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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  New Toy - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Dennis - February 16 - 6:33 pm

  I have only had this car a few weeks and it has exceeded my expectations, Fun to drive, love the hard top convertible. It wont mess your hair. I upgraded the sound to the dyna system and I was literally blown away, I have owned BMWs, Audi and Acura. This is the most fun I have had. I hope I am as thrilled a year from now. Only complaint is not enough accessory outlets, one for my gps and one for my cell. They have to share!

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  I like it - 2002 Volvo S40
  By eddie05 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall a great car. A rattle I needed to fix on the pass. side door. The dearlership took care of it asap.

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  Solid, but feaures should work better - 2006 Volvo S80
  By Spike12 - February 16 - 2:56 am

  A very solid and easy car to drive. Power comes on somewhat unevenly but not as bad as Passat. Turn-in is very nice. Brakes are good too. Overall pretty smooth but noisy on coarse pavement. Ride can be somewhat harsh. Coming from a Caddy SLS I find that some of the controls are not nearly as easy or as thoroughly designed in their use. Much better seating and leg room both front and back.

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  xc90 in ohio - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By schatzi - February 13 - 11:10 pm

  this is my fourth volvo - bought it for my wife but i love to drive it. it has plenty of pep around town. i am glad i got the 5cylinder and the 5 speed transmission. it is really quick. took it on a trip about 600 miles; drove great on expressway but at 70 to 75 mph the fuel economy goes down. it has approx. 6000 miles on it; so far no problems. i would recommend this vehicle. i looked at the acura mdx and the lexus rs330 but my wife liked this the best

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  3 steps forward, 2 steps back - 2004 Volvo V70
  By tom21769 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 V70 (2.4L) is our third Volvo wagon (following a 1990 240 and a 2000 V70.) Exterior styling, cabin ventillation and the center console are all improved. The ride is smoother, more comfortable. Front legroom gains about an inch. Fuel economy is slightly better. And Volvo finally got cupholders right. However, the turning circle gains about 6 feet. Some interior dimensions are smaller. Window rollers are on a hair-trigger. And the decent-sounding stereo has absurdly difficult controls. The car continues to offer exceptional comfort and safety design, but Volvo needs to fix a few more details.

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  2006 S60R - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Lily - February 9 - 9:06 pm

  This car is amazing! Surpassed my expectations. Its fast, comfortable, sleek, sporty, sexy. Too bad she cant be driven the way shes meant to be, which is way over the speed limit! Love shocking the guys when they see a woman behind the wheel just blew away their M3.

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  another beautiful Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By c&c - February 9 - 5:46 pm

  This car is solid, beautiful, and fun to drive. It has the feel of a luxury sedan, but it is great in inclement weather. Gorgeous detail, great looking car, and of course, safe!

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  Volvo is a solid sweet ride - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Rachel Miller - February 8 - 2:50 pm

  very fun to drive. its really good looking and sporty in 2005 with the side molding matching the paint-looks a lot sleeker. my 2.5 t has great pick- up. I also like that it is not as common as the 3-series bmws. volvo silver is very nice

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  Great Buy - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Jon M. - February 7 - 8:50 pm

  After months of research, I decided this sports wagon was the best value for me. Though I was originally in the market for an SUV, I concluded I would lose at the pump in the end. The direction of gas prices has only validated my decision. The Volvo is a perfect fit. Its sporty (I love the autostick), very comfortable (leather), sharp interior and exterior, and it has plenty of space for trips to the hardware store. I recommend it.

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  Here it goes... - 2005 Volvo S40
  By johnlockhart - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is nice to drive. I had a BMW 325, 2002. This car handles better to me, just like it.