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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  4yrs and still very happy - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Grega - March 14 - 1:16 pm

  I would say it’s a car that has a lot of character. I was looking for a car not so typical, that would stay up to date for many years. It’s different from the purposeless styles of a lot of GMS, Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, Acuras, and Lexus types I’m tired of seeing on the road. Still fun to drive and with a quality feel to it at a reasonable price. It’s been 4 years and I still enjoy driving this car very much. I did have a few recalls and software glitches in the first year I bought it, nothing serious, but so far it has been quite reliable since. Pleasant Volvo dealer, although expensive outside of warranty, acts really professionally for the most part.

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  Great Car - 2011 Volvo C70
  By T - March 14 - 3:03 am

  I have had my new 2011 C70 for one week and so far so good. They changed the three major objections I had to the 2010 - boring front lights, blah rear lights and cheapy plasticy interior. I was ready to buy in Q4 2010 but waited until late February when the new 2011s arrived - definitely worth the wait for the improved vehicle. The $1000 loyalty program was an added bonus.

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  Loving the XC60 - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Rafael - March 12 - 2:33 pm

  First time Volvo buyer, and so far I love our new loaded XC60 T6, I did a lot of research and tested all its competitors, my wife and I loved the design and well rounded design of the car. I was not sure about the navigation system on the car based on reviews, but I was happily surprised on the way it works, I actually think that the controls are better position on the steering wheel compared to a touch screen based navigation.

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  Near-perfect family vehicle - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By CPRNY - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car for Mom AND Dad. Well- appointed, worth every $. Lots of smart family features. Comfortable seats, great audio (upgrd), good visibility. Smart layout, good finish. Our first Volvo and likely not our last.

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  Love It - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By AFE - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Got my new XC90 in late May to drive from Florida to Vermont on its first trip. I was very pleasantly surprised of its confort and ease to drive on a long trip. The enhanced stereo option was worth the additional cost. My only suggestion for improvement would to relocate the clock to a more central location on the dash so it would be visable to passengers also. I would highly recommend this SUV to any family as the third row seating is great. I looked first at BMW, Mercedes and Lexus but the Volvo was better.

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  Confidence on the Road - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Ann Marie - March 8 - 10:46 am

  I primarily purchased this car because I was looking for safety features. This car had them all. Although I was somewhat hesitant after my test drive because of the slightly limited rear view vision, I purchased the car. Within a week, I was comfortable driving the car & have been in love with it ever since. I am someone who has been afraid of driving & am gaining more confidence on the road each day. I love my navigation system & no longer panic if I take a wrong turn. The car is comfortable & steady on the road. I have never cared much about cars before, but now am really impressed. I am committed to this line and am sure my next car will also be a Volvo!

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  Great Wagon - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Andrikos - March 5 - 9:03 am

  Great wagon. Very comfortable, fun for the kids sitting in the 3rd row.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volvo S80
  By Kart54 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I was a confirmed BMW owner. Stopped on the way to buy a new 5 series. Drove the volvo. Beats the BMW hands down. More room inside, better laid out. Climate control actually works. Turbo boost is where you want it,; when your passing another car. All in all a great car

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  stealth Q-ship better than my old A4! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Gomansfield - March 4 - 11:16 am

  This Volvo is a far cry from the old 240 I had out of college. Low, muscular stance with the 18" Pegasus wheels, adjustable suspension, and 6 speed manual backed by a high-tech 300 HP engine make this a serious drivers car. This kids fit fine in back and the fold down seat is handy. Seats are the best in class and the sound system rocks both with the optional sirrius sat. radio and the ipod adapter. Need a place to store coins, and side and rear shades would be nice touches. Bought my 05 for about $38K, well under sticker. This put the R in a whole new price range where it easiy out shines the competition that I shopped (Acura TL, audi A4, and the G35).

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  Great Car, Bought another one! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Scuba165 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I owned this vehicle for 30 months, putting 45k miles on it. It performed flawlessly. There was a recall on the ball joint assembly, which wasnt broken, but replaced anyway. My brother bought the car and is very happy with it. I bought a new 2002 S80 with updated tires (Pirelli)