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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  Just got Yesterday... There are no words - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Xaviergod - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I picked up the car yesterday and it figures on my way home a big storm was comin so I put it in my garage in case it hailed (which it did) After the storm I took it out for a spin. Since the roads were wet I ended up paying more attention to the stereo than the car performance. I have the upgraded sound system with 13 speakers. I would highly recommend them. Stick in a Michael Jackson CD to get the full effect. The car handles suprisingly well on the wet roads and even better on dry which I experienced today. Anyone who says this car cant corner doesnt know what they are talking about. With the sport bucket seats cornering becomes fun and comfortable.

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  Love the ride, hardtop allows year round use! - 2013 Volvo C70
  By Volvo C70 Caspian Blue Fan! Go Cats! - August 14 - 3:39 am

  I would recommend the BLIS system if you are used to having it. I purchased mine as a certified one since it one only had 7500 miles for a 2013, 0.9% financing, favorite calcite interior with caspian blue exterior. The interior is very luxurious; however, electronics/stereo could be updated. Then again, it is a 2013 car! I dont need entertainment.. just some music, bluetooth and the car! Top down it is a beautiful car; Top up it is a nice coupe to be used almost year round! Hardtop design is pretty incredible.. and you still have some trunk space available with top down. I purchased seat protectors and windbreaker on ebay for additional use/convenience. Several reviews say power is insufficient, but i am quite happy with it. Has all the power I need in town and on the highway. Love it! Love it! Update after 7 months of ownership: Love the flexibility of a true car with convertible option depending on weather or travel plans. Car has been wonderful with no issues! Can load my golf clubs easily in the trunk! Seats are so sweet and comfy!

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  My Favorite Vehicle! - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Lee Clarke - August 13 - 5:00 pm

  Vehicles are my hobby and Ive owned over 60 new ones, from basics (AMC Gremlin) to exotics (Lotus Esprit, MB E55 AMG, Saleens). I traded my 2006 BMW M3 convertible, 6 speed manual, for a 2007 Volvo S60 R, automatic. The S60 R is my favorite vehicle ever!

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  From and enthusiast - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Fittsugen - August 12 - 2:00 am

  In order to get maximum performance, you have to drive this car like a Japanese sport bike. Do not up shift if it will put the engine revs below 3500 rpms. This engine is just too flat and unresponsive below 3500 rpms. A six cylinder engine of the same displacement would have been a far superior way to go. Another 75 horsepower would help too. This 5 cyl is funky. It revs smoothly, but has trouble with smoothness at the upper end of the power band. Launches can be problematic too. Keep the revs high and work the clutch. The biggest complaint I have though is that this car, even though it is awd, suffers from torque steer. Fittsugen.

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  Cross Country - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By Jon - August 11 - 1:40 pm

  Outstanding. Have been cross the country with it when we moved from Colorado to NY. Very secure in the snow and all other conditions. Lots of room for everything.

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  Dons Silver Chariot - 2002 Volvo S60
  By dlindover - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Well made vehicle - very comfortable for this compact size - fast when turbo takes hold - ride & handling are very good but not at BMW high standard - good valve & very good economy - approx 23.5 - 24.5 mpg

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  This is a Volvo? - 2012 Volvo S60
  By abmwfan - August 9 - 8:45 pm

  The dealer gave me an S60 as a loaner car and I liked it so much that I bought one 3 days later. Im a long-time BMW owner and would never have thought Id like an S60, but I was immediately impressed by the combination of comfort, performance, build quality, and classy interior. This is a front-wheel biased vehicle and it will never quite have the handling edge of a RWD car like a 335i, but Volvo found an excellent balance between comfort and performance. The S60 is a more comfortable highway ride with enough power and handling to keep it interesting to drive. I like that this car is HIGHLY configurable to individual driving style and the different settings actually work.

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  fun vehicle - 2006 Volvo S60
  By bill - August 8 - 4:50 pm

  I am the owner of a 2006 volvo S60 It is truly a fun vehicle to drive. Those who think its slow and cumbersome should take the wheel and give it a good run for its money.. You will find that the 2.5T 5 cylinder engine and the auto transmisson will answer your every need. Be it speed to pass a car on a two lane hwy or just to feel the wind rushing by you

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  Reliable car, never had any major major prolems - 2002 Volvo S60
  By atptr139 - August 7 - 10:46 am

  My family has had my 2002 Volvo S60 since its been off the lot. its been super safe, and as a teenage driver, its good to have a reliable car. Maintaining the car is in fact expensive, but worth it. Its saved me from countless close calls from people, from a wide range of coming over in my lane (shoulder saved me) to 40-0 in a couple seconds (city traffic sucks). breaks are amazing and it handles great. would recommend as a safe and reliable car!

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  Wow What a Car!! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Nick Grice - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a really nice car. I just went to college and finished my first. It was a present from my parents and I love evey inch of this car. Its fast, good-looking, and Ive had excellent dealer service.