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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  Excellent SUV to have - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By ncku89 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Compared to BMWs X5, the inside and cargo space is a big advantage. Compared to MDX, it shows more lux. interior design and impressive exterior outlook. The thoughtful 3rd row seat definately outbeats GX470. Regarding the safety issue, this is so far the best among the SUV.

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  S60 Turbo, 2005 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By S60 - January 13 - 10:20 pm

  I was planing to buy a BMW 325i and had test drove it, but before buying it I test drove a S60 2.5T(Turbo). I loved this car. It had great power, all the goodies and by far a better deal. I bought it on the spot and would not change my decision.

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  VOLVO XC90 - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By kiran - January 12 - 11:49 pm

  This is nice car compared to other cars in same category(acura MDX,BMW X5,Audi Q7) in terms of third row space ,value for the money and technology . I strongly recommend to get Heads up display(HUD) which is 900 $ option as it will help you when you are using semi autonomous feature(pilot assist) and adaptive cruise control feature .

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  Best All Around! - 2006 Volvo XC70
  By R2D2 - January 9 - 11:10 pm

  From a stand-still, this car is a rocket, reminding me of the old "Tiger Paws" tire commercials. I can feel the grrrip when I am off-road pulling my pop-up camper, or in heavy rains...

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  VolvosBest - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By Hcsaund - January 7 - 3:00 am

  I have owned a number of new Volvos. The 05 XC70 is the best handling of all. Its a fun car. A step up from a station wagon, not as big as an SUV.

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  Beyond my expectations for an Automobile - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Michael Reeves - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Just picked it up last night. All I can say is Wow! Its a great car. it has all the power I desire in a sedan, and is so smooth. And the leather sport seats are so comfortable. And did I mention how nice it looks. I love that fact that it doesnt look like all of the other sedans out there and has its own original styling.

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  love it! - 2003 Volvo S40
  By dms6dms6 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my Volvo. I have had it just over a year now and Ive put 26K miles on it...and Ive had no problems with it. It is a great car for the money.

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  XC 90-I Love It! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Secret Sound - January 6 - 10:00 am

  We drove everything. Coming out of a 1998 Lexus LX 470, which is a pretty tough act to follow. Every car we drove we would come back to the XC 90. A blast to drive. Extremely good balance of appointments, fun factor, safety, good looks, fuel economy (compared to the LX 470). Hard to get a hold of a loaded T6, so count on paying sticker and probably waiting up to 3 months, but worth the wait. Did I say a blast to drive!!!

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  Excellent Car!!! Safety First! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Volvo V70 -Excellent - January 4 - 8:50 am

  I am surprised at reading some negative reviews. My Volvo has been great without any of the problems mentioned. Its great on gas mileage, has a reliable engine and transmission and most importantly it is safe for my kids. We have made long trips and our Volvo has been a delight. Volvo forever!

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  Review - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By sben39 - December 30 - 6:56 pm

  Solid as a rock. Drives great in all conditions especially high wind. Comfortable seats and doesnt wear you out on long trips.