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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  First ever Volvo - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Carolyn - November 24 - 8:26 am

  I have never had a volvo. I had a mercedes and this compares to my mercedes, only with a convertible. I have had no problems with the car at all and she is so much fun to drive, I get compliments just about ever where I go! I will have another one and wonder why I waited so long!

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  V70 XC Volvo - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By Joseph Bard - November 24 - 2:00 am

  A great combination of luxury and utility. Nimble and powerful, but practical (the built in booster seats, for example).

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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By RdLT5R - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is All Wheel AWesome. I drove it to the mountain and it handles so smoothly. The power is perfect for my driving situations and the feeling of safety inside this tank is priceless. My kids love the car and I dont have any hesitation in bringing them along anytime.

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  Volvo S60 - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Kern Barrow - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful automobile great styling comfortable tight construction.Volvo has done a very good job with this car. It really is fun to drive. It has a Swedish austerity and insouciance that I find quite reassuring.

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  S60 at Altitude - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Philh2o - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This car exceeds our expectations for style, utility and performance living at 7800 and driving through a variety of conditions. A great freeway flier, it leaps over the continental divide and has replaced our Grand Cherokee as the ski-mobile. Will take two pairs of skis (196cm or shorter) and poles through the trunk/rear seat pass through option.

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  **DO NOT BUY** - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Matthew Bailey - November 23 - 4:21 pm

  Vehicle has nothing but issues, **audio went out - this means everything navi voice, turn signal notice, locking notice, music, bluetooth EVERYTHING. ------------- audio module replaced ---------- ** now insane amount of squeaks and rattles at all speeds -------- ** outlet for phone charging, etc NEVER WORKS, numerous replacement of $2 part ------- ** upgrade charge to autopilot 2 continually fails not allowing usage of the actual system, or even just adaptive cruise bottom line... do not buy the car. $60,000 vehicle cannot hold a candle to other vehicles... great concept just not there yet.

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  Volvo Auto Review - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By L Gyarmathy - November 20 - 5:23 am

  Ive owned a number of automobles, ranging from trucks, suvs, sport cars and high performance cars. BMWs, Porche, Honda S2000, and others. This car is great. I see myself keeping this car for sometime. It handles fabulous in all weather conditions, safe, fun and reliable.

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  Great Value - 2002 Volvo S60
  By BGTig - November 19 - 10:00 am

  AWD is a great value. Picked it up at the factory in Sweden. Very good overseas delivery program, which the VW group lacks. A computer chip failed at about 7k miles; drivable, just lit up faulty warning lights. Fixed under warranty. Currently over 17k miles, no other troubles, except I cant reset the "regular service" reminder, as I change the oil etc myself. Have the optional cupholder with no trouble. AWD is very sure footed in snow/ice. Love the interior, except the parking brake should be moved over a bit for more leg room. Giant trunk and decent gas tank size(check out a BMW, for much more money, on these details!) Hope to get an R as our second one.

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  Very Good Vehicle - 2002 Volvo S60
  By GP - November 18 - 8:13 am

  Ive had the car about 8 months. So far very reliable. It wants to run. Very, very comfortable car with great front seats. Stereo is excellent, climate controls intuitive. Ive always had 5-speeds in sedans, but this automatic has me converted with its performance. The 5-cylinder is a good compromise of performance and economy. Im getting 28 mpg [25 mile commute, cruising at 70 mph] with ample reserve power when needed.

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  3rd Volvo wagon / the best yet - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Surf SD - November 17 - 10:13 pm

  3rd Volvo wagon and this is the best one yet. Sure Ive had a few minor issues, but the dealer quickly repaired all. Wish I had gotten the 6 spd for the full 300 hp car is rated for, but 245hp in 1st & 2nd is still adequate and it flies on the freeway. Very comfy front seats, great stock stereo, AWD safety and I avg about 22mpg around town and 25-28mpg on trips. Very Refined car, a nicer dashboard is about the only thing I would want along with a better turning radius.