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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  crack - crack - crack - 2000 Volvo S40
  By jackson - January 22 - 7:23 pm

  on top of the frequent problems, such as ignition and, frequently, the sensor system, there were problems with the front end wearing out so quickly,and finally, like the passing of an overly-annoying dog, the car died at only 124k miles -- overheated and ruined the cylinder heads, with about 5 seconds of warning.

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  Poor MPG - 2007 Volvo XC70
  By MF Stack - January 21 - 9:10 pm

  This is my second Volvo XC70 after the 2004. The 2007 model is on the same chassis, same engine but the miles per gallon are poor. I get less than 14 MPG in the city and about 19 MPG on the highway. I use premium gasoline and my driving pattern is the same as with the 2004 which got at least 22 on the highway and 17MPG in the city. The dealer has tried a few minor tweaks but wont really look into the problem and does not care. I think I bought a lemon as far as gas mileage is concerned. Other features on the wagon are good to great but with gas prices so high, this is not a car to own.

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  I love it! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Debbie - January 21 - 4:13 pm

  I picked up my S60R in Sweden, and have been driving it in Italy, where were stationed, for the past 4 months. Im not sure how Im gonna afford the tickets Ill probably get when we return to the states, as its very difficult to keep this car under 80mph-- 90 or so is a comfortable cruising speed on the Autostrade. Have 2 boys, and the 58" 13 year old hasnt complained on 3 hour road trips about the space in back, but could use a little more leg room, Im sure. Plenty of cargo space, and I love the elegant feel of the interior, and I love knowing that Ive got a powerful engine under the hood, as well as a safe car for carting my kids around.

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  Wow...and we thought the XC 70 was great! - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By rd940 - January 19 - 1:48 pm

  We took our XC 70 in for service and while waiting decided to test drive the XC 60...wow what a vehicle! Needless to say, the XC 60 came home with us. The XC 60 is a little smaller than the XC 70 but not enough to make a difference. Now after 500 miles we can honestly say that we are completely pleased with its styling, engine performance, handling, refinement overall fit and finish. Ours had a sticker price of $42,700 and we paid $38,600. (Includes the $1000 owner loyalty discount and the Costco discount) With a mixture of highway and city driving we are getting 20 MPG.

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  T6 - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Jessica Dreicer - January 18 - 11:37 pm

  Love it!

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  Thanks Costco - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Thanks CostCo - January 18 - 6:56 pm

  Just bought my C70 through the special deal Costco and Volvo have. Great deal on a fun to drive car. This car turns heads! Love the roof, the dynaudio and the back up warning since the rear view is somewhat limited. Has a decent sized trunk versus the Beemer 335 which a trunk the size of a shoe box. If you are a Costco member you cant go wrong on this one. I cant wipe the smile off my face.

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  Best Car in its Class! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Amyhasfun - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Our BMW was totalled and we had to find a new car fast. We researched everything! We picked up an S80 T6 and let me say this, we couldnt be any happier! We paid close to $50,000 with the taxes. This car has been such a joy. The car did have an initial problem with a sensor but the dealer upgraded the software in the car and from that point it has never had any type of service aside from regular maintenance. It now has 74,000 miles and runs like it did off the showroom floor. They do it for free! I will never go back to BMW after owning the S80. Drive a T6 to see how nice these things are. You will be so happy with this car.

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  Avoid It! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By alibi - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Headlight burnout, brake replacement, constant check engine lights, unexplained alarm problems and most recently a windshield crack -- all add up to a very disappointing experience. The cupholders block the radio, the radio controls are diabolical, the headlights project a strange, ribbed pattern and, on a sunny day, most of what you see in the windshield is a reflection of the top of the dashboard. Add a miserable dealer (Penkhus in Colorado Springs). Volvo should be ashamed.

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  22k miles on my XC90 and I still love it - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By SWilhelm - January 18 - 7:56 am

  City driving,highways or rural dirt roads have yet to defeat my car.My XC is usually moms taxi but when the kids are at school I still love to take it for long runs down winding country roads. It may never match hi-performance cars Ive driven but its still quick enough and certainly handles very well.The low pressure turbo kicks in to make even highway merging stress free. True 4WD if needed.It has yet to be stranded even in deep MI snows.W mode makes for safe handling for us even on the icy roads. Those Ive met that REALLY own one,love it. The dealership has performed as well as my car has. Volvo has been good 2 us. For those who like a car but need something bigger it fits.A keeper.

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  consumer rating - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Michele McArdle - January 16 - 3:03 am

  This car is so much fun to drive and I feel very, very safe in it. Cargo capacity is great and I find Im grateful for the space more often than I anticipated. Just wish the gas mileage was better.