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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  So Far so Good S60 - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Fredericksburg Steve - September 19 - 8:16 pm

  I just bought my S60 2.4T about 10 days ago. It was a certified car and coincidentally, it had 3 years or 56K miles, whichever comes first, of B-to-B warranty remaining the day I bought it (1/28/2006). I wanted to buy a certified BMW 330i or a 325i but they were just too expensive. Nonetheless, my quest for a European sports sedan led me to the Volvo dealer and a test drive in my metallic silver S60 with the 17" "Stentor" wheels and Continental ContactSport II tires. I am very pleased so far with my S60 and I do like the "auto-stick" feature of the Geartronic transmission. The front seats are most comfortable and the memory settings please my wife also. I think I made the right choice.

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  2005 volvo S40 - 2005 Volvo S40
  By amit patel - September 19 - 6:30 pm

  This is a real fun car to drive and it is one of the best handling cars that I have ever owned. I didnt expect this nice an offering from Volvo. They have really out done themselves this time

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  took me a few cars to get it right - 1999 Volvo S70
  By obsessedwithcarz - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have turned in three cars this year and finally found the right one. I made the mistake of turning in my 93 Volvo 850 and not buying another used Volvo. but I finally have the 99 S70 and found one almost wholesale at a Mitsu dealer. Reliability is spotty, so I went out and bought a warranty from online after researching for one and now i not only have the car I want at a great price, I now have a bumper to bumper warranty with road hazard for the next five years. Talk about the biggest bang for your buck. Cant wait for my first car trip!

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  2008 XC90 3.2 AWD - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By SYeard - September 17 - 9:50 am

  Picked up the car at the beginning of July and its been happy driving from day one. The XC90 is a pleasure to drive with the 6 cylinder engine and the versatility of the 7 seat capability is a must for all active SUV owners. A very premium experience.

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  Great road trip suv - 2017 Volvo XC60
  By floyd t golden IIII - September 16 - 6:41 pm

  This is a capable suv with great technology and exceptional seats, but the ride is so stiff, on the freeway its alot better, as is the gas mileage I would recommend this as a alternative to the other suvs, its unique. im currently in a 3yr lease and I think im going to keep it. i came out of a s40 with a stiff suspension this is a little worse. My one gripe is i wish the inscription had the dynamic seats but i did not want all the shiny bits the wood enlay is much nicer. Ill live with it. this is a very comfy suv, and i received such a great deal.

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  this is what a suv should be - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By plateau guy - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Had for 7 months now and love it. Gas milage is averaging almost 18-mostly non freeway-pretty good for a solid midsize suv. Lots of room for gear, and drives great- much more like a car than a truck. Could use more power, but then so could everything! Sound system sounds great with powered sub- woofer.

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  At 3000 Miles - 2005 Volvo V50
  By wmsey - September 9 - 10:46 pm

  Versatile vehicle with great acceleration and handling with optional DTSC. With nearly 3000 miles overall MPG is 26 with long haul highway MPG at 70 MPH of 33+. T-tech fabric is the best non-leather seating material Ive used. Bi-Xenons are worth every cent. Its my first Volvo and has not disappointed in any way.

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  Love my Volvo! - 2003 Volvo S40
  By TLA72 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  The car is easy to handle and fun to drive. It is a fast little car. The leather interior is great quality and the seats are very comfortable. As a mother, it is a great feeling to know that I am driving my son in one of the worlds safest cars!

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  Fantastic Car - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Jordan - September 4 - 6:33 am

  This is the best all-purpose vehicle you can find. It does everything, its fun to drive, its safe enough for babies and fast enough for dads. All-wheel drive is the best for all weather conditions Ive driven this car through storms, rain, snowstorms, cross country, etc. and never once felt out of control. The turbocharged engine gives a kick when you need it. It has nice clearance for hopping curbs or going offroad. The only semblance of a complaint is that the gas mileage is on the low side, we average 20 mpg in mixed use driving. But it still beats an SUV in that category. If you need an all-purpose vehicle, but want better reliability than an SUV, this is it.

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  Awesome and Fun - 2002 Volvo S60
  By CM - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive even without the turbo. Has plenty of get up and go. Was highly impressed with what came with buying a VOLVO. Not a box anymore.