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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  2015 S60 T5 - 2015 Volvo S60
  By thrux - February 7 - 2:20 am

  I recently finished a lease of a 2012 S60 that I loved. The 2015.5 is even better. I had an incredibly hard time finding a better overall value. The fuel efficiency, performance, price and feature mix is tough to beat.

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  Best luxury crossover for the price - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By AP - February 6 - 2:46 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I bought it for less than $33K with premium package and metallic paint, which is several thousand less than the closest contender, Audi Q5. I like its style and handling better. Interior may not look as flashy but is made of equal grade materials. Seats and ride are super comfortable. 3.2L engine provides plenty of power yet manages to give you 27 MPG on highway which is excellent in this class. The exterior styling is awesome, powerful and slightly aggressive, especially if you look from close distance. 5 year warranty and free maintenance are unbeatable, and you probably heard about the safety features. This is my first Volvo and I am thoroughly impressed!

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  The Most Pleasing - 2008 Volvo S40
  By 37 - February 4 - 12:40 pm

  We have had low end to high end and we were never really satisfied. Then we found this unsuspecting Volvo 40. What a champ. Its quick, fun, just the right size for what we need. Rated safe, its simple yet stunning. By far the best stereo (dyna-audio), excellent turning radius, comfortable and supported seats. This premium compact offers more than you would think. Get the T5 AWD with the bells and whistles youll be glad you did.

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  Exceptional automobile! - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By Bonnie Snavely - February 3 - 1:13 pm

  My Volvo XC70 is a magnificent automobile. Friends who have driven it are awed by its performance, comfort and stability. I live on a ranch and it is as at home on the range as it is in the city! In every way, this car is a pure joy!

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  S40, 2 years later - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Banker John - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I never saw myself as a Volvo kinda guy. My S40 was a loaner at the local dealer. Bought it with 4,000 miles on it - got a deal that was really hard to pass up. Ive owned A LOT of different cars and I must say this S40 may be the most competent car Ive ever owned. The longer I owned it the more things Ive noticed about the car that I like. Sure, Ive had the check engine light problem, and it does burn up headlights, and I have had to replace the brake pads, but all things considered, these are pretty minor problems(and in the case of the headlights - inexpensive). Ill hit 50,000 miles this month - the car has never let me down.

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  The best car I have ever owned! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Lisasanfrancisco - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I was first introduced to the S80 in early 1999. A doctor/friend of mine whom works in my building took me to lunch in his new S80. I just fell in love with it. A few months later, I wound up buying one. Ive had it now for about three and a half years. I drive a lot of miles and now have about 70,000 miles on my S80. Ive enjoyed every mile. This is a great car and has been trouble free. I normally trade cars every 2-3 years but I wont part with my S80. It has been the best car I have ever owned. My friend loves his too.

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  A wagon that runs and handles like a sports car. - 2013 Volvo XC70
  By Glenn - January 29 - 2:26 pm

  Great car. Overseas delivery was a blast. If you buy one in stock you can save on packages and transportation costs.

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  V70 instead of SUV - 2003 Volvo V70
  By volvohip - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I am a first time Volvo owner- previously I have had Acuras and been very satisfied. I was in the market for an SUV..but after looking at the V70 decided it really had everything I was looking for-versatility, styling, safety, and cargo space! Mine has the integrated booster seats-great idea. This car has the most comfortable seats Ive ever known in a car-plus heated!! I cant wait to take it on vacation and camping!

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  Unique class, sporty & affordable. - 2000 Volvo C70
  By Imamechanic - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I thought I would buy a wagon but fell in love with the C70. Outstanding value as a used car, and sheer silky pleasure to drive anytime, anywhere. It does everything well and has the Volvo safety and reliability to back it up. Note: I had a small problem with the electronic throttle, but the dealer has been unbelieveably fast and great to deal with - even for warranty work. Putnam Volvo, Burlingame CA. Ask for Raphael.

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  I feel Safe - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Steve Rasik - January 25 - 3:16 am

  The first time I had to make an evasive move, I knew I had made the right choice in buying the XC90. The antiroll and Stability Traction Control is flawless. The interior is so thought out that it took me less than a day to "fell" where everyting was.