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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  XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By JamesXC90 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! For an SUV, the 5 cylinder gets decent mileage and has good performance. We used it to tow a car cross country and had no problems with it. Its a great 5-seat SUV, but roomy enough for 7 when you need to bring friends or family along.

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  Slick SUV by Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Ted Lenno - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. More than enough power, interior and exterior is beautiful Handling a dream. Quality is untouched by any. Safest vehicle on road today.

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  First New Car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By denise - January 31 - 10:50 pm

  I just bought this car in June 05 and it was worth the money I spent. I am a short person and this car really conforms to my height. I have never been so comfortable driving in a vehicle before. The gear-tronic is a lot of fun.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2016 Volvo XC70
  By David Abrams - January 30 - 4:32 am

  Ive had my XC70 for about a month and have just over 1,000 miles on it. So far, Im loving the vehicle more each time I drive it. This car is simply a pleasure to drive. Its quiet and comfortable on the road. The technology is amazing and very well thought out. Every time I get in, Im impressed at how the design blends elegance and function. I really feel like this is a special vehicle and Im at a loss to understand why Volvo is discontinuing it. Id been considering the XC-70 and the Subaru Outback for the past several years. However, having made the purchase, Im really glad that I went with the Volvo. Having test drove the Outback I can say that it doesnt come close to the ride my XC-70 provides. Also, the seats in the XC-70 are simply amazing. Theyre the most comfortable car seats Ive ever experienced. Some reviewers complain that the car is sluggish or doesnt handle well, but thats not been my experience. Its not a small car, so its not as nimble as a sports car might be, but it feels solid on the road and the acceleration seems more than adequate to me.

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  A Lemon - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Pinny - January 30 - 4:03 am

  The 850 GLT is a money pit. When it works the car is fast and stable. It handles great and looks sleek, but I have had to sink 2500 dollars into the car just to keep it on the road. Each time I do it is reliable for about 3 weeks before something else happens. So far, I have had trouble with the fuel evap, both strut mounts (the 96s are famous for this), brushings, brakes, radiator, thermostat, entire front axle and tires. Broken but not repaired are the odo, antenna motor, failing dash lights. The leather seats all cracked. Aside from safety, there is no reason to get such a money pit.

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  Im gonna miss this car - 2000 Volvo S40
  By torik - January 29 - 2:00 am

  i had this car for almost 4 years, and it was awesome. i love to drive fast and it always gave me that extra kick, i loved the interior and cant imagine how i would have gotten around in the rain without the "W" wet/winter mode button. the interior was ahead great; it had stuff that my friends brand new cars didnt,like heated and power leather seats. i never had too many problems with it, it had a temperamental check engine light but otherwise it was just a great first car to have. i ended up rolling it off a mountain(over 300ft down/out) and have no doubt in my mind that that car saved my life, i was literally able to walk out, and only have some minor problems with my shoulder.

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  Wow Our First Volvo and Were Impressed - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By tassopappas1 - January 26 - 8:19 am

  We buy a newer used car about every 12 months. And we just picked up our first Volvo, a 2010 xc50 AWD T6 with multimedia, technology package, convenience, and comfort. Exterior trim package and wood inlay. WOW. it was supposed to be for me, but my wife has confiscated it. Rather than her Tahoe Hybrid. Fun, comfy, elegant, quick and the laser adaptive cruise control is spectacular. We are certainly considerly another volov in the future now. Tasso Pappas

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  Great Value - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Hannah Keller - January 25 - 8:23 pm

  I considered and test drove the Lexus GS300, Acura Rl, the Infiniti G45 as well as the Volvo S80. Safety, price, reliability, driving fun, ease of handling, comfort, gas mileage, power and visibility were my criteria. The Volvo s60 beat all the others hands down.

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  A admirable luxury sedan, with a kick! - 1998 Volvo S70
  By lurking - January 22 - 2:26 am

  Driving this vehicle is quite pleasant. I am satisfied with the interior appointments and the head/leg room are adequate for my 62" frame. Even the rear seats provide comfortable accomidations for myself or other passengers. The T-5 high pressure turbo engine is rated at about 235hp which is enough to propel the 3,300lb sedan to speed quickly. Passing is accomplished with ease, however torque steer is evident when piloting the vehicle under moderate to full throttle.

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  Volvo for Safety and Style - 1998 Volvo S70
  By DMWashington - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car 2 weeks before giving birth to my first child. We now have two children ages 2 and 3. We hope to have it until they are driving age.