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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  Best Ive Owned to Date - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By mdblue - March 26 - 11:53 pm

  By far, best vehicle Ive owned - beats all other luxury SUV/CUVs out there. The "R Series" really makes a difference in handling & performance. Gas mileage is sub-par, but uses regular gas, so its a wash. Every single time I drive the car, heads turn - dont see many on the road which I like. Feels incredibly solid and handles better than my 3 yr old sports sedan. R Series interior is on par with Q5 and nicer than all the others. Exterior styling - esp taillights is very cool. More masc than Q5. Nav system was a little annoying at first, but now Im used to it and it works great. Most comfortable seats on the road.

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  A refined weakling - 2006 Volvo S80
  By Richard - March 26 - 8:43 pm

  I didnt buy this car for the power... and its a good thing. Acceleration is poor at best. My 2002 Toyota 4Runner SUV seemed to have better acceleration. Handling is a bit sketchy as well. HOWEVER, what I did buy this car for... comfort, safety, quality, value - its a homerun. Compared against some of the other luxury sedans, this is a value buy and a good entry level luxury sedan. It may disturb many that Volvo is now owned by Ford, but rest assured that Volvo has been able to keep quality issues to a minimum.

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  Fun and comfort rolled into one! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By brandonpaz - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about a week now and I love it! It is fun to drive meets comfort. My boss has been really happy because I am finally getting to work on time. I wake up before my alarm goes off because I am so excited to wake up and drive to work. She handles and corners like a dream, yet I still get all the luxury features that I want! I was originally looking at a honda accord v6, BMW 3 series, Acura RSX. It finally came down to I was the most comfortable in the Volvo and it was the best bang for my buck, 27k included the T5 with premium, audio, climate, and sports package.

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  best overall midsized convertable - 2004 Volvo C70
  By B.Combs - March 26 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle replaced a merz 560sl.Which was the 6th merz I had owned.I drove and checked out all midsized convertables on the market and found this car to be the best overall one on the market. The turbo is a must as the car without the turbo is too slugish.The safety features of the Volvo are well known for years but the style was always like a box.This model is very sleek and eye catching.The performance is excellant and the highest when facturing in the price. This car has gotten more comments than any of my mercedes and I love the car.

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  S80 2.5 T - 2004 Volvo S80
  By wdkm - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I have already driven it 10,000 miles and have really enjoyed the experience. The people in the back seat have as great experience as those in the front.

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  Test drive - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By mla - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Just recently took one for a spin at the Volvo test drive event. Was impressed by all the safety features. Drove like a sedan. Great roll control. Integrated child booster seats. Wonderful handling and control.

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  Awesome - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Brandon - March 22 - 3:23 am

  My 2nd car, was driving a 99" Saab 9-5 before. I love this car, the "Sporty- S40" as I call it. The day I brought it home my sister fell in love with it and got 1 also. They have great colors and the T-tec is sweet, everything comes right off it. Not flashy interior, very classy and simple. Get the sound package!!! 12 speakers its insane!!! great clarity as well. Although the 2.4i (my model) has 168hp 5 spd it is very quick (but if u have the extra 6 grand get the T5! 220hp 6 spd turbo). I have the Mysterial Green it looks very nice with the tinted windows. Great value as well, the only car that is comparable is the Acura TSX, a friend has it (he enjoys my car better) well worth it!

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  VOLVO S40 happy owner - 2000 Volvo S40
  By mathias - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car has an excellent response when speed and acceleration is needed. I have put this car at 137 MPH on Alligator Alley and it could have still kept going a tad more had I not cought up with traffic. Getting to 130 MPH is a breeze. Need a stretch to get to the 137 I put it to. Acceleration is very good. I have left more than 1 BMW 325 asking for a second chance. Response from mid speeds is also superb. The interior is suprisingly comfortable. It looks smaller outside but feels large inside, even in the backseets.It is more roomy than the A4 by far. The trunk is very generous as well. The car has had no problems, just regular service and it has 56,000 miles. Best car in its league.

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  Love My Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By EMVanRiper - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I chose the XC70 because of its versatility, reliability, and safety. It has met my expectations and then some. It has lots of room, all the amenities I want (but not those I do not want), has decent gas mileage, and is fun to drive for a wagon, especiall with the Geartronic transmission. My 3- year old son and our three Labs are the reasons why we need this type of vehicle. I used to drive an SUV, but prefer my AWD Volvo.

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  Best used value S-40ASR turbo - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Volvo for Life - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I do agree with some people here.If you buy a fully loaded model topping $27800 with all the options you dont want to have any problems and glitches like burning lights or brakes.It is still a best deal in the used sport luxury european sedan category.You have to drive normal and dont abuse it.I love this car,but you have to lubricate brakes ,especially if you drive in salty,cold weather.Handling is superb.Once again you have to buy them used for $9700-11500 range to really enjoy it.It worth this money all the way.Luxury European small sports sedan.