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 looks, even better ride! - 2006 Volvo V50
  By calguy - July 1 - 10:26 pm

  I love how solid this car feels on the road. There is very little play in the steering wheel. Weve had it for almost 17,000 miles and have had no mechanical problems with it. This is by far the best looking small wagon on the market. Volvo sales experience and service are great. Would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Industrial Chic - 2010 Volvo C30
  By TwelveCrows - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I am a big fan of the Ford C1 platform. Prior to my C30, I owned an 04 Mazda 3s; I loved it. But as much as I did, it pales in comparison to the C30. It is more comfortable and more solid with a more powerful and responsive engine. Other than the wind noise coming from the side mirrors, the cockpit is quiet-isolating the road noise and allowing the driver to hear that throaty growl when the foot presses to the floor. The automatic transmission is smooth- though Ive only used the manual shift feature once. The only problem here is that 227 hp driving front wheels can sometimes make the tires slip- with heavy acceleration like pulling out into traffic. The GTI doesnt have this issue.

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  Volvo Rocks My World - 2007 Volvo V70
  By Cheryl and Greg - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I wanted safety first. I got safety.I drive in ice and snow worry free laughing at all the other drivers who stay home in the winter. I wanted dependability. This car has 92,000 miles on it, and other than tires and oil changes, it has never, ever broken down. I bow down to Volvo as a nervous mom of 2 driving teenage daughters who have used it as their first car; as a family on vacation who can stuff more stuff in its cargo area than a truck;as owners of two Welsh corgis and two Newfoundlands who could not damage the leather interior no matter what they dragged aboard.It was expensive;now I know why: it will last forever and stay beautiful!It looks as good/performs as well as it did day one.

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  This car is Bi-polar!!! - 2001 Volvo S80
  By IzaccBRL - July 1 - 10:00 am

  From day one I realized that this was gonna be the car from hell!!! It looked GREAT on the outside, but there was always a WHOOOOLE lotta issues on the inside! It stayed in the shop more than I was able to drive it! I came to the conclusion that my car was a lemon until I talked to someone else who have the exact same car, & they were having the SAME exact issues that I was experiencing! Finally, the car died on a main street on my way home & I am now left carless, but atleast it lasted about 10 years! :-)

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  This is an excellent Automobile strong. - 2009 Volvo XC70
  By XC70 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I drive on the parkways & Interstates weekly great Highway car comfortable great ride but one drawback is I only can get about 24mpg on the open road around town milage is poor. This is my 1st volvo and will never own any other car again its strength in incredable. The service is also very good I have brought the car to a dealer in Riverhead longisland didnt even by the car from the and recieved excellent service

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  Happy customer - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By millie - July 1 - 10:00 am

  After driving many competitors in the smaller-SUV "luxury" market, was enticed by XC60s size, styling, warranty and maintenance program. For a medium sized SUV I find the trunk space to be adequate (MUCH better than the Audi Q5). Have the Turbo and it is a zippy awesome driving experience. It is a comfortable, lovely ride. Controls are easy to use/operate. Complaints (minor) are no change holder in center console. Wind whistles through the sunroof area when you go above 40mph (need to get that checked out). The tan interior is lighter than I expected so bought stain protection out of fea--it is doing its job.

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  Our experience - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By GFamily - July 1 - 5:33 am

  We bought the car because we thought it would be useful, versatile, fun liked the design. We are not disappointed in any way and are happy with our purchase.

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  Worst Car ever owned - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By David Cronin - June 28 - 11:36 pm

  Consistent problems. Rear 3rd row seats continually get stuck have to bring in to dealer to get fixed (3 times ). Child seat gets stuck ( 2 times). Rear door has problems closing brought in 3 times. Bought 18 inch wheels but the brakes not upgraded by dealer. Also try finding replacement tires for under $300 each. Replaced brakes 3 times already. Problem with turbos being noisy. Have to be replaced at 52,000 miles at a cost of $4,000 which we are fighting with Volvo. This is the first non-japanese car I have owned and my last.

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  Good solid car. - 2006 Volvo XC70
  By donco6 - June 28 - 2:06 pm

  Ive had my Volvo XC70 for a year now and have had absolutely no problems. Its taken me up into the mountains many times - solid on snow packed and/or icy roads. All the features are convenient. Seat warmers are great! Lots of cargo room. Great car!

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  Happy CX90 Owner - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By J Knowles - June 28 - 10:03 am

  As my first experience owning an SUV, I was worried about handling the size. This Volvo XC90 has been wonderful. The narrower build makes the vehicle handle more like a car. At the same time, the three rows of seating have given our family of five all the comfort and convenience we wanted. We highly recommend the vehicle.