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:

• 

  Top marks - 2001 Volvo V70
  By jadams - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is undoubtedly the best car Ive ever owned (including other Volvos, Audis, BMWs, etc.). It blends comfort , style, functionality, and responsiveness in just the right measure. Ive had no problem to speak of in over two years. By picking the car up in Sweden (a great deal), I was able to get a stick shift, which only enhances its sports car feel.

• 

  Volvo XC 90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Vip - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car - drives very well - better than any other SUV I have ever had

• 

  Not all lemons are yellow - 1999 Volvo S80
  By William Witt - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new 12/98. After three years and 57k, the car has been in the shop for repairs 39 times. New transmission, still have troubles. New brake booster and ABS sensing unit. Turn signal has not worked since 3 months, dealer cant find problem. Motor mounts have been replaced MANY times, still have trouble. Problems with locks, trim falling off, a/c. Volvo of North America no help and doesnt care that the flagship of the volvo line has the reputation of a yugo!

• 

  T-4 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Oskar - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I do not own an S40 but I have had the opportunity to test drive a few of them at several occasions. I have been to Sweden and driven two different versions, the S40 T-4 and the V40 2.4T. If the S40 T-4 was ever to come to the States, buy it! It is an incredible driving experience. It is super fast (240 km/h) and its performance would knock out many in its class, for example the Jetta VR6.

• 

  Excellent Car, Excellent Value - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Debra - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I am leasing a Volvo S60 and absolutely love it! The car is sturdy, gets great gas mileage, is extremely comfortable especially for long trips, has a great stereo, and has so many great standard features. When I was researching cars this summer, I compared the Volvo S60 to many other vehicles in its class. Volvo gives you more for your money - you can get a fully loaded vehicle for a few thousand less than its competitors. Also, its nice that the new Volvos are "rounded out" -older models were so square. The main reason I have a Volvo is because of the standard safety features. The car is built nicely and handles really well.

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Volvo V50
  By toytrader - December 12 - 6:26 am

  Ive had my V50 for 3 wks and I am thrilled. Previous car, a Taurus wagon. I wanted a wagon again, but a slightly smaller one, yet with top safety and luxury features. On Edmunds I found the V50. We live on a small street with a tight driveway, and needed a car that could fit and turn in small spaces, yet be large enough to feel safe and comfortable during family vacations [two of us plus one teenager]. Back seat is not super roomy, but fine for our needs. I am enjoying the pep of the T5 engine [auto/FWD], and it certainly is fun to drive. I do notice a slight lag [is this "Turbo lag"?] when accelerating from a stop. Still, minor problem with all the positives. A beautiful, substantial car.

• 

  Love the car, Hate the tires! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By jfd - December 11 - 5:33 am

  My husband surprised me with this car for Christmas. I love it and I love all the safety features for it. However, when I hit 10,000 miles my tires started making noises and after 3 trips to the dealer, they told me it was the Pirelli tires and they have had problems with them. I would recommend the car but not the tires. Also, if you have two carseats in the car then it is impossible for an adult to get to the third row without climbing over seats. I agree that the inside door handles should not be plastic.

• 

  Great car, very good service - S70 T5 - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Will R - December 9 - 10:00 am

  My 98 S70 T5 has the best characteristics of the old and new. The styling is not too stodgy, and its solid, comfortable and agile. Kudos to Volvo for replacing all four door panels gratis 2 years out of warranty when the plastic liner bubbled! 56K miles and still looks like new (leather is beginning to wear, though). New front rotors, plastic engine guard, couple of bulbs, cup holder broke. I keep looking at other cars but cant rationalize getting rid of the Volvo, which fits like an old glove, even if its repair record is a bit riskier than some others. I would buy this car over the newer Volvos any day.

• 

  Not worth it - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Butterfly2 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Volvo has a complete lack of customer care concepts. Weve had several mechanical problems and fear the day the warranty runs out. Very difficult to see in order to change lanes. Back seat has NO leg room.

• 

  Excellent car - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Wally - December 8 - 3:23 am

  An excellent car, firm ride. You have the feeling of being in a safe car. Goes through snow with ease. Very good handling. I recommend this car to anyone who wants a safe car. Gas mileage is a bit off and the gas tank is relatively small for a car of this size.