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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  Like it better than Audi - 2013 Volvo S60
  By mklay - April 30 - 5:02 pm

  Since 1996 I’ve owned various new A4’s, an A6 and A3 (I’ve always preferred Audi’s over BMW’s and Mercedes and never considered VOLVO). In short, after test driving a 2013 S60 T5, “it was a no brainer” I went ahead and leased it on the spot (it was that easy).

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  My first Volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By emac2002 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  My first Volvo and not my last! Some minor problems in first 18 months of ownership--rubbing tires, squeaky windshield wipers, rear taillight bulbs that keep burning out. However, an overall excellent car even though maintenance is a bit expensive.

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  Great Car, High Value. - 2007 Volvo S80
  By donniebob - April 29 - 4:46 am

  Just returned from a 3000 mile road trip. Odometer just rolled over 30,000 as we returned. Last leg of trip, 1400 miles, got 31.4 mpg with average speed of 65 mph. Best ever. It was comfortable, responsive, easy to drive at up to the 90 mph we cruised on some Utah & Idaho roads where posted speed limit was 80. High winds didnt bother it. Neither did some sharp mountainous turns. Good job, Volvo! MUCH more responsive and comfortable than our 1999 XC-70.

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  So Far, So Good! - 2006 Volvo S60
  By beaner - April 22 - 3:03 pm

  We were looking for an AWD sedan to replace our 9 year old Honda Accord. We didnt care for Subaru at all. All the other AWD sedans we considered came equipped with low-profile wheel rims, which are big trouble on pothole- strewn roads & frost heaves. We had some concerns about Volvo reliability, having owned Hondas for 20 years, but after 28 months and 32k, this car has been a pleasure to own. The 5 cylinder, turbo-charged engine provides plenty of pep when we need it. We would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Volvo Forever! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Greg - April 19 - 7:16 pm

  Bought this car new. Wife drove it for over ten years. My daughter has just gotten her license and is using the car. The only thing that makes this car seem old is when I drive my S-60. Aside from normal maintenance over the years, we have only had two out of warranty issues( 1- broken caliper 2- external thermometer which regulates the heating & A/C). I also use my local dealer for all service, which I believe has kept repairs to a minimum. My family is sold on Volvo cars.

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  1st XC and 3rd Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Chriss Stitches - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 2004 XC to replace my 1977 245 Volvo. Absolutely NO complaints about fit/ finish, engine power, transmission (Auto/ Gearttronic). It has the normal turbo lag from a start which makes it a little hard to get a really smooth start. The Automatic Climate Control is great! Power roof switch takes some getting use to. Folding down the rear seats is almost too easy. Got it for $2250 under invoice with excellent financing.

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  Understated Elegance - 2008 Volvo S80
  By stevep - April 13 - 6:16 pm

  The 2008 S80 is my first Volvo purchase and I have to say I am very, very impressed. The attention to detail and quality of workmanship is outstanding. I have owned Lexus (GS and ES) and infinity (G35) and although good cars, the attention to detail is not as good as Volvo. If the long term reliability is as good as consumer reports rates the 2008, then I can see myself buying Volvos for a long time. Performance is outstanding. The 280hp T6 is very fast, especially if you use the tip-tronic shifting. Yes, there are faster cars, but I dont think anyone balance of elegance and performance that the Volvo S80 does, not to mention its claim to fame safety features. Dont miss this one

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  Safety above Speed Reasonable MPG - 2010 Volvo S80
  By Johnston - April 13 - 1:06 am

  Considered the usual European competition before jumping into this one W/BlueTooth, BLIS and Xenons . After checking some Volvo Forums & Tire Rack.com I decided to ditch the OEM tires and go with Bridgestone Pole Position tires after 3k Miles. It made a world of difference in the ride and even though I have 17" wheels most people who have the 18" wheels complain their rides "harder" then mine !!! Love the ride now! Couldnt pry me out of it if you wanted me too. This is my second leased car, might have to keep it when the lease is up.

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  near-volvo - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Tom Rasmussen - April 12 - 1:36 am

  Great car, and was a toss-up between this and XC70. (Other car in garage is XC90.) I like the size, drivability, powertrain, futuristic design. Haldex AWD is second to none. Although drive-feel and braking are excellent, they are not characteristically "Volvo-like". A/T does not shift as smooth as other Volvos with Aisin Warner unit, seats do no feel as good as 60, 70, 80 or 90 series. Wish SAT radio was available. Unique key system is over-engineered, and wish european keyless sys was available. Overall, I love this car, very unique, gets many looks and compliments. Next time when lease is up, Im hoping for and "R" version, either V50 or V70.

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  S-60 R - 6 Speed - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Medicap99 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had American performance cars for many years. The Volvo S60 R is my first experience with European performance. The car handles superbly; Accelerates briskly and smoothly; Overall, performs flawlessly. It is an impressive ride.