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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  Volvo XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By David - March 6 - 6:10 pm

  So far a great SUV. I just logged 27,600 miles and no problems.

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  Nice! - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Nice! - March 5 - 7:33 pm

  Just bought the XC90. Last car was the Acura MDX. Really enjoying the Volvo but do miss some of the nooks and crannies of the MDX for eye glasses, cell phones, loose change etc. Would also say the Acura had more of a luxurious feel on the inside. But, putting those things aside, the Volvo drives like a dream, definitely a tighter ride and handles better than the MDX and the interior is still very very nice.

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  Volvo for life is true - 2004 Volvo S60
  By SMPM - March 5 - 7:23 pm

  My S60 was a fleet vehicle w/low miles. I averaged 36 mpg hwy driving the car back home cross-country. The car is safe, solid - its not nimble like my old A4 or current Jetta, but solid. If I hit anything with this car, I will either push it out of the way or run over it - thats the feeling this cars drive quality has - heavy, solid, secure. Ergonomics on this car are superb. The seating is heaven and safety-blessed with the WHPS system. I have the 2.4L engine, and while I dont drag race, I know I have reasonable passing power. I drive this car like a hybrid - slow off the start, no wasted fuel, moderate braking on stops, and I average around 26/27mpg in urban driving.

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  Truly a great automobile - 2004 Volvo S60
  By As Fan - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has the looks, the performance and is resaonably priced. When it is in the Turbo mode, this vehicle runs like a scalded ape. If ever there was a wolf in shepps clothing, this is it.

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  Worst Mistake I Made - 2002 Volvo S40
  By valeriec - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car and the service from Volvo were absolutely horrible. I had the car for two years and lately its spending more time in the garage then driving it. As for Volvos cutomer service, they dont know the meaning. The Cutomer Service Depatment asked if we expected them to service all the cars they sell. The service manager said to me "Looking forward to hearing about your next problem". Word of advice dont buy a Volvo. Their slog should be "Volvo for a lifetime of headaches" Also the trade value of a two year old Volvo is extremely low, as I found out when I got rid of the headache for a Fabulous Acura TL. Word of advice Buy an Acura ...

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  Cars got a bad rap - 1999 Volvo S80
  By SomeGuy - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Im completely confused about the bad rap this car has. Ive had mine for over 2 years, and havent had a single problem that wasnt covered under a TSB during the warranty period. The car rides well, handles well, and isnt afraid to jump when asked. It appears that there may be some good ones and some bad ones, and Im happy to have a good one. I only had one repair that seemed a bit out of the ordinary, the stereo seemed to have forgotten about the CD player, and it needed a software download. I convinced the dealership to charge me parts only, no labor. $25 repair.

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  Impressed - 2004 Volvo S40
  By GECIII - March 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife recently got a new job about twice as far from home as her previous one and our youngest son got his license. With the price of gas, it was time to get rid of the minivan and look for something more fuel efficient. We werent even planning on looking at the Volvo, but it happened to be the first dealer we passed. We didnt get any further. The car is great. You cant beat the design, sportyness, power, safety features, and the fun to drive factor for the price. She loves it and has been averaging 29mpg. I had my heart set on a BMW 3-series, but theres no competition. The S40 is by far the superior car.

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  heather - 2004 Volvo V70
  By doublelicious14 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  it is a pretty good of a lot!

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  What Youd Expect From Volvo - 2006 Volvo S80
  By brad - March 3 - 11:30 pm

  This car is underpowered, but typical of most turbos there is a lag from pressing the gas until the turbo kicks in. This car does better at higher speeds - think of it as a highway cruiser. I drive mostly highway using premium fuel and average 23 to 24 mpg. There is a 2nd A/C outlet on the center console facing backseat that is good for folks needing more than 1 outlet (just snake your cord between console and seat if you need to be tidy). Paint finish is excellent. Interior comfort is excellent. Great value.

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  99 V 70 GLT - 1999 Volvo V70
  By GA Ham - March 1 - 6:03 pm

  Car needed various electric window repairs, covered under certification, but had to be done 3 times to same window. Had to use warranty 4 or 5 times in from 26,000 to 90,000. The time of warranty ran out before the 100,000 miles limit.