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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  Satisfied with S80 T5 - 2004 Volvo S80
  By govna - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I ordered my S80 while in South Korea. I paid a total of $33,775 delivered to Honolulu, HI. Its Silver Metallic with Premium pkg, 17in Interceptors, Touring pkg, Fog lights. I ordered the heated front seats without the climate pkg. I did not want the headlight washers. They look silly to me.

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  Johns XC 90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By John - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo XC 90 has met all my expectations. Great Ride for long trips and very good gas mileage.

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  Baby on the way- - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By David S. / Engineer - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Mercedes CKL430 Convertible for this volvo SUV so I am not blinded by new car smell. So far I like the car. But it does has a few interior set backs. Not enough leg room for driver and the flip up wood cover for cup holder has no real locking mechanism so it just pops up. This happens most frequently when car is parked in the sun. Im guessing the plastic clip that holds it in place warms up and lets the lid release. (Bad Design) I will be requesting service to look at this when the car goes in for the first service. Speaking of service, so far Volvo is on par with Mercedes when it comes to taking the extra step for customer satisfaction.

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  Perfect car but not enoying it - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Thor - July 21 - 3:00 pm

  My family has had a Volvo since 1981 and therefore it was not a difficult choice to purchase the XC90. The interior is typical Volvo (little bit too tight) but with the highest quality to find. All seats are strong and comfortable - not just the front seats as in some other SUVs.

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  Proud Volve Owner - 2005 Volvo S80
  By Lori - July 20 - 1:53 pm

  This car is truly worth the money. This is the first volvo I have ever owned and probably would never buy any other car. I have to say it handles as well as a BMW. This sedan is spacious, even with 3 kids in the back, and one of them in a car seat. The car is a very classy car but yet it has a nice sporty flare. The turbo definitely gets this car out of its own way. The most important factor is its safety rating. That is why I bought a Volvo in the first place. All the features and controls are easy to reach without feeling like your going out of your way, or taking your eyes off the road. Highly recommend this car to anyone who wants extra value and safety for their buck!!

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  Definately not a lemon! - 2000 Volvo S40
  By volvomama - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my S40 since it was brand new 3years now. True I have replaced my headlights,break pads and have had some oil leaks, but all was covered under warranty. Prior to my Volvo I drove and loved my BMW, but I had to downsize,yet wanted to have a car with a nice reputation and I think pricewise,the S40 was the right choice. Overall, I like my little Volvo,its quick and peppy and when its clean and waxed it looks rather nice. With a new baby (three kids total), I will admit its rather tight in the back. Two more years to pay off and I will consider the new SUV by VOLVO. Have some faith!

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  Great car so far!! - 2002 Volvo S80
  By dlewin - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive seen several complaints about quality in the earlier models, but so far this car is excellent! (only 1000 miles). Very smooth & quiet ride and great T6 power. This car feels really solid when cruising along at high or low speeds.

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  2003 Volvo XC - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By budrichard - July 19 - 2:00 am

  While the 700 charachter limitation is quite restrictive, suffice it to say that for an off road user wanting a low profile(kayak loading) safety and handling as well as Opera use, the XC is for us. We own two. Certainly our Jeep is more off road capable but it sits.

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  Look Elsewhere - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Mr Disappointed - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I was heart broken upon my purchase of this car. I have had a slew of things go wrong with this car. They all revolve around the electrical and range from loosing power to the sunroof, to the thorn in my heel, the surging at stop lights and when im in drive and on the brake. This car rides like a dream when its moving, but the customer service coupled with a problem that has been ongoing for over a year have made my experience a bitter one at best. My advice to all is to save your money and invest it wisely, the maintenace costs with this car will kill you! Im talking $650 for a 30k service!! Thats ridiculous.

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  move over bmw, here come the swedes - 2001 Volvo S60
  By L. Gebhardt - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic Automobile for trip up to 500 miles in distance. Arm rest could be positioned better, with would assit in longer drives. Car has been to shop for both rear shocks, but that is it, with the exception of oil changes and tire rotations. Dealer (Guiffre Volvo Springfield) is exceptional on service.