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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  I like it! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Dave - March 9 - 8:46 pm

  Ive had my Volvo for over three years now and still really enjoy it. I have driven it on the German Autobahn, and can say it drives better at 100mph than at 60 mph. With the 5-speed it accelerates adequately, with just enough power to feel in control during traffic merging situations. It handles well enough, but feels best when you just cruise along relaxing. In fact it is so comfortable I dont mind getting stuck in a traffic jam; the upgraded sound system is awesome. Climate/radio controls are adjusted with the one finger, without looking. This car does very well when the roads start getting slippery.

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  Volvo has customer service issues - 2015 Volvo XC70
  By Andrian Kouznetsov - March 9 - 2:33 am

  This is my fifth Volvo and the last one. I leased new XC70 2015 T6 AWD in and I have 15k miles on it. It is great car to some extend regardless of the price tag. It has unique combination of performance, luxury and utility and is well built. So whats the problem? Soon after I leased the car local dealership was closed and I learned that according to "Volvos policies" I have to drive 200 miles distance to the next dealership to get scheduled maintenance. Is this reasonable? I tried working though Volvo customer service, but have been politely stonewalled, the company has no method of filing customer complaints. They all come back to the same person.

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  Great value - 2009 Volvo S80
  By Dan_J - March 8 - 4:20 pm

  I was in the market for a new comfortable luxury sedan. I saw all the rebates Volvo had on this car and was able to knock $10k total off MSRP through negotiating with the dealership. So my $42k was purchased for $32k, which is an incredible value. The car drives very well, seats are very supportive and comfortable. All of the materials in the car are high quality. In addition, the 5 yr 60k warranty, which includes maintenance and wear/tear items made this decision very easy for me. If youre considering purchasing a luxury car, I highly encourage you to consider the S80, you will be thoroughly impressed.

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  A stinker amongst the good ones, I guess - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Guswriter - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive read and heard about all the great, long-lived Volvos. Mine will not be one. Since the very day I picked it up, nothing but troubles. Leaks, squeeks, electrical problems, and a lot of time spent in the shop, including a complete transmission replacement. Fortunately for me, this was purchased as a Certified Used Car ... so its all covered until I hit 100,000 miles. Well, I still pay 50 bucks everytime I visit the shop. Dealer has been fantastic through it all, though.

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  My Volvo S40 w/ Sports Package - 2004 Volvo S40
  By WilliamLAlsmeyer - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The Turbo makes this vehicle perform magnificently. Its a little cramped inside, but the trunk, and fold down rear seat produce lots of Cargo Space. My wife traded in her Volvo GL-240, w/ over 200k miles, and only did so because it became difficult to get repair parts. Comes w/ 3 years and 36k miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, including tires, w all routine and emergency maintenance w/o charge. That can be extended. Maintenance costs then, are included in the purchase price!

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  Guess Im luckier than I thought - 2001 Volvo S40
  By JenDM - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I havent been extremely thrilled with my first Volvo, but after reading these reviews, I guess Im doing better than I thought. The clear coat on my car is trashed--every time a bird poops on it, theres a permanent spot, and I have found that the interior fabric stains even if its just a water spot. The plastic molding along the bottom of the car is constantly loose. The car has been reliable for me and I enjoy driving it, but with the paint quality, I just cant see this car looking good for the long haul.

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  Two Months In Service - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Peppers - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The exterior styling is the best of all SUVs. The interior styling is equal to other luxury SUVs. Seat comfort is high, but the ride could be softer. Fuel economy is adequate for its size and class (19mpg city and 24mpg highway). The functionality is exceptional.

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  Not Bad - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Moliner - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I wanted something to pull a boat, but I prefer the ride of a sedan. The XC90 is my compromise. I found it to be the most attractive outside and in, with good attention to detail. Great sound system. I chose the 2.5T, to get some decent gas mileage. Im getting the low end of the MPG rating, but plenty of get up and go for most applications. A couple of recalls, for relatively minor issues. Overall, a good looking and driving car. I assume it is among the safest, but have no experience to prove it (fortunately).

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  Beautiful But Unreliable - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Fed up - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car, but its in the shop waaaayyyyy too much. Since owning it,Ive replaced the power steering, throttle, bushings (twice), CD player, fuel cap (twice - and Im still getting the message "fuel filler cap open/loose") both side lights (broken clamps), moonroof switch and other switches. I have an annoying squeak in my steering wheel as well as the drivers seat. I love the way the car drives, rides and looks, but for the $$$? My warranty is up and Ill be trading it in for something else - probably a Passat or Audi.

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  Would buy again! - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Liz - March 6 - 11:23 pm

  Spacious, comfortable convertible. Best convertible to accommodate tall driver and has the most room in back seat for passengers vs others. Power top fabulous. Well placed controls. This car is in addition to my Corvette when we needed room for three. Sporty, yet functional. Reasonable gas economy. Good mechanically. Very reliable. Dealers supply loaner. Very fair pricing for a fun car! Only recommend HT convertible with the higher HP and would even like more power, of course!