside design is tasteful and simple and the interior is nicely laid out and ergonomic.

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  Good times with grandchildren - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Dianne Syring - July 6 - 2:26 pm

  I wanted safety features. As a grandmother of three that spends time with the children in the car. I love the built in toddler seat. Recently took a beach trip with 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren and we were all very comfortable and had plenty of room for gear.

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  Love my new ride - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By KP - July 6 - 7:54 am