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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  Volvo is Swedish for junk - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Sucker Punched - May 27 - 9:33 am

  Volvo is Swedish for junk. Worst car I have ever owned. Horrible service - Constantly breaking down. Needs a new transmission at less than 60,000 miles. New Turbos. New head gasket. Burns through tires, oil, and brake pads, latches and locks have broken. If you are looking to be unhappy about your ride it is the car for you! Remember, friends dont let friends by Volvos! If you buy one of these cars there is one of you born every second (sucker) otherwise Volvo would go the way of Dodo bird.

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  Love the Drive-E T6 - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By Russ - May 26 - 1:16 am

  I just leased a new XC 60 AWD with the new Drive-E T6 engine with the turbo and supercharger with the 8 speed transmission. Am coming from a 2009 X3 3.0si with stick shift. This is the first automatic transmission I have owned in years and I am REALLY impressed with the engine/transmission combination. Drove 200 miles on 2 lane roads the last couple of days and did lots of passing. Shift into sport mode and stomp on it and the acceleration is instant. No hunting for gears at all and in sport mode the transmission really holds a gear. Even in regular mode Ive been impressed with the transmission. Well worth the extra couple of grand for the Drive-E T6 engine. Ride quality is very nice, better than the BMW. Handling isnt quite as good as the X3 but is fine for the kind of driving I usually do. Im very happy with my choice, having looked at the X3 and Q5 too. Much better value for the money than the X3 and wanted the extra room of the XC60 compared to the Q5.

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  Love this CAR!!! - 2008 Volvo S40
  By cwilsong - May 22 - 3:33 pm

  Just finished one year with my S40 awd and I can say for the first time in a LONG time I really LOVE my car and feal I got a great deal as well. Loads of power, fun to drive and very quiet. Probably even has a better sound system than I have at home. Best part though was that we did an OSD and picked up the car direct from the factory. Not only got exactly the car I wanted at a better price than here but got to spend 3 weeks driving it around Europe. If you are thinking about any Volvo you owe it to your self to look into OSD. Not all dealers push it as they get a fixed fee for handeling the sale but there are several Internet dealers out ther that can help you.

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  This IS what its like to love your car! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By BDKFONT - May 20 - 4:06 pm

  Top up or down this car is quiet even without the windblocker! The ride is better than the two V6s I have owned in the last 7 years. The center console panel is every gadget persons best friend!! This is just a WOW car, the lines, the comfort, the style (top up OR down) it is incredible! The back seat is "cushy" (as my 7 y/o son puts it) and the trunk space is substantial even with the top down. Try it, you will love it!

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  not a good experience - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Volvoproblems - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Our first three problems were electronic/ computerized parts failures. Very expensive to fix. We were just out of warranty on a car with a perfect service record when our troubles began and Volvo refused to show us any "good will". The last problem we just had, again very expensive repair has left us asking-why did we buy a Volvo? Arent there supposed to be great cars? And if this is an exception, why doesnt Volvo stand behind there factory installed parts?? If youre thinking of buying a Volvo wagon get the extended warranty or you may be in for alot of money, time and aggrevation!

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  Its Wonderful - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Radio Flyer - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 1999 S80 for about four years now. It has been wonderful. Definately the most enjoyable car Ive ever owned. For those of you who have had troble with yours, let me help you..... you just need to get the free software upgrade that Volvo released. The dealer does it for free. I too had some problems the first year but after the new software, not a single issue. Thats all you need! You only need to have them do it once and its there for good! This is really a great car to own!

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  Loved my 6 spd. T5 but not again for me - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Eric - May 20 - 8:06 am

  Let me start by saying I am a longtime Volvo owner (2 S60s, 940T & T5) who always wanted this car. My T5 was the perfect car when it wasnt at the dealer for every little interior/electrical thing. The motor was GREAT and VERY fuel efficient (30+ mpg) Tons of torque, very comfortable, safe, handled good, very classy and different. Really loved this car but it was a royal headache of tiny issues (10 dealer repairs in 1 year...all different interior/electrical quirks). Being a Volvo owner I was used to little problems but it was a huge inconvenience spending all my time at the dealer (probably once a month). I still love that car but I sold it when the warranty ran out. Really a shame.

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  Great at first, all down hill - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Tony - May 20 - 6:03 am

  When I purchased it it was great and reliable. Since then Ive had the radio glitch which is very annoying. Ive had the A/C repaired it stopped blowing cold air. Im a 200 Lb. guy and the back of my seat where the lumbar support is snapped. I have the dynamic trim package which as the sport suspension not a very comfortable ride when you hit bumps in the road. Ive had lowered cars ride more comfortable than this. My power door locks dont lock from the remote anymore. Now after almost 5 years Im about to sell this car it was a good car but I wouldnt buy another Volvo.

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  Great car for a long commute - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By Sam Brown - May 20 - 3:25 am

  I bought a 2016 XC60 T5 Premier in Flamenco Red with the Soft Beige leather interior. The only option is the BLIS package. I drive 160 miles a day, mostly on interstate. The XC60 is great on the highway: Smooth, fast enough, quiet, stable, and big enough to inspire confidence. I get about 28 MPG on the highway using regular gas. I generally cruise between 75 and 80 mph, and the XC60 is a fun, satisfying, soothing car to get home in. And while it’s not a sports car, the XC60 is also fun and comfortable on twisty back roads. It’s small enough to feel nimble and pointable—not at all trucky. I can’t compare it to an X3 or Q5, but it compares favorably to my previous Mazda3, especially given the Volvo’s different mission in life. Good steering feel, balance, grip, and braking. The seats are great once you get them right. That took some doing but now I have a great position saved in memory. The leather and other materials seem nice now, but a year-old used one I looked at had not held up well. It had done time in New Mexico—I’m hoping the heat was a factor. The only feature I would change is the start-stop system. It’s an interesting idea and sometimes works well, but more often is an annoyance. It should be permanently defeatable, instead of having to be turned off every time. I also think a back-up camera should be standard, especially from a company known for safety. And it’s a little more rattly than the Japanese cars I’ve owned, but I kind of expected that. Overall this is a great car for me right now. Comfortable, classy, fuel-efficient, satisfying to drive, and, as long as it’s reliable, I’m looking forward to my three daughters using up whatever’s left of it when I’m done.

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  BOM BOM POW! - 2009 Volvo C70
  By MYVOLVOC70 - May 20 - 12:13 am

  I am a loyal Volvo customer and have owned a Volvo since 2001. My latest purchase exceeds my expectation. The car has a well thought out design both inside and out. The "tranformer" like hardtop puts on a fun show. My car is smooth as silk. And the bass on the audio is awesome. The turbo has a nice punch and you can pick up speed pretty well, but I dont think I will be drag racing this car. The room in this car for a convertible is surprising and even my over 6ft men in my life have leg room. The safety features that Volvo has included along with that smooth ride makes you feel safe and secure even with the top down.