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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  Stuck on Volvo, but??? - 1999 Volvo V70
  By SWEDE IN COLORADO - April 23 - 4:10 am

  Owner of Volvos since 1972. Bought the 99 @15K. Now has 68K. Recent work: ABS/Trac Control Unit, Rear seal on Turbo. Prior: AC control unit under warr. Not sure as simple and well built as older models. Power surge is super - mileage good on highway, overall appearance and safety A+ for what is known as a "brick". Prior cars: 70-144, 74-164, 76-244. My other-- 86- 740 still runs great @222K and 25 mgp/town and very little upkeep costs. Just bought a 97T5 Wagon @ 104K, not sure will keep it. First order of bus to ck the T-belt - when they blow look to rebuild the engine, so I have been warned.

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  Dream Car - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Al - April 21 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the car today and took it fir a long drive down Cutler Road in Miami what an sunny day and nice breeze off the bay. We have not driven and enjoyed time together like that with my wife in a long time, With the top down we felt we were sailing in time, I want to Thank Phil at Deel Volvo for his patience and honesty they all made the process so simple and honest. I will give you all an updates as the weeks pass,

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  Nice ride in the Rocky Mountains - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Dan - April 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Volvo and this one is the best. It has so many great features and is fun to drive. City Safety was tested on my car at the dealer, boy did it work as designed. Very comfortable seats front and back. lot more good cargo room compared to Infinity and the electronic features are easy to work. Bluetooth is clear as a land line and auto-sync when I get into the car. The safety features of the car really impressed me and i really feel safe. Very quiet ride, almost as quiet as the Lexus with little outside noise. Good ground clearance better by 3" over my Acura MDX and much better handling and tighter feel on the road. I really enjoy driving it. Very happy.

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  Station Wagon Fever - 2003 Volvo V70
  By Nicole - April 15 - 9:13 am

  Great car! I wanted a car that would provide me comfort, safety, space, and so much more. This car does everything! When I go shop, I actually have a place to put my items. The leather seats are A+ I couldnt ask for a better made car. The craftsmanship is excellent for the price. We bought our V70 used, so we didnt lose a lot of money. We also paid like 11k in the end and had equity in the car. Just shop around!

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  Love Car, No So Dealer - 2004 Volvo S60
  By MAE - April 12 - 12:46 am

  I adore this car, its comfortable and sporty and I got all the bells & whistles under dealer invoice because I bought a fleet model off the floor. My only complaint is my "sneaky" dealership in Summit NJ and added fee for the extended warranty which I thought was included w/a certified pre- owned. I didnt catch it until too late - anyone else have this experience???

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  S40 2004.5 - 2004 Volvo S40
  By VLUVNIT - April 10 - 2:00 am

  EXELENT DRIVE AND QUALITY PARTS

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  Volvo V70R Wagon - 2004 Volvo V70
  By glkohlen - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great, fun car to drive. Especially good on the road on a trip. Excellent navigation system. Four wheel drive is handy in inclement weather.

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  Volvo 4 Life in Atlanta - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Stephen, Atlanta - April 9 - 8:53 pm

  I always wanted a convertible but steered clear of soft tops - loved the old C70 but only would have purchased a hard top. When I saw online Volvo building a new hardtop convertible I had to have it (though I also steer clear of new models their first year or two due to the manufacturer working out the bugs). Having had two BMWs prior I struggled with not getting another one but am thrilled with my decision. This car even got a round of applause at a local eatery when I put the top down for the drive home. I also own an XC90 SUV - both cars are white so a neighbor asked me if I work for Volvo now. I would highly recommend a Volvo!!

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  Love it! - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Love it! - April 9 - 2:00 pm

  I just bought my (2007) R last week, but I can tell you I love it! The car is super powerful and extremely comfortable. It is a pleasure to drive and the Dolby Pro-Logic II stereo sounds great! So far, fuel mileage is much better than expected at about 22- 24mpg around town and 28-30mpg on the highway. My only complaint is the most common one amongst R owners: turning radius.

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  Very pleased - 2002 Volvo S80
  By pete - April 9 - 10:00 am

  excellent vehicle - comfortable interior and fantastic off the line