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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  Leaky Volvo XC-90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By MammaDean - January 2 - 11:50 am

  We recently had a series of problems and are very unhappy with both the local dealer and Volvo Customer Service. We had the car towed in 3 times for electrical problems before they found the problem and at the same time it was leaking. We had seen leaking around the sun roof but the car was flooding into the passenger floor - which was blamed on the sunroof drain. Again, we took it in 3 times - were accused of parking it outside! and even dumping a bucket of water in it. We paid over $1500 dollars to clean up the mess and Volvo refused to cover it under warranty. Our car was either dead or in the shop for 42 days out of the past 2 months. I will sell it and NEVER buy another Volvo

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  VOLVO SAVED MY LIFE - 2006 Volvo S40
  By jlong4 - January 2 - 6:26 am

  I was driving an 06 black Volvo s40 2.4i. It had 138k miles and drove like brand new. I loved every second of it. However, one day there was a dog on the freeway in the fast lane. I swerved and couldnt gain control back. I went across five lanes of traffic where I then flipped, all while doing 70. The curtain airbag deployed and I was able to walk away with a small bruise. Needless to say, I went and bought another 06 blue Volvo s40 T5. And I could not be happier. Once a Volvo, always a Volvo. I have not had any issues with the new one. Usual maintenance and what not, gas mileage is at about 24-27 MPG, but not bad for a turbo.

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  Wish I didnt get it... - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By PBissonette - December 31 - 11:03 pm

  1) The washer reservoir was not hooked up. 2) Tire failed at 1500 miles, 3) a 73 year old man shut a door with his hip and bashed it in, 4) car electrical system failed at 20,000, 6) both headlights went out at 38,000, 6) replaced tie rod and bushings and tires at 40,000. I expect more.

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  Fix it! No probs... - 1998 Volvo V70
  By neuftimes67 - December 31 - 11:20 am

  This year car is easy to fix yourself, Ebay has tons of parts for every issue you may have. Makes me scratch my head when I see people say too much to maintain. well find another person or do yourself. Had this tank over 8 years and 2 kids learn to drive on it. they did not break it maybe a parking lot slam but replace fender and there ya go. Best car for my kids to learn to drive around and I feel they are safe, always starts, never failed ever. all I do is replace the rubber parts and electric stuff, shocks, break pads, took 3 day to replace timing belt but oh well. This car is a Tank. when my car breaks down I take out old reliable. so this Volvo v70x/c is a good buy.

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  S60, Better than the 325i because..... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By gator1845 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  As an Auto buyer, i was looking for something a bit snotty, but reasonable at the same time. I was impressed with the sportiness of the S60 2.5 T, the comfort and craftmanship. When i drove the BMW 325i, i was not as impressed. One of the reasons is that it lacks the power of the S-60, the BMW is nice mind you, it handles well, but the S-60 is very competent on the road as well, also the luxury features for the money are better. The safety features are bar none, you owe yourself at least a drive, if you are considering a 325i. I suggest getting the premium and sport package at minimum, it makes the car very fun.

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  xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By marta - December 31 - 2:00 am

  i have had many suvs and this is the best one i have had.its extremely comfortable and accelerates quickly. superb stereo system and comfortable interior. drives like a luxury car, not truck or suv like at all, very smooth.

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  I wish I could love this car - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Mon - December 30 - 7:20 pm

  I have a love/hate relationship with this car. Its the fourth Volvo Ive owned and I can tell quality has gone seriously downhill. Yes, the car is fun to drive WHEN its not at the shop getting repaired. Ive had the car for 2.5 years and it is in the shop with various problems about once every 6 weeks, most of the time with recurring problems that miraculously dont show up when its at the dealership. The car is comfortable, quite roomy and sporty. I love that its faster than it looks. I just really wish that the car was more reliable. This will be the last Volvo for me. Im getting rid of it as soon as the warrantys up as I dont think Ill be able to afford the constant repairs!

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  Florida Volvo XC90 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Gerry Kirkpatrick - December 30 - 11:26 am

  I enjoy driving this vehicle and feel extremely safe in it My only disappointment is in the gas mileage. I traded in a Tahoe in perfect condition to get rid of the 8 cylinder engine only to get less gas mileage. If I had know about the mileage I would have gone with the more powerful 8 cyl.Volvo as it had a smoother ride and more power on the road.

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  Comfortable but.... - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By flolive - December 30 - 11:21 am

  Lots of little problems, but very very safe. Got into an accident and totaled the front and rear end of the car, the other passenger and I walked out without a scratch. No problems with the first XC60, but the 2nd one is a different story. Very comfortable ride, but sometimes the engine gets fussy. The smallest press on the gas pedal can make the RPMs jump from 1200 to 4000. The inside is nice, but I have had many small electrical problems. After 3 months of owning the vehicle the horn stopped working, USB port, side mirrors folding in, garage remote, electrical outlet, and many other small problems. This is my 4th volvo, and the only one Ive had this many problems with!

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  Poor Mans Luxury Import Sedan - 2000 Volvo S80
  By The Big Guy - December 30 - 10:00 am

  First import in our garage. Great to drive, reliable, scheduled maintenance only. When you compare standard/optional features, price and comfort against BMW, Mercedes and Lexus the S80 beats them hands down. Bought the car because Im 6 6", 320# and it was the only thing other than a domestic boat I could fit in to. Glad I did. Outstanding ride, city or highway.