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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  "Professional" reviewers are harsh - 2005 Volvo S60
  By jpetrelli - February 23 - 4:23 pm

  The S60 is a very solid vehicle, with a few drawacks. If you are not ready for a 5 series (or equivalent) and beyond the 3 series, there are few alternatives that compare with the S60. The ride is great, the styling is solid and Volvo design touches are like none other. On the negative side, the fuel economy in the city could be better (I get 14- 17 unless I seriously monitor my acceleration), the back seat has limited leg room and I dont know what they were thinking with the key placement. The highway mpg (Over 30 mpg if driven smoothly) and interior comfort make getting in this car for a road trip a real pleasure.

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  Fingers crossed - 1999 Volvo V70
  By daveyvolvo - February 20 - 2:36 pm

  My dad has had Volvos since I was a kid, both his 740 and 850 have 200k+ miles and only some odd repairs... not my 1999 V70. In one year we replaced left door latch, light dimmer timer, alternator, oxygen sensor, cleaned some part that got oily gunk in it, and the cam position sensor. It has taken 9 months to finally get the check engine light off. Fortunately for me my father-in-law owns a local mechanic shop and charges me parts only (still have put in $1200). My advice - if considering buying this car, drive it for 30 mins, stop for 30 mins, and drive again for 30 mins to see if anything shows up. This car is not very reliable and Im really disappointed in Volvo.

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  My 3rd and thankfully LAST Volvo - 2000 Volvo V70
  By ds - February 20 - 12:40 am

  This car year was a lemon from the get-go and under no circumstance buy this car. Something was always wrong-at first it was the electrical system, then the headlights, then the gas cap not opening so that the entire rear interior panel had to be removed twice and on long trips. In 7 years of ownership we paid more in time and money for repairs than for the original purchase price. The seats are so uncomfortable and scrunch the driver that I had a painful hip and drove sitting on a pillow the last year of ownership. Volvo service and parts are super expensive and the Volvo dealers in my area are arrogant. It is nice not having to throw away money! Returned to Toyota-much more satisfied.

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  S-80 T-6 Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Volvo S80
  By Thom - February 19 - 11:50 pm

  I bought this vehicle in late 2002 as a replacement for the exact same vehicle (including color) in a 2001 model. The 2001 was terrific and this one has been even better. I bought it in CA but live in TX now. The drive across country was very comfortable and I take this car whenever I have to go on long trips. This is my NINTH Volvo since 1974 - but Ive had lots of other vehicles as well. The lease just expired on this one but I bought it and will keep it for a long time to come. Volvo of Orange County CA is the best dealer coast to coast. Ive had Volvos from Boston to Houston to California but V.O.C. is the best!

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  Mixed Results with the Volvo S80 - 2003 Volvo S80
  By Ronald Jay - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a good car but with some notable problems. The car failed to start when almost brand new and the dealer asked if I had another set of Volvo keys on the same keychain! It appears that their keys contain a microchip that has caused starting problems if together(this was not the problem in my case and they couldnt diagnose the cause). The dealer never mentioned this problem when I bought the car. Windshield wipers are weak and the car is not nearly as good as my old 1997 Saab 9000 in the snow. I have had difficulty making it up some very low inclines with very little snow on the ground. Comfortable seating in front and back.

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  Dont do it! - 2000 Volvo S40
  By caiti - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is, without a doubt, the worse car I have ever owned. With slightly over 30K on it I have replaced :six tires and two rims, the moonroof, countless back bulbs, the air conditioner, two sets of brakes, failed front headlights, hazard lights, and of course, lets not forget that pesty check engine light (which others might find easy to disregard but when you are transporting your one and two year old children, I still find very alarming). I have never written a review of anything in my life but, in this case, I felt I must.

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  XC70 - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Trophoblaster - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have owned from Mercedes to previous Volvos to Cadillacs. Winter and rain are its breakfast. Reliability has been outstanding.

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  S60 - 2001 Volvo S60
  By TomPaine - February 18 - 2:00 am

  My first Volvo. While I enjoy the car, I dont see great design/engineering at work. Visibility is poor. Controls for windows, locks and mid-seat glove compartment difficult to reach. Only one switch to lock/unlock doors is irritating. If the driver’s door is unlocked, must first lock it and push again to unlock passenger door. Can’t open trunk from inside the car except with keychain control. Basic sound system is minimal. On the positive side, car rides very smooth but soundproofing could be better. I find the non-turbo model has plenty of pickup and power. The back seat is a joke. Too little leg room for an 11- year old. An adult would curse you.

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  Attractive car, but technology needs improvement - 2012 Volvo S60
  By rayg34 - February 17 - 5:06 am

  Ive been driving my new T5 sedan for about a month now and so far I am mostly satisfied with my choice. Overall, the car is attractive, comfortable and a competent performer. The engine is powerful, albeit a bit noisy when revved. The suspension is not a sporty as the new ads for the S60 would make you believe, but it will satisfy most drivers. The gauges are simple and fairly intuitive, but they are a bit small and are not well lit at night. Gas mileage is admirable - 23 average mpg so far on regular gas.

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  2 years with my S60 T5 AWD - 2014 Volvo S60
  By quattrofan74 - February 16 - 4:01 am

  My wife and I decided to downsize with the aim of lowering our overall car payment. My previous car was a 2008 BMW 335i coupe. I loved that car - its performance, handling and appearance endeared itself to me daily. However, I live in Pennsylvania and winters in it were never really "fun". Also, getting the kids to school became a chore - and a sedan made sense. I decided to lease this time around. Long story short, I got a S60 T5 AWD with Premier and Sport packages. Overall, the car has a decent amount of "go". Its no 335i, but it pulls off the line well. It gets a little asthmatic as the revs climb. The Sport package definitely made a difference in handling too.