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:

• 

  Crumb Cake - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Barely Satisfied RI - August 24 - 3:33 am

  My wife wanted it for "safey," but she quickly was sorry we bought it. Of course, I ended up with it. Many problems with electrical systems during the first two years. The interior is smallish in the front. I would never think of sitting in back...my two kids in car seats barely fit back there. The dash design is poor--the cup holder hangs in front of CD player so you cant change disks without risking a major spill. As another reviewer noted, the cup holder is a junky design, and the hardware doesnt work properly. Same goes for rear holder. Ashtray poorly placed--hits gear shift when taking it out, so you have to put into gear to empty trash. Pain chips easy. Rubber door trim is disaster

• 

  Great Investment - 2006 Volvo S40
  By gradstudent456 - August 22 - 8:50 pm

  My S40 has nearly 150K miles on it and with regular maintenance, tire rotations/balancing and oil changes, I have had very few issues. I constantly receive compliments on how elegant the car is. Many acquaintances believe it newer and more expensive than it is. I am lucky to have Volvo-specialized mechanic with integrity in town. While parts are expensive, I plan on having the car until it dies because it is such good quality. Purchasing this vehicle is like purchasing a high-quality leather handbag. It is expensive but if you care for it regularly, the investment will bring you satisfaction and contentment for many years. You will be proud to own even if it is not the newest.

• 

  300 hp big turns - 2004 Volvo V70
  By MiamiTVR - August 22 - 9:16 am

  I have owned many Volvos. The 300 hp 6 speed is what got me into this one not to mention the fun blue leather. If the clutch had not gone out before 30K and Volvo not suggested it was my fault, had the lip of the wheels not stuck out further than the tires seeking out curbs to rub on, had the front spoiler not stuck out a couple of inches too far and one too low, had the paint and leather been Volvo-like and less prone to showing every slight rub as a permanent scar, had they made head rests and door pillars and mirrors so they could be seen around and, most importantly, had they designed it to turn in less space than a cruise ship I would have rated it higher. Pretty not Volvo tough.

• 

  Never Again - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Jim - August 21 - 6:56 am

  I purchased what I thought would be a "safe" car and a few nights ago the car basically told me to flee for my life; the message light read "Brake Failure - pull to stop and seek service". Since Ive owned it it has leaked fuel in puddles, lost its turn signals, airbag failure, headlight failure . . . everything that goes wrong with this car seems to threaten my safety. This is our 4th Volvo and weve witnessed the steady decline of what was once a safe, reliable car. Never again!

• 

  not really a good value for the dough - 2003 Volvo S60
  By karen frietsch - August 19 - 3:26 am

  very expensive. mediocre fit and finish. sport model will cost you in tires no matter how careful. noisy. uncomfortable drivers seating even with power adjustment. cramped. lots of plastic.blind spots.unimpressive for the money. dealership price gouging. running lights will also cost you in bulbs and they are a challenge to change.stereo is ok, not great.cant believe there is no homefinder garage door opening system. exterior dents easily. overall, i wouldnt recommend this car for the price. you can do better, for sure.

• 

  1999 Volvo S80 - 1999 Volvo S80
  By JCM2 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  For a first-year model, this car is outstanding. Less quirks, and all that you would expect from a top-of-the-line Volvo

• 

  s40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Aijaz - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The s40 is a good car. The acceleration is quick, the ride smooth and the front seats so comfortable. My only problem was a window that didnt work for a month. the dealer said he would fix it although he never got back in touch like he said he would.

• 

  Super for 325 for 400 I would probably shop around - 2018 Volvo S90
  By Igor - August 12 - 11:12 am

  Good friend of mine (who owns a leasing company) called me with information that with combination of incentives it is possible to lease S90 for a price of loaded Camry or Accord. I am not a big fan of fancy cars, but was looking for a new car anyway; so I decided - why not. After one month of driving Volvo S90 T6 AWD Momentum here is my couple of cents. 1. Driving dynamics: Superior in every aspect:acceleration, braking, keeping the line, softness/firmness combination etc. 2. Radio: Could be better in a car with MSRP> 60K. 3. A/C heater fan: very loud, could be quieter in 60K car. 4. Infotainment/Comfort controls: everything is incorporated in Ipad like touch screen device. It is very confusing and it is not safe.I would change it back to buttons in a heart beat. As I said in a title: Excellent car for 325 a month. For 400 I would shop around. I think Buick, Lincoln would provide same quality of ride with better Infotainment system and buttons controls.

• 

  Overall Impressions - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Ed Mytych - August 10 - 2:26 am

  First year of ownership was fantastic. No problems at all to report. At times the frequency of the automatic wipers seemed to be inappropriate for the conditions. Really enjoy the ride and handling!

• 

  1996 Volvo 850 sw 5 speed manual - 1996 Volvo 850
  By mec12 - August 8 - 6:26 pm

  As of 11/13/2014 car has 213,888 miles. Recently replaced ABS/Traction control module myself. Recently had drivers seat reupholstered. Overall car has been reliable. Since I am 60", the excellent headroom and speed control has made long distance driving a joy. I use semi synthetic 10W-30 motor oil to reduce or minimize oil consumption. No oil leaks. Car has original engine, original transmission. Would not hesitate to recommend this car to anyone. Plan on keeping the car until a minimum of 300,000 miles.