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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  Great - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Zeli Key - August 7 - 10:00 am

  So great. It might look ugly but it is spacious. You can fit many people with the seat belts.

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  02 Volvo 2.4A SR in NC - 2002 Volvo V70
  By palms - August 5 - 10:00 am

  We just bought the car yesterday. We have two children under the age of two so safety and room are most important for us. My wife loves the quietness of the car...(compared to the 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee we drive them in now). We felt we got a great car at a great price...$28000 with leather, sunroof, touring, auto trans, and 10 disc CD. We hope happiness continues.

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  Volvos are the best. - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Rev. Tyrone Edwards - August 5 - 10:00 am

  My Volvo is one of the best riding automobiles I have ever purchased. It is of superior quality and craftmanship. I will definitately purchase another Volvo. My wife loves to drive the safest car in the universe.

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  VOLVO XC90 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By gleger2 - August 5 - 8:53 am

  Very happy with our purchase, it really fits our life syle..bigger than bmw and lexus rx

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  ReVolvolution - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Dubbu2 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  The overall fit and finish of this car is sexy. Ive had nothing but stares and compliments since purchasing this vehicle. Many are amazed to find that its a Volvo. The commute is smooth and quiet. I cant say too much about acceleration, however, because Ive been breaking the car in slowly - but I read that the car reacts quickly and examines your driving style (aggressive/passive) and adjusts to accomodate accordingly.

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  2008 C30 2.0 - 2008 Volvo C30
  By JT79 - August 1 - 1:50 pm

  Great all-around sporty car. I was particularly impressed by the build quality and ride of the vehicle. From my research I knew that it was a going to be a quick and versatile little car, but I was blown away by just how well it was put together and how well it rode on the highway. The suspension is a perfect blend between performance and luxury. Its not quite as nimble as a Mini Cooper or GTI but it doesnt beat you up nearly as much either and it blows either of those cars away in terms of power and power delivery.

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  Love my XC90 - 2009 Volvo XC90
  By Heather - July 27 - 11:06 pm

  I have been looking at this car since it came out and finally took the plunge and purchased new 09 model. Love everything about it. Handles really wheel and very fun to drive. Bought this truck over alot of others for the trunk space for my ridgeback dog/family member and he has plenty of room and his own AC vents. Only downside i have seen is that the rear vents dont work unless the a/c is on.

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  160,000 and counting! - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By Jason - July 27 - 6:22 pm

  Bought new-ish in 2004 with 2600miles, normal up keep and maintenance. No real issues till about 94,000miles; some electrical bug hit and took 3 trip to Volvo to get it right. People, change your fluids and do the recommended maintenance on your vehicle and you should have no real issues. I have 164,382 miles as I write this. My wife & I will be getting another XC70 after tax returns, we will keep this one for our daughters first car.

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  Volvo for life! - BUT...... - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Will Johnson - July 24 - 5:43 pm

  I really wish it had better gas mileage. Avg. 20 mpg in the city (Ugh!) Overall, this car ROCKS! In Germany these are everywhere, but here in the U.S., I get compliments at red lights all the time. Looks sharp with sporty 18"s on them. The interior is awesome. Im 63" and have plenty of leg room. Good trunk space. Somehow, the Swedes packed all that interior room in this little car! (very deceptive lol) Dolby II Sound system.

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  It has served me well. - 2005 Volvo V50
  By PD - July 24 - 11:50 am

  I have driven the car 58,000 miles now. Initially, I did have a cold start issue when new. But since that problem was fixed in the 1st year (software update), the car has worked perfectly for me. I own the turbo (T5 AWD) and it is a blast to drive. Handling is superb. Great acceleration and pick-up. I opted for the upgraded stereo which is truly spectacular - great crisp highs and deep lows. Edmunds also rated it very highly. Car/road/wind noise suppression is good. But higher end luxury cars will do better.