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:

• 

  Better than Ever - 2006 Volvo V70
  By SJF - January 24 - 8:30 am

  This is my 4th Volvo and one of my favorites - why? Supportive comfort in front seats, handling control around corners is very good, driveability and great gas mileage. City average 28 and Highway 32. Sound system is very good, really like the system health displays. Husband is very tall and enjoys the ride; great cargo space. Back seats are just okay for adults, better for kids. Only issue in 2.5 years and 33K miles is a small rattle in the driver dash sometimes. Love this car.

• 

  Volvo V70R-2005 - 2005 Volvo V70
  By Orion T. Osborne - January 22 - 3:46 am

  I purchased the automatic version of this vehicle because I am a high mileage driver (50,000 miles per year- road miles). This vehicle is a little slugish and I have discussed this with my dealer. I was expecting a faster automobile off the line and currently I am considering an after market EUC upgrade. I owned a 2001 V70 T-5 that was quicker. Mechanically, Volvo parts dont last many miles (bushings, shocks, engine mounts, etc). My T-5 had one of everything replaced in 205,000 miles, except the engine and the trans needed replacing when I traded it in. I truly hope the V-70R holds up better over time.

• 

  Fun Car with Class - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Bob Keenan - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Just lost my 12 year old 5.0 L Mustang and was looking for a more "adult" car (safer with more room). But I did not want to totally lose that engine power that I had with the Mustang. I did a ton of research and narrowed my selection to the Lexus GS300, the W8 Volkswagon Passat, and the Volvo S60 T5. The Volvo just felt right. It looks good, its soooo comfortable, its safe. And when you floor it it almost feels like the ole Mustang.

• 

  excellent choice - 2004 Volvo V70
  By zizico - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent wagon ,good gas consumption very confortable for long haul trips.Good road stability in driving

• 

  Fun in Sweden - 2005 Volvo S60
  By warran - January 20 - 10:00 am

  picked car up at the factory, drove in Sweden and Norway 850 miles in two weeks,fun car, easy to drive, built for the open road.

• 

  An eye-catcher - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Dave A. - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Great looks. Great ride. The most comfortable vehicle Ive driven. Gas mileage has been better than expected at 21-22 on the highway. Very tight handling for a truck. Got the upgrade on the sound system which is well worth it. No complaints whatsoever. Were a 3-Volvo family and love every one of them.

• 

  Early Rating - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Donald W. Davis - January 20 - 10:00 am

  There is a wind noice, that I cant locate. It appears to be aerodynamical. Caused by the design. I only notice it at 60mph.

• 

  great car - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Andrea speer - January 19 - 6:52 am

  Its with a heavy heart that I pass my car on to my son who needs it in college. This is been a great car, very comfortable, reliable and its held up well over 10 years and three kids. Only wish Volvo have not priced the new 2016 XC 90s so high. Had to move to Honda pilot.

• 

  Best Hardtop Under $50K - 2007 Volvo C70
  By manus198 - January 18 - 3:00 am

  I wouldnt even consider buying a car without Sirius, locking gas cap, and good gas mileage. This car offers the above with the best audio quality of any car Ive experienced. The 6 speed manual with use of 87 octane gets me 21mpg between by highway and city driving. I would probably get better mileage with the suggested 93 octane. That is decent considering the car is built solid and the engine is 2.5L turbo. My only 2 complaints is the drivers left side elbow rest is uncomfortable during long rides. Second I continue to experience small issues with the convertible top software. The car sometimes thinks the roof is open when it isnt so you have to open and close it to reset the sensors.

• 

  I love my Volvo S80 - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Lawguys - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a 99 S80 2.9. What a great car this has been. I put a lot of miles on my cars and have absolutely no complaints at all with my 1999 Volvo S80. My Volvo is currently at 92,000 miles, not far from 100,000 miles. Might I add trouble free miles. One repair only which was covered by the warranty and was pretty minor. I would recommend this car to anyone.