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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  6 time Volvo owner - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Bob - July 29 - 10:46 pm

  Exceptionally comfortable; easy to get in and out of even for people who are shorter; mechanically and cosmetically great; a real solid feel combined with great handling; does not ride or drive like a truck; eye- catching design; have had virtually no problems; combined city-highway mileage averages 19-21 mpg. Luv it!

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  Not for the long run - 2000 Volvo S80
  By ampxs - July 29 - 11:56 am

  I bought this car is 2010 with 160k miles on it. I bought it AS-IS and they gave me a new battery since the one it had was dead. I got a great deal on it considering the milage. I had no issues with it for about the first year, after that the ac went out I have replaced the radiator myself for $90. I have replaced 2 ignition coils which I did myself ($80 a piece). I found out from the volvo dealer I needed a new ETM which is 1200 installed. I run the car without it being replaced and it surges. I changed both the axels which was difficult. I do oil changes every 6k miles. It has 220k miles now and needs a timing belt but it is 800 to replace. Its a good car if you dont mind putting lots of $

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  96 Base Wagon - Great automobile - 1996 Volvo 850
  By DFH - July 29 - 10:00 am

  We bought our wagon after it came off a three year lease. I insisted on a wagon over a sedan because I wanted the utility aspect of owning a wagon. We looked at SUVs and sedans but we prefered the ride and stability that the 850 wagon provided. This car has been very pleasant to own and drive. We have done nothing more than gas n drive this car between normal oil changes and regular sheduled maintenance.

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  One of my best cars yet - 2002 Volvo S40
  By cmsims - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! Ive had it for a year now and have had absolutely no problems with it at all (a rarity when working out the kinks of many other new cars). As with all the other Volvos Ive had, Ive already had the privilege (sarcasm) of finding out that the thing holds up like a tank in accidents. My friends all love it as well - its peppy and has great acceleration - my only real problem is that half the time Im handing over the keys to someone else who wants to take it for a ride!

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  My new Volvo T6 AWD - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By trixie - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Volvo XC 90 for 3 weeks but so far love it. I did a lot of research before deciding on this vehicle. I love it because I have 3 young children and needed a vehicle with a third row, but did not want a minivan or a truck. The Volvo drives the most like a car(compared to others I tested), and still functions like an SUV. The second row seats are very versatile and slide forward so my kids can climb into the third row easily. It is a lot of fun to drive.

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  Fun to drive, with a few design quirks - 2005 Volvo S60
  By PJ - July 28 - 7:40 pm

  I purchased this as a certified preowned, and have loved it ever since. While there definitely is some turbo lag and torque steer when you punch it, its still pretty darn quick. Just make sure you hold the steering wheel tightly when you floor it. The seats are so comfortable in the front, but the back seats need more leg room for my two kids. I love the simplicity of all the Volvo controls, but some need changing. The heated seats should turn off automatically when you turn off the car. Also, the door lock button only has one button for both lock and unlock. It should have one for each. Finally, the key fob has a slight delay, and my kids are always a bit too quick on the doors.

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  A Realistic Review - 2004 Volvo S60
  By 1st European Car - July 28 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this car looking for an AWD sedan that was good on gas, fun to drive and affordable. After a long search, I settled on the Volvo. Ive probably read over 15 editorial reviews, scoured consumer feedback, etc. on this car, and owned it for about a week now, so here is the deal. Reviewers say this car is not the most luxurious, not the fastest nor has the best design. However, it does do all of these things very well, so I think its the best value of any domestic or Euro sedan. Its extremely comfortable, fast enough and holds the road well, without the hefty price tag of a BMW or Lexus. I love this car, and received a lot of compliments in the short time Ive owned it.

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  2nd Upate on V70T5 - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Hieatt - July 26 - 6:16 pm

  It has been 2 years since my last update. Purchased my T5 out of my lease 2 years ago - car is now 5 years old with 62K miles. Thank god I purchased the VIP warranty. Took it in for the $700 60K service (!) and mentioned a knocking sound from the suspension and also a bad oil leak. They found knocking was result of broken sway bar connectors and a broken engine mount (over $700 in repairs), and the oil leak was from the engine block itself, and may require replacement of the whole engine!!! They have had car for over a week. This was after replacing a seal on the turbo return ($150 repair) on the previous service. VIP warranty good for 2 more years or 100K miles - will sell before then.

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  Comfort, Size and Performance - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Lux - July 26 - 12:13 pm

  We love or XC-90 V8. We are in Germany and get to open her up on the Autobahns. Very comfortable quiet ride even at 100+ mph. Sounds system is very nice and Navigation system is a real plus for overseas and unknown area driving. Plus there is room for all our stuff and the dog. Finally, it is nice to know we are well protected while we cruise the autobahns with all the safety systems Volvos are know for; and now unlike in the past the vehicle is stylish and looks great.

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  Excellent car -- love it - 2011 Volvo C70
  By MST - July 26 - 10:56 am

  Just a joy to drive. Simple, zen like interior. Peppy fwd engine. Real head turner.