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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  my review - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Duckhookdrew - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car, everything I wanted.

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  Its a sleeper - 2008 Volvo S80
  By BJS - May 6 - 8:43 pm

  Ive looked over the internet an have reviewed many comparison among so call luxury sedans and the comments shared here, and what I am finding is that most people really have not driven the new S-80, 287hp, AWD,T6. I have had mine now for 19 months. If you desire sport and comfort its a excellent choice. However, not many autos can compare to the ride the Lexus 350S in comfort, but the Lexus lacks speed, handling and power. It also is a (front wheel drive)car. However, the combination of power, and torque will change your mind about the S-80 AWd/T6, it will run with a 7 series BMW. Do you hear me!!!!!!!!!!!! Two months ago I raced a 7 series and KEPT PACE, UP TO 120MPH for 100 yds

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  Best AWD purchase - 2004 Volvo S60
  By flying uittos - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We test drove and researched many 2004 AWD sedans. BMW 325xi, great car/service but too pricey w/options. VW Passat GLX 4motion, no fold down rear seats (picky, I know, util you need them). Audi A4 3.0 quattro, too pricey w/options. Subaru Legacy 2.5GT/Outback, good value, proven AWD, but underpowered motor and nearly as much $$$ w/options as our Volvo. S60 was greatest value for the money especially w/family on the way. Equal to other German offerings but not as harsh on city streets. Uses same AWD system as Subaru. 28mpg! Very solid car, but quick on its feet...gotta love the Turbo! tip: Do your research & test drive on a rainy/snowy day.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By incabod - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome! The handling is precise, the car is quiet but, poweful enough for any situation.

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  principal - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By john santamaria - May 3 - 10:15 pm

  There are many question that "still" am not able to answer (you do authomaticaly).

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  Totally enjoying my 2015.5 S60 T5 AWD - 2015 Volvo S60
  By slin3 - May 3 - 9:49 am

  I have driven my 2015.5 S60 T5 AWD with Platinum package and BLIS for more than 1 month. Before purchase, I also test-drove 2014 BMW 328i xDrive, 2014 Lexus IS250 AWD, 2015 Audi A3 Quattro, 2014 Acura TL SH-AWD, in addition to 2014 S60 T5 (non-AWD). While I bought the car mainly for crash rating and safety feature, I was pleasantly surprised by how well/fun/engaging it runs. Among all the cars I tested, only 328i is slightly more fun with a much higher price tag. During the summer promotion I also got 5-year free maintenance. Overall a great value, with superior interior comfort, fun driving experience, and unbeatable safety features.

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  Would you believe? - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By nick B - April 30 - 4:36 pm

  From the beginning gas leak inside the car repaired by dealer. General western warranty all but worthless on most costly parts. Spring seats not covered. Electronic module not covered ABS not covered. Cost thousand of dollars. Every maintenance check is $400 or more, and you must maintain or waste warranty. Is that reliability in our auto world today?

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  Just thought you should know - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Lynn - April 29 - 11:13 pm

  Ok, right to it: Cup holder sticks, CD cant be used when using cup holder, radio/cd lights are out, arm rest is cheap and a nusance (pops down with the slightest touch and hits drink in cup holder), head lights go out all of the time, dash board reflects on windsheild making it hard to see when the sun is out, paint job was poor, rear locks stick. Maybe the design has changed in 8 years.

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  bravo, Volvo - 2009 Volvo C70
  By seye - April 29 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased my black C70 in August. My initial impressions are great. I wasnt expecting Vette performance, so acceleration/ handling are adequate. No shudders/creeks in the body top up or down. Exterior design is beautiful- by far the most attractive Volvo. Interior also designed well-- drivers seat is comfortable and very adjustable. Chose standard sound system and I am pleasantly suprised by the acoustics. Both the iPod and Bluetooth interface are awesome. Some of the interior bits and surfaces could be of a higher quality (dash, wheel, door trim). The key is cumbersome, and I wish Id opted for keyless with this car. Overall, I love the versatility and design.

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  Awesome Little Car! - 2007 Volvo S40
  By 4 Time Volvoer - April 29 - 12:33 am

  We have owned 3 volvos in the past year, 2 s40s and 1 xc90, all purchased new. The s40 is an amazing vehicle, it is comfortable, safe and has to be the nicest looking compact sedan on the market. Only complaint is the power, mine was a 5 speed manual, and I had plenty of power, however my wife still has her automatic and something gets lost with the same engine mated to the auto, even with the manual mode. I really have no idea what Volvo is thinking in phasing out the manuals from their V50 and S40 lines, what a stupid move. Other than that, we have high regard for all of our Volvos. Dont believe the new EPA ratings, this car gets 26mpg city and 34 hwy. be safe, buy a Volvo!