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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  2001 V70 Wagon - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Dave - March 7 - 12:36 pm

  My vehicle has the standard five cyl. non turbo engine. I purchased the car new. I really like this car. It is stylish, its been reliable, and it gets good gas economy for its size. It runs very well on mid-grad gasoline, runs very smoothly on premium, and runs OK on regular (no pinging, but much less zip). The car is heavy, so acceleration is not the best but is adequate. Get the turbo if you want to take off in a hurry. My biggest complaint is the lack of Volvo dealers available to service the car. Also,there are some high tech features that become expensive to fix. Even small items are expensive as the parts sources are limited, making trim and accessories expensive.

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  So far, still good. - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Ybba - March 6 - 7:06 pm

  Its been a year and Im even more impressed and pleased with my purchase. Went on a couple of road trips from MA to VA on I95, through major cities like Stanford, NYC, DC, Richmond. 31MPG - Impressive. The comfort of the driving position is wonderful. I am reminded of the line from a competitor "... when you turn your car on, does it return the favor?" In this case a resounding yes! Climate, seating, interior quality, reliability - all excellent. Engine purrs at night. Had two service visits and the only thing changed were indicator bulbs. 1 year and 16000 miles later I am happy with my choice.

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  Stylish and Safe - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Kim - March 6 - 10:20 am

  I have been longing for the S60 ever since it first came out. I jumped the gun and bought the S40 in 2000, and was not too happy with it. I did not stray from the Volvo family, in 2004 I traded in the S40 for the S60. So far I could not be happier. The look and style of the car is sporty yet classy. I do not have the turbo, yet it had definitely got a lot of pep to it. Not so quick out of the gate, but on highway, really nice ride. I am a fan and would reco. this car to others. Now, I have my eyes on the S80...the plan is to keep upgrading!

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  The best car Ive ever had! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By LaLu - March 5 - 2:56 am

  I love my S40! It is very stylish and different, but also super reliable and safe. I never thought Id get hooked on Volvos, but I really am now. I just went out looking at new cars, but was drawn back to Volvo because nothing else compares.

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  117,000 and going strong - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By LARRY - March 3 - 9:46 am

  I have read 20 pages of reviews and wonder how I managed to get one of the good ones. I get in, start the engine, engage the transmission and go. We have been doing this for 117K miles. Replace tires every 40,000 miles, front brake pads at 72K miles and timing belt at 111K (scheduled maintenance). I suppose I must have low expectations because we have been satisfiew with this vehicle. This is my 4th Volvo and the most user friendly. Not as fast as our S80 t but more practical. Our other vehicle is a 2000 BMW Z3 so when more than two go, this is the horse we ride. I average 21 mpg, not great but without a car payment ( do not feel the need to replace every 3 years)

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  Best Car Ever - 2002 Volvo V70
  By USArmy ChiefWO3 - March 2 - 5:06 pm

  This is our 3 Volvo and its my favorite. When I was 12 yo, I almost lost my Mom in a car accident and I thought to myself "when I grow up Ill buy the safest car in the market so my kids wont have experience such sadness" Well, Im now a mother of two and I love to put my kids in the car. I know Im driving them around not only in comfort buy Safe. We all love it. My husband doesnt usually like to drive but since we bought this V70 we have made trips up to ten hours and I tell you what an experience. I wish everyone could drive this car.

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  C70 HPT 10/10 - 2003 Volvo C70
  By Frank Majeau - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Perfect car. Love it. FM

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  XC90 T6 AWD - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By FSavane23 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a superb SUV with more safety features than can be expected. The dealer demonstrated the Anti-Roll and DSTC feature of the SUV and it was absolutley amazing. There was no rolling or swaying of the SUV at all. My other SUV swayed so much in an emergency avoidance that it almost tipped over - that was only at about 40MPH. The Volvo was demonstrated at about 55MPH - AMAZING!

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  Fantastic Volvo S60 T6 - 2012 Volvo S60
  By atlas4 - February 26 - 8:42 pm

  Purchased the Volvo 2012 S60 T6 after owning a 2011 BMW 328i for 13 months (bought in June 2010). I can say the Volvo beats the BMW in every area. The S60 is a very fun car to drive, the interior is very comfortable well layed out and easy to use. The safety features are first rate. We test drove both the T5 and T6 but like the T6 much better, it just has a better feel on the road and the T6 is much more smoother than the T5. This is a great car for the value, with many items that come standard vs. others like BMW and Audi. Engine uses regular and the 5 year/50,000 mile maintenance care is excellent. I highly recommend this car.

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  My Baby - 2008 Volvo C30
  By drsherry - February 25 - 2:26 am

  "Baby" drives like a luxury car, which took a little getting used to (heated leather seats, smooth steering, quiet engine, etc). She can take off like a space rocket, especially going uphill, pushing me back into the seat. It makes me laugh right out loud--as does the incredible sound system! The BLIS system is very useful, as are the front and rear fog lights. The backseat is suprisingly roomy. Overally, Im very happy.