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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  Last Good Year - 1999 Volvo S70
  By josh - December 29 - 5:00 am

  All and all I love my Volvo. I would not buy a newer one as Ford has ruined Volvo. My only complaint is the rattles. The vibration of the engine when the brake is on makes the whole car rattle and buzz. Also, over nearly any bump the suspension jars you, not rides like a tank (as old volvos do).

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  WOW this is a great car, fast fast fast - 2013 Volvo XC60
  By xc60rchicago - December 25 - 8:46 am

  8 days old today, fast grips like its on rails safe and easy to drive, feels big but its not, our 5 year old daughter loves the car as she can see out the panorama sun roof, auto climate is easy to use, do i have buyers remorse No i would buy again, i traded an 4 year old M3 and this drives better and feels stronger

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  I love this car! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Happy_dadhusband - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Tight steering, excellent breaking, much more enjoyable to drive than the Mercedes E320 AWD or the BMW 330xi. Could use a little more room in the back seat. Pleanty of trunk space. For a luxury-sports car this is one of the nicest Ive driven

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  That much and more - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By strider - December 24 - 2:00 am

  T-6, Crystal Green w Oak Interior with Premium, Climate and Versatility Package: Navigation, Bi-Xenon, Wood Wheel and Rear Parking Assistance. 16-18 mpg City/20-22 mpg Hwy This car is that much and more. I have owned many nice vehicles but I have never felt better about purchasing a car in my life. The 2.9l engine has sufficient power and is metered crisply on the 4 speed transmission. While the engine does not feel sluggish even with a full load, I plan to have the Engine Control Unit (ECU) reporgrammed by IPD to deliver more power.

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  Volvo SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By peter d - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Some petty mechanical and electrical problems . Poor service on the "extras" - ie. Video system.

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  Swedes do a German Dance! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By criollo2mil - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Fabulous interior feel. The car feels like a much more expensive car. Seats are the most comfortable in the business.

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  Quality costs upfront but is worth it - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Zoe Fleming - December 19 - 10:00 am

  We wanted an SUV that would be safe, fun and long lasting. We checked out various SUVs. The VOLVO offered every item we wanted at a price that was in line with the other SUVs that were comparable. We have the navigation system, the DVD, sunroof, super radio and leather seats.The drive is fabulous and the view is great. The vehicle is a wonderful mechanical dream and easy to operate. The radio and

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  Could this car be more fun? - 2004 Volvo V70
  By EvenFaster - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Finally, we found the car that both the wife and I love! She loves the clean lines and stylish interior (especially the dash), the comfort, and the 225-Watt sound system. In addition to these, I love--of course--the performance. I commute 80-miles each day, many of these over windy mountain roads, and the ride is a blast. Knowing that Im driving a car that is both among the safest in the world, and the fastest in its price range, is a great feeling. For those of you who appreciate understatement, youd love this car. A wagon that can take a 540i- unheard of (except that mine did)! Enjoy.

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  My 1st Volvo - 2003 Volvo S60
  By RRomanel - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Several of my friends have owned Volvos for years. I never liked the older "box" type models. The S60 is a real good looking cars. Great features and the it has the best seats youll ever sit in. Dont let the 168 hp worry you -- the engine has plenty of power and torque. Very nice ride.

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  Perfect Fun/Commuting Car - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Rickster - December 19 - 12:20 am

  The family car is a station wagon but I get to play every day by commuting in the T5. Exciting handling and acceleration, beautiful and unique interior, and a mind-blowing sound system (I have the upgrade Dolby Prologic II Audio package). Back seat works fine for taking the kids here and there, but wouldnt be a great family car generally (thats what wagons and minivans are for). But who cares since I am alone or with 1 passenger 95% of the time, and its mine, mine, mine. ;-) And oh yeah, its a Volvo so it couldnt be any safer.