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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  The real deal - 2008 Volvo C30
  By JJay - October 24 - 9:23 pm

  I was looking at the Mazdaspeed3 and while searching the internet, the C30 came up. I went to the local Volvo dealership and the test drive changed my mind. The car is fast, smooth, and well built. This car rides like a luxury car until you press on the accelerator and thats when the car reveals the power within. Gas mileage is good unless you have a habit of flooring the pedal.

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  My New Volvo - 2010 Volvo S40
  By Lynette - October 23 - 6:10 pm

  This car is great! It handles the lumps and bumps of New Jerseys winter worn roads with ease. I love the great pick-up and the nimble way it handles! The clutch shifts smoothly and is extremely easy to. The instrument panel is simple to use as it is very logically designed. I am really enjoying this car and am so glad I made the choice to purchase it.

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  Lap of luxury - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Jon - October 22 - 8:14 pm

  You will be impressed

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By David K - October 22 - 10:50 am

  I consider this vehicle to be the best Ive owned. Its classy, comfortable, reliable and economical. On a recent trip, I got 24 MPG on the highway. Typical MPG around town is 19-20. How many other non-hybrid SUVs can do that? I have the 2.5T and though I was concerned a 5 cylinder SUV might be underpowered, I can report positively that it is not. My 18 year old son drives a Jeep Cherokee and he says the acceleration in my vehicle "scares him."

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  Best Convertible - 2003 Volvo C70
  By mattpom - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I just love it

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  Get the extended Warranty and enjoy! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By docbrad - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I love its styling, interior size and performance. I quickly found out its a good idea to buy the extended warranty. My Volvo was 3 yrs. old w /50K miles when I bought it for $22K. I have put 20K more miles on it in 10 months. with four trips to the shop. New front end/steering system, new headlight (twice),repeated front end suspension issues. The good news, the warranty saved my butt from $3-5K in repairs. The mileage is great 26-29 hwy, a dream to drive for long trips. I love the looks, hate hassel of dealing w/ Volvo dealers for oil changes,tune ups and their VERY EXPENSIVE fees for normal maintenance. IF you buy this car GET the Warranty.

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  XC90 KICKS X5 ASS BIG TIME - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By ROB MIKY - October 22 - 2:00 am

  THIS SUV IS THE ONE OF THE GREAT SUV OUT THERE ROLL OVER PROTECTION UN BELIVEABLE TAKE CORNERS NICE LUX CAR I HAVE NO COMPLANTS ABOUT THIS SUV I OWENED BMW X5 AND IT SEAT AND RIDE IS NITEMARE.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By AL Volvo - October 21 - 2:33 pm

  The car is extremely fun to drive. It has the most comfortable seats that Ive ridden in. Ive had a couple of little problems but nothing keeping me from recommending this car. The back seat is a little tight.

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  Great for the mountains - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Brian in Colorado - October 20 - 8:03 am

  I have owned my 2010 XC60 for just over a year; it was one of the first delivered in Colorado. With the T6 it has plenty of power and great winter handling. Easily and safely gets to the ski resorts in the winter. Actually fun to drive on snowy roads! Gas mileage leaves something to be desired, as it averages only about 19 mpg. My terra cotta bronze model with the exterior/interior appearance packages and two-tone interior styling looks great, too.

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  Great Car for a fraction of a price - 2002 Volvo V40
  By bokakhat - October 17 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car. So many safety features and yet not a high price.Milage is great and i love the seats and comfort