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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  Near Perfect For What It Is - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Steve R - June 25 - 11:00 am

  It was a close, but the XC60 got me. The X3 is too dated. The GLKs back seat is too cramped for adults-if human. The RX350 has just about everything. Except inspiration. Life is too short to live like that. So it came down to the Q5 and XC60. The face, rear, skin, and interior chest of the Q still make me wonder if I picked the right mate. But its brains came out of the shop as iDrive, and the plastics used made me feel like its beauty may be skin deep. The Swede caught my eye too, though in a different language. She wrapped her 2-tone arms around me. Had a firm, smooth ride. Stirred me with her strength and agility. And made me feel like shed carry my child in safety. Shes the one.

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  great car overall - 1998 Volvo V70
  By broadbeard - June 24 - 7:07 am

  Purchased in 2004 with 64,000 miles for my wife, she didnt like the 95 850 turbo wagon because it had too much power. The light pressure turbo and AWD is much better for her. I use high quality parts and do not have tire, brake, or other components wearing out prematurely. Currently have Michelin Harmony and ceramic brakes, best ride of any car Ive owned and the AWD makes the snow disappear. Has not left us stranded in 10 years. Not transmission problems, averages 22 MPG, can get 28 MPG on interstate. High quality and good design. As others posted, it is expensive to maintain at dealer. I do most of the work, however, I do have a friend that helps me with more difficult repairs.

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  Get the PCC - 2008 Volvo S80
  By Lee in Germany - June 23 - 4:23 am

  I love this car! It drives great, and eventhough I dont have one of the larger engines, the car has plenty of pick up and go even on the German autobahns. I love it! Living in Europe, we travel a great deal, and already, the S80 is proving to be a comfortable, luxurious ride. Couple that with Volvos safety record, and this car provides the best of both worlds.

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  An outstanding sedan - 2013 Volvo S60
  By smerdyakov - June 22 - 10:02 pm

  In the last three years I have had an Audi A4 quatrro and a Buick Regal GS, and this car is superior to both of them. The seats are the best that I have ever had, and the 6 cylinder turbo is powerful, and runs on regular fuel. Unlike the same feature in many other cars, the Sport mode enhances performance considerably. It is quiet, smooth, and much faster than I had expected. Mileage tends to average about 32 mpg on the highway, which is not outstanding but adequate. Interior and exterior styling is restrained and elegant, and the layout for all controls is excellent. I dont understand why I feel so few of these cars on the street.

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  Great buy great ride - 2006 Volvo S40
  By jeremybennett8 - June 22 - 1:13 pm

  I bought my S40 used still under warranty after looking at buying a new one. The 6 speed is awesome and a great fuel saver. Power and handling are ample and safety features are unparalelled. Driven right you can have fun and get over 23 MPG. Be warned: spacial reasoning is a must. The trunk is hard to while backing up as are the rounded front corners. Factory premium sound will blow your ears off if you want it to. Nav system is good with steering wheel mounted controls, though this can be distracting at times. I recommend 17" wheels at the minimum to improve grip if you plan on driving aggressively.

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  Very happy! - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Pam Nichols - June 22 - 5:09 am

  Ive never had a perfect car for me but this is quite close. My husband refused to ever drive an SUV but he loves this car. Hes always looking for an excuse to drive. It has power! There are lots of extras in the inscription that are worth the extra money. I like the larger tires and leather quality especially. My kids love the car too and prefer to ride in the "way back". Some of the technology is tricky but you do get the hang of it and there are so many features that its worth the effort to learn it.

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  Love this Wagon - 2007 Volvo V50
  By hollydnc - June 20 - 2:40 am

  This is my first wagon and I love the style and functionality of this car. I have had a couple of stain issues with the neoprene seats, but so far they have cleaned up pretty well with upholstery cleaner. I mainly purchased this vehicle to tote around my two dogs, but I also feel stylish driving around town. A bit of a premium price, but after two years, I am a happy volvo owner. We will see if it holds up as well as my Honda after 7 years, but doing great so far.

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  NASA on EARTH - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By George Karavitis - June 20 - 2:10 am

  Well im now 60 and went through many trials with all my vehicles, and they were many, This Volvo not like the rest! Volvo has done to the car, what NASA has succeeded to the space shutle, Long trips, comfortable, controls keep you company, they do everything without talking to you and at night they even relax your eyes, perfect ballance weight configuration, superb modulus of elasticity of the metal, sound and vibration minimal (dont feel it), not hard and stiff like the Mercedes or BMW, and soft like Lexus and most important it still caries the secret that only VOLVO owners know.

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  Totally Satisfied! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By BigLand - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car in 2000. It was a 1999 S80 T6 and had 22,000 miles on it when I purchased it. I now have a little over 70,000 miles on my car and I am as happy as can be. The car rides great, is very comfortable, the twin turbos are wonderful, and the car has been very reliable. Other than regular maintenance, I have not had any repairs. If youre looking into a 1999 Volvo S80 T6, buy with absolute confidence. When I hit the 100,000 mark it should be paid off. I will look into another T6. This is definately the best car my wife and I have ever owned!

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  An incredible machine! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By jnielsen - June 19 - 2:00 am

  The Volvo V70 combines the fun and precision of a European sports sedan and the functionality of a SUV. Everything in Volvo literature and that the salespeople stated is true. This is one fine automobile.