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:

• 

  Fun and Comfort - 2000 Volvo S80
  By bellvista - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I love it! It is very comfortable and has a quite and smooth ride. The Volvo S80 handles very well. No complaints from my long legged friends who sit in the back. The back seats are comfortable too,

• 

  So Far So Good - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Billd0no - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The S60 is my every day driver. I also drive a 98 Corvette convertible. The S60 isnt as much fun, but only a nut drives a Vette in Midwest Winter weather. I especially like the way it has handled this crummy weather weve had. Its sure-footed. My wife keeps commenting on how comfortable the seating is. I have to agree. I had read a review about some minor annoyances others have experienced with this model. So far I cant see what the complaining is about. Would there be some things Id like to see changed? Of course, since no car gets everything right. But for my monthly lease payment Im very satisfied.

• 

  Safe and tons of fun!! - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Chris - March 15 - 5:43 am

  I bought this car with 75K on it. I now have 117K and Ive done nothing to it. If youre looking for a fun car to drive that you can put your kids in, this is it. Its got loads of pin you in your seat power. The down side is fuel economy (16 city/22-24 hwy). Also a very stiff ride. But I didnt buy it for a "soft" ride. I would and will buy more Volvos.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Volvo S80
  By Chuck Brichta - March 14 - 9:56 am

  I own 2 Volvos XC 90 and S80 The S80 is a great car. Lots of power, fun to drive, comfortable after 8 hrs of driving, you dont feel beat up. I am waiting for the V-8 to come out this winter.

• 

  Great Ride - 2003 Volvo V70
  By IR - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Have had it only a few weeks, however, the quality, ride, comfort, and styling are super! Best looking station wagon on the market today. The seats are very comfortable. When driving you are unaware that this is a station wagon. Almost got a Passat station wagon (I have a Passat sedan that I am very happy with), however worked a deal with the Volvo that put me only $2,000 over the Passat wagon, plusthe Volvo had many more features. Feels much more solid than the Passat.

• 

  Great Car - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Mbeck - March 11 - 5:20 am

  This was my 4th Volvo and the change in body style took some getting used to. This is an extremely reliable, comfortable and safe vehicle. I have no major problems.My biggest complaint would be the tail lights bulbs seem to go out quickly, the cup holders are pretty skimpy for a $30K (new) car. It has never let me down and been most reliable.

• 

  Good all-around value - 2006 Volvo S80
  By fca - March 10 - 7:30 pm

  Bought for reasons of safety and value at end of model run (before the S80 redesign for 2007). Wife had bought our first Volvo (2004 XC70) and was pleased with Volvo ownership experience (good ride, solid, secure feel, and attentive dealer service.) Same engine (5 cyl turbo) as XC70, but quicker and better handling (17" wheels).

• 

  Near the top of this Valets list. - 2003 Volvo S40
  By jeffj-nj - March 7 - 10:00 am

  700 characters is just NOT enough room to sing this cars praises. I work as a valet, so Ive driven, oh, about everything. That said, there is nothing on the road today offering this cost/quality ratio. Everything about the car is just so... right. I had originally prepared a several paragraph essay about this, but I cant post it or even figure out what to cut from it. So, Ill sum it up with this: Ive put 25k miles on this car, and enjoyed every one of them. Considering several hundred of them were accumulated in one sitting, and/or during the worst winter NJ has seen in some time, thats really saying quite a bit. If youre looking elsewhere, stop.

• 

  Drive to Believe - 2011 Volvo C30
  By BarentsBlu MA - March 6 - 1:40 am

  I use to be a SAAP 95 owner. After 10 great yrs, I was looking for another reliable and stylish car. I did consider the Acura TSX, Mini and Audi GTI. I am so glad I got the Volvo C30 instead. As a previous SAAB owner, I really like the drive of the C30 and the thoughtful European design. And, it costs less than 30K!

• 

  Availability of parts - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By sportette - March 4 - 9:40 pm

  I bought my XC 90 used, 29,000 miles on it. I hit a deer December 26th. It is now May 9th and I am still waiting for parts that the dealership says are on order. I do have the car because the missing parts do not affect the drivability. I still find this amount of time excessive. I do love the car and have always wanted a Volvo. I have had electrical issues with the radio changing stations by itself, doors locking by themselves or not wanting to unlock. I have not been able to figure out how to program the visor buttons to open our garage door. I cannot find the section that covers this in my owners manual. I am also disappointed in the gas mileage.