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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  Volvo S60 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By HS - October 25 - 4:30 am

  I bought this car new and now at 76,000 miles, I am starting to have major problems with car: Front suspension ($1200), Trani ($4500). Very expensive to maintain. Would not buy another Volvo.

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  Impressed - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Cono - October 24 - 1:26 am

  Purchased this vehicle used certified. Initially skeptical as vehicle was already 4yrs old and 2000 was the intial yr for this model. However, unit only had 25K miles. Ive been extremely happy with the vehicle. Its paid off, and has had minimal problems during ownership. Minor repairs included internal thermostat replacement, exhaust joint component replacement, CD player, and headlight replacement. All repairs were covered under warranty, but would have cost < $300. Recently, Ive noticed some minor oil spotting and some interior lights (buttons) that are not lit - most probably a fuse.

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  XC90 THE BEST OF THE REST - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By Judy - October 23 - 6:23 am

  I have owned a 2004, 2007, and now own a 2010 Volvo XC90. My 2010 is an Executive Model. I did not think that the model could get any better but my latest VOLVO XC90 is spectacular!. The Executive Models interior is outstanding. I feel like I am sitting in my family room. The handling is "tight" and feels like a sport car within a SUV. The safety features are a plus when insurance premiums are due. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who appreciates quality within a sporty, pleasure to drive, as well as styling that commands head turning! This is a perfect vehicle in my book.

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  My Favorite Car - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Vicki - October 23 - 2:23 am

  Almost the perfect vehicle! Im in sales so I live in my car...consequently the interior is very important. I would love to have an electronic lumbar support adjustment. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vehicle. Drives and performs like a dream! I will definitely buy another one when the time comes! I did not like the factory tires however and replaced those with ones that give better ride, handle and wear!

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  My Favorite Car - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Vicki - October 22 - 10:13 pm

  Almost the perfect vehicle! Im in sales so I live in my car...consequently the interior is very important. I would love to have an electronic lumbar support adjustment. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vehicle. Drives and performs like a dream! I will definitely buy another one when the time comes! I did not like the factory tires however and replaced those with ones that give better ride, handle and wear!

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  My Wifes Car - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Railfan - October 21 - 11:43 am

  On Nov. 03 of 2001, my wife and I purchased or second Volvo. The first was a new 1988 740 Turbo (which still runs as well as the day we drove it home). As the 88 was approaching 14 years of age, we thought that a newer vehicle should transport both my wife and son. My wife spotted her soon-to- be-new car on the dealers lot of Bozzani Volvo (Covina, CA) when, one day she dropped the 88 740 off for its usual servicing. As she was walking through the lot, she spotted the 2001 Cross Country (dark blue) and, in short, the rest is history. To those who report that the Volvo is the next best thing to a tank, we agree.

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  Great Experience - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Kamen Dimitrov - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I was not sure what to expect when I went to test drive S40 in 2002. I thought the engine would be 110-130 horsepower, nothing major inside. Well, guess how surprised I was when i drove it and it felt better than the midsize of any other brand, engine, comfort inside, features everything. I enjoy my car, I have been on numerous road trips and I have always loved them. I would recommend that car to any one. Or maybe try the all-new onw

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  Would I do it again? - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Psycho - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Yes, if it were a newer model S80. The 1999 & to a lesser extent 2000 model were plagued with electrical problems. Since I bought mine, the steering rack, gas tank door stop, rt headlamp assy, computer software, various light bulbs, electronic throatle body assy, body rattles, & other stuff too numerous to remember have been diagnosed as defective. Volvo of Nashville declined to honor the factory warranty, & gave poor service. Volvo of Cinncinatti was great! You cant gas up w/o removing the key or the computer goes wacky. Too many quirks. Quality greatly improved after Ford took over and poured $$ into Volvo. S60 is bullet proof per several servie

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  I Love this Car - 2010 Volvo V70
  By SUV FREE - October 20 - 9:00 pm

  This is my 4th Volvo since 1998. (1998 V70, then 2 XC90s, now back to the v70.) This is my wifes car. I also own an Audi S4 and a BMW 1 Series I. I consider myself an "enthusiast driver". No, this V70 is not trying to compete with BMW and Audi wagons in terms of handling, but for the vast majority of drivers it will provide a superior level of comfort with more than acceptable handling. I test drove a BMW 5 series, and I much prefer the Volvo for my family car. The interior is fantastic, the seats ultra comfortable, and the ride is more smooth. The interior quality is way beyond VW. Compared to the XC90 (my last one a V8 Sport) this is WAY more fun to drive!

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  Love my XC90! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By annj - October 20 - 2:20 am

  Very sporty feel, plush interior. Love the way the 3rd seat folds away. Smooth drive. love it!