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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  Volvo-For Life - 2005 Volvo S80
  By volvos80 - June 16 - 3:20 pm

  I am privileged to be driving this wonderful machine. Since childhood, I have always wanted a Volvo upon reaching 16 years of age. I was fortunate to find an amazing deal on such an amazing car! I have only had to take it in for scheduled maintenance and two out of maintenance issues (hole in radiator and key fob malfunction--both covered under CPO warranty). We also own a XC90 with the same engine, and the two are like night and day. I would recommend any person purchase this vehicle, especially with the 2.5T engine (has power and great on gas-31 on highway). Currently the S80 has 70,000 miles, and anyone cannot believe it is that old. You will not be disappointed!

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  Been driving this car for 17 months - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Drives-A-Lot - June 14 - 3:36 pm

  I have been driving my S60 AWD since July of 2007. I drive from northern New England to New York City and back every other week. This car has held up well. My fuel economy seems fine (I dont pay very close attention). The comfort of the seats has remained solid, the electronics still work fine, in short, everything is still in working order. It has handled very well in snow/sleet conditions, though I recommend engaging the W option when doing so. The trunk storage is pretty good, the rear seats, while comfortable, dont have a boatload of legroom for adults. When I got this I was considering the BMW 3 Series, the S60 and the Saab 9-3. I am still very happy I decided to get the S60.

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  Ky Woman - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Patricia Foley - June 14 - 8:55 am

  Very nice interior. Fuel economy good but not exceptional. Too many interactive functions when youre trying to drive. Safety features are amazing!! Volvo does consumer guide only on line. Can be difficult if youre looking for a particular issue. Being Swedish in design it was difficult to get used to. Roomy interior, but not everyone fits a small seat.

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  Better than before... - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Airborne - June 14 - 3:50 am

  Im a high school senior, and I bought a 2003 Volvo S40 in May of 2003. I fell in love with it, it was fast and agile. But over time it started to rattle alot, and despite the dealers efforts, it always came back. So that led me to look for a new car. I stoped by the dealer to see what theyd give me for my old S40 when I saw the new one. I test drove a 2.4i with the Premium and Sport package and settled on a Silver 2.4i w/ Black leather interior and the Premium package. Best buy I ever made. Its a night and day difference between the old one. This is quiet, fast, the sound system is unbeleiveable and even safer than before. I got a discount for being a returing customer and it was worth it.

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  Jeep to Volvo... what Jeep? - 2008 Volvo S40
  By Chris G - June 14 - 2:53 am

  Havent loved a car this much in many moons. Had a 2008 4 door Jeep Wrangler Sahara loaded. Fun in summer. Fun in winter. An uncomfortable disaster the rest of the year. Then... the Volvo S40. WOW. Fun ALL THE TIME! and looks and performs beautifully. What a deal too. Was an untitled demo. Sticker $27K. Bought it at $23K and they paid off my Jeep. Why didnt I choose Volvo sooner??? Safe. Stylish. Fast.

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  Another Volvo - 2005 Volvo S80
  By Michael & Barbara - June 14 - 1:43 am

  This is our second Volvo and were "sold". Were sold on the safety features, fuel economy, "green" exhaust system, overall comfort and handling, styling and most of all, dealer attention and courtesy.

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  Soccer mom car does me proud - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By tenmiler - June 12 - 8:40 pm

  Im sorry to be leaving the lease on this car. Its been fantastic, with nothing going wrong other than a turbo boost that was fixed under warranty, and I had never noticed it. This car is GREAT in the mountains, with the turbo at high altitude being a gem. The AWD could use the stability control, but I felt safe in this car. Its no sports car, but its comfortable, quiet, and reliable. And Im not a soccer mom!

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  SLPAKPs Review - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By slpakp - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I really love my new XC90...it is great fun to drive after moving from a Chrylser Town and County. Less room, but great handling. One complaint is the way the key/remote control lock is designed. The key attaches to ones keyring via a small metal connector that is not permanently attached to the remote control device. Twice, I have almost lost my key when my key ring and the metal connector have separated. Volvo should design a higher quality connector, one that is integral to the remote control device itself, not something that connects to it and then to your key ring.

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  GREAT everyday driver - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Tara - June 11 - 6:53 am

  I have had this car for a little over one year now, and it is fantastic. I drive it everyday, in every weather condition. Handles great, love the actice chassis controls. Gas mileage is wonderful, as long as youre not constantly in boost. Looks great with the factory body kit..nice and sporty. Highly recommend this car!

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  Fantastic Car - 2003 Volvo V70
  By James Epstein - June 9 - 2:00 am

  With 110,000 miles on the odometer, the car feels solid and remains extremely reliable. It has handled many Maine winters well. Seats are very comfortable, and the standard sound system is superb. Paint still shines! Love this carn and highly recommend.