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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  Awesome Ride!! - 2002 Volvo C70
  By RDog - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I could not be happier with this car. I was deciding between a BMW 3 series coupe and the C70. I was drawn to the C70 primarily because of its looks. Although the BMW is more of a performance car, they are far too common, too commercialized. The C70 coupe is a relatively rare siting. It is definitely a head turner. I get compliments and questions about it all the time. Drives, handles well. Plus, I feel safe. 6 air bags!

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  XC 60 3.2 AWD/Premium + Climate Package - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Anand - October 17 - 2:00 am

  AThis car replaced a 2004 V70 2.5T. The XC60 has about the same interior space as my V70 with easier step in height and better ground clearance. The ride is smooth with less NVH than the V70 and the transmission shifts without hesitation. However, acceleration is a little sluggish compared to the 2.5T engine and fuel economy is significantly worse at 22-24 on the highway. Front seats are extremely comfortable but the back seat is cramped. Fit and finish is very good with no squeaks or rattles. Rear visibility is quite good and the headlights are strong. My car is equipped with BLIS which works reasonably well. Overall, My XC60 is a very comfortable,all weather car with mediocre fuel economy.

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  Extremely reliable car! - 1999 Volvo V70
  By VolvoFan - October 16 - 6:06 am

  68K miles and still running like a top! Aside from regular schedule maintenance I havent had a single problem with this car. I just fill it up and go! It handles great, has comfy seats and has a ton of cargo room.

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  Owned for 9 years - insanely reliable - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By 10162001 - October 12 - 7:33 pm

  I bought this car as a pre-owned, non warranty vehicle form an independent car lot in 2006. I had never owned a preowned vehicle before, I always bought/leased new cars before. But when I stumbled upon this car I fell in love and was willing to take a chance. Nine years on I am still in love with this car. It has not been without the odd issue: - when I first had it, the driver side headlight would randomly go out. I took it to a few garages and they didnt have a clue. I found an independent garage opened by a Volvo Certified Master Tech and he sorted it out right away (nearest Volvo dealership is over 2 hours from me) - the radio died in 2011 (it was 7 years old) but I was able to replace it with one found from a salvaged xc90 in 2012 and saved a lot of money by waiting for a salvaged radio vs. a new replacement ($80 + installation) - In 2014 (at 10 years old) we knew that there were some significant bits that needed to be replaced simply due to wear and tear - belts, water pump, blower fan was starting to go and the starter needed replacing. Thought about selling it but we had a rash of bad luck with BMWs and even a Porshe Cayman. My XC90 was still running great and the estimate to get all of the worn out pieces replaced was far far cheaper than getting another car. We even bought some new floor mats - no one believes this car is 11 years old. It rides and looks like a much newer car. So here I am, 9 years after I bought it and still love it. The drivers seat is getting a bit worn but the rest of the car is still in amazing shape. The fabric on the roof has a bit of a droop in a place behind the backseat light and the weatherstripping is a bit worse for wear but these are all cosmetic. Mechanically it drives as beautifully as the day I bought it. Next year Im probably going to look at getting a preowned XC60 or maybe another XC90 but Im keeping this 2004 for my daughter. She doesnt start driving for another few years but I have full faith that this car has many more years left. And Ill feel a lot safer with her in the XC90.

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  Volvo: True to its Mission - 2004 Volvo S60
  By mickeyalso - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Volvo has produced an excellent car in the S60 T5. It has performance, reliability, looks, safety, and value in a European sedan. Furthermore, our dealer treats us like royalty when we come in for service. We have had various other luxury makes (including a BMW M3) and they do not compare to our Volvo experience. Still I do love our 2002 Z06.

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  Safety at its best! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Janet3kids - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I have never written a review on a car before but I really feel I owe this to Volvo. Last week while taking my kids to school we were hit, and I mean hit bad. A pickup ran through a light and smashed into our S80 hard. The police estimated the truck was driving between 50-60 mph. I was so afraid when I saw the truck coming that fast, and right into us. I thought we were going to be killed. My son, my daughter and I were all okay. Not a single injury! The police could not believe the blow this car took. There were deployed airbags everywhere, even in the backseats for my kids. We are going back to Volvo for another S80. Thank you Volvo for saving our family.

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  I traded in my year 2000 Mercedes S500 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By sam hobbs - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I loved my S500 because I could drive 800 miles without stopping and never feel it. The S500 had too many electrical glitches, so I traded before the 4yr warranty expired. The XC90 has the same ride, handling, driveability and comfort as my S500, plus holds 7 people and has all-wheel drive. The 6 cyl engine is not as powerful as my 8 cyl. mercedes, but is nevertheless plenty peppy.

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  You cant believe how great this car is! - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Michelle - October 9 - 8:10 am

  This was the first vehicle I test drove when I started car shopping - after no less than 10 vehicles later I returned to buy this awesome car! A practical indulgence - a hardtop sedan when the weather is bad and a convertible when the sun is out. Mine is all but totally loaded with the exception of a navigation system & ultra-prem leather which seems nearly impossible to find - I couldnt be more thrilled. With 2 hours in daily commute time, the ride is luxurious and fun to the point I dont want to leave the vehicle. All I can say is that if you see one on a Volvo lot snap it up ASAP - you wont regret it! Safety, style and fun all rolled up into one great vehicle.

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  A Super Solid Choice - 2016 Volvo XC70
  By Robin Kirk - October 6 - 10:26 am

  My Audi A8 just turned 4 years old and 60k miles and I was looking for a comfortable, practical SUV/Wagon replacement that didnt cost as much. I drove the Q5 and Allroad, the BMW X3 and X5, and the V60, XC60 and XC70. Although an older design, the XC70 was just more comfortable, more practical and less flashy. It is powerful, quiet, extremely comfortable and handles reasonably well. The technology package is state-of-the-art and the IPhone App is just great. With just under 1000 miles in the past month, I am quite delighted. I was worried that "trading down" from the A8 would be painful, but am really quite pleased. The fuel economy isnt too good, but with current gas prices, it doesnt hurt too much. I would strongly recommend this car.

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  Exceptional Automobile - 2001 Volvo V70
  By V70Driver - October 6 - 10:00 am

  My reliable 240 was ready to be replaced, and I knew I wanted to stick with the brand. The XC looked good, my wife and I had a child on the way, and we were never interested in the whole SUV thing. (Do I even need to mention the "M" word?) It wasnt until I spoke to a friend who had a photograph of the next generation Volvo wagons that I put my purchase on hold. Talk about a dream come true. The T5 has it all - amazing looks, horsepower to spare, incredible handling and control, and it is perhaps the most comfortable car Ive ever had the pleasure of driving. Given the choice of a huge engine or XC, I went with the engine - and am very happy I did.