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:

• 

  Truly European spirit - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Sergey - August 27 - 10:50 am

  I have 2.4i auto with sport package and premium audio. It is an amazing fun to drive it. More over, exterior looks very fresh and attracts much attention, especially with my rare color - safari. On the dynamic side it is OK. Somewhat excessive spin-off at start on wet roads and less than expected acceletation uphill somewhat diminish the fun. Switching from manual transmission I notice annoying transmission lag during sudden change from braking to acceleration. Interior is very well-thought. It is asthetic, versatile and the most unique ive seen so far. Some extra head room and better road visibility would help a lot. Otherwise enough space everywhere.

• 

  No Problems whatsoever, EVER! - 1999 Volvo V70
  By Two328 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The car the lasts forever, and appearently it has. People buy luxury cars like this one, and think that, since they are expensive, that you can treat them like crap and trash them. Some people are just too hard on their cars. We bought are 99 V70 wagon and have had no problems whatsoever. We have treated it well and it has treated us well. I also do believe that sometime, people do just happen to get a bad car, but not everybody. Our car is a great car, great value, still turning heads, very "Classic" looking and extremily comfortable. And if your going to buy a nice car like this, dont be cheep and buy a non- leather car, it just doesnt make since!

• 

  My First Wagon and Loving It!!!! - 2002 Volvo V70
  By SavannahRunner - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Get the Turbo Get the Turbo Get the Turbo!!!!! I am 33 and was not ready for a "family car", but my younger brother just bought his second Volvo and convinced me to check them out. I drove the non turbo and the turbo model - did I mention Get The Turbo? I would suggest driving both models to see for yourself. I also got the upgraded 17" wheels. They look great, handle awesome, and give it the sport wagon look (But on rough roads can be a little harsh). So far I have had it for a month and still have a smile everytime I drive it. I am hoping for a long and supportive relationship with Volvo.

• 

  Best Car In Its Class - 2000 Volvo S80
  By mel - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Performance, safety, security, ergonomics, comfort are tops. Outstanding follow up support from Bob Penkhus service department. If theres a problem, they will fix it. No problems here.

• 

  Best Car In Its Class - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Mel - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Performance, safety, security, ergonomics, comfort are tops. Outstanding follow up support from Bob Penkhus service department. If theres a problem, they will fix it. No problems here.

• 

  XC90 T6 AWD vs. XC90 V8 AWD - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By DENNIS - August 20 - 3:10 pm

  Purchased a 2003 XC90 T6 new. Traded it in for a XC90 V8 in 2006. Totally different vehicle. Engine powerful and quiet. No comparison with the T6. T6 noisy, rough running and a gas hog. V8 smooth as silk and much better MPG. Also, the T6 was a five passenger, the V8 a 7. The V8 rides much smoother because of the self leveling rear. All in all a world class vehicle with a top IIHS safety rating. You can spend a lot more money on an SUV and I dont think you can buy a much better vehicle. Dollar for dollar an excellent investment.

• 

  My next car will be another XC70! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By GMLovesVolvo - August 20 - 1:46 pm

  I had heard about other bad experiences with Volvo but really wanted this wagon instead of an SUV. I have had no problems in over a year (except for headlights which every time my dealership has replaced within 5 minutes and given me for free). This car drives like a dream in the city and is awesome on long car trips. I do not get the kind of mileage the reviews say (18 city, 25 hwy) I average 21.7 in the city and over 26 on the highway! Way to go Volvo!

• 

  I love my car! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Erin - August 17 - 9:46 pm

  I have owned my S40 for 5 months now, and I am still completely satisfied with my purchase. Its a great looking car, fun to drive and I feel very safe knowing its a Volvo. I also get a lot of compliments on it! I would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a compact car.

• 

  First Impressions - 2005 Volvo V70
  By kamala95 - August 16 - 8:40 am

  I only have 300 miles on my 2004 V70 2.4. Thus far I have no complaints. I only gave this car 9 points in my review, as I am not not comfortable giving anything 10s the whole way through. This is a much better vehicle than I had expected. Even the base engine (auto tranny BTW), handles very well for us. Carrying 5 people, it seems to move pretty well too. I have not had any problems with acceleration. The V70s fit and finish are top notch. The climate control and air filtration system work superbly. There seems to be more rear passenger room than we had in our 1999 Ford Explorer, with comparable usable cargo area. While shopping for this model, we also looked at the Dodge Magnum and Volkswagen Passat Wagon TDI seriously, and I have no regrets. This is a very well put together vehicle.

• 

  But This Car Now - 2003 Volvo S40
  By mgriffinwalters - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I had heard before I bought this car that it was junk and that my money would be better spent buying an Audi A4 of BMW 3-series (both of which can actually be cheaper than the S40 since I have yet to see an S40 that didnt come with all of the options). However, after purchasing this car I would never want one of the others. This car is incredibly comfortable inside and Volvo has paid attention to all of the little details. In past years this car may not have had some problems, but Volvo seems to have worked them all out now. Definitely a great buy, especially if you want something out of the ordinary.