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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  Love my XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Lin - May 20 - 7:53 am

  I am totally pleased with my 2005 XC90. The ride is a dream and the handling is great. I feel safer in this vehicle than any other car. My other car is a 2004 Corvette which is totally fun to drive. The Volvo is fun too. I wish I did not have the 3rd row seats but that is the way it came. It was the only red XC90 that I could find in So. Calif. so I took it with the extra seats that will never be used. My choice. They are only made for little children. Adults would never fit. Next one, and there will be a next one will not have the 3rd row seats. Summary: I LOVE my XC90!

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  Unassuming yet Striking - 2006 Volvo V70
  By 06V70R - May 17 - 3:13 pm

  My V70R has been an absolute pleasure to own. This is a drivers car! My last two cars were the XCV70 and V70T5. The R puts these two cars to shame. With a one hour commute each way I am enjoying the car more each day. From seat support and comfort to sheer power the V70R for the money is the best performance and value on the market today.

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  Sabadoo - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Edward Goldenberg - May 17 - 2:33 pm

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  Safety at a great price - 2003 Volvo S40
  By mslamont - May 17 - 2:00 am

  A safe, and pleasant vehicle at a great price. Good pickup, smooth ride.

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  Great so far - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By ike10 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had our xc90 for 7 weeks now, and am extremely impressed so far. have used the flat folding front passenger seat three times already. plenty of cargo room and the most well thought out interior design ive seen... extremely user friendly. handles great (for an suv) and love telling my suv- hating friends that my suv pumps 1/4 the pollutants into the air as their recent model compacts. a good tradeoff on handling vs plushness... corners great and is still dead quiet and comfy on most roads.

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  Best of Three - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Nutriaguy - May 17 - 2:00 am

  My third Volvo wagon has been the best. The turbo engine responds well in a pinch, with no problems in 2 1/2 years. Very caring service experience with loaner cars a real plus for a one car family. Very quiet on the road, with excellent stability and of course, those wonderful seats.

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  Love my Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By acolaruotolo - May 13 - 10:13 pm

  a real pleasure to drive. We are wrapped in comfort, safety and beauty.

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  I love it - 2001 Volvo S80
  By denys1 - May 13 - 2:55 am

  I bought this car for $7000 with 98000 miles and think it was a great deal for these money. It has about 18/25 mph, not too bad for 196hp engine. I used snow tires in winter and dont have any problem (I live in upstate NY and have enough snow). I had some problems with electronics, especial in winter. Throttle Body Control Module - was fixed, but THIS PART HAS 10 YEARS VOLVOs WARRANTY, I didnt spent any cent for repair that at volvo dealer. Actually, official dealership maintenance is little bit expensive, but I have near dealer which works only with Volvo cars long time. Same quality, but more cheap:). I spent about $1000 for three years, but I think it is normal for luxury car.

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  Sad to say goodbye. Hello newer V70. - 2000 Volvo V70
  By abigdor - May 12 - 9:03 pm

  Owned 7 years starting at 90000 miles used and ending at 140000 when struck in rear. Never broke down. Only significant repairs: brakes, timing belt, tires. Nothing but normal wear. Great handling, performance. Good to better economy. Safety: rear-end crash proved cars value. Sadly, declared total by ins. co. Paint still great. Glass great. Interior somewhat dirty from heavy child use. Total net expenses less than $10000 for 50000 miles (20cents/mi): best Ive had in many years. Have already purchased another V70 (2003) to replace it. Could not imagine what other car even to consider.

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  see for yourself its one great car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By happydude - May 12 - 10:00 am

  well, to sum it up quik. this car is no BMW 3-seris, or audi A4 as far as overall performance but it close. It lacks some ablity in cornering compared to these car. safety. Its better than both. roomyness, I front is fine, but if your tall than 511" you might be cramped the the rear seats. the car is built the a German tank. I own a chevy truck and it just as solid. There is also a ton of aftermarket upgrades for the car. upgraded it can d 0-60 in 6.2 sec, compared to 8.2 stock.