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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  Just what the doctor ordered - 2017 Volvo S90
  By BRUCE BERENSON - April 29 - 4:21 am

  Compared this car to others in the same class. I looked at MPG, safety, styling, ride and lease payments. This car was superior in MPG, safety and leasing costs. Dealership salespeople were great (did not treat me with disrespect as other upper end auto dealerships do. I have no affiliation with Volvo and I am very pleased. Also I have no rattles, squeaks or computer problems. This car is a hidden gem.

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  Thank you Volvo - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Thank you Volvo - April 27 - 6:50 am

  Thank you for being the only forced induction that uses reg-87 gas and i still cannot believe it. The car runs and drives great, V-8 power and 4-cyl. gas sipping i cannot lose and do not forget the great volvo safety just incase things get out of hand. buy one now and thank me later

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  Great Solid SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By sabremax - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV owned. I believe I am spoiled. This car is so solid. It just doesnt appear to be as big and roomy as it is. Controls are beautifully placed and very functional. It has all the "necessary" bells and whistles without all the ones that you never use. The ride is smooth and quiet. This Volvo gives you a real sense of stability on the road.

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  VOlvo S 60 T5 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Sid B - April 22 - 10:00 am

  A beautiful (inside and out), ergonomic, fun vehicle to own and drive. Since my wife is irreplaceable, I would not have her in anything but a Volvo. No issues since day of delivery, except for a defect in the wall on one of the Pirelli P6s. Having problem finding a replacement tire in So. CA, local dealers of no help! That aside the car is a complete delight. It is quick, agile, quiet, great AC (it was up to 105 degrees here yesterday). May replace my other Volvo (99 C 70 HPT) with an S 60 next time around.

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  Fun and safe to drive - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Henry Rosen - April 21 - 9:43 pm

  I have been a loyal Volvo customer (3 Cross Countrys) for almost 10 years and did not feel comfortable driving SUVs. After test driving the 2007 XC90 and enjoying the drive I was hooked. I am very happy with this car as it has more space than our family of four needs and it comfortably can take three of my childrens friends. If you are looking for an SUV with good gas mileage 19 MPG, all the safety and luxury features you will ever need, this is the car for you.

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  Recently purchased 2012 XC60 R-Design - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By laker4life - April 21 - 6:12 pm

  I picked my xc60, 05/19/12 and its one heck of a car. A true beast. Stomp on it and it responds. I had a 10 xc60 with 281hp, it was alright, but this is driving an entirely different vehicle. I absolutely love the way this car rides.

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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Gary Howard - April 20 - 4:40 pm

  From the delivery from Neftin Volvo ( awesome dealership) the XC90 has been my favorite car ever. Rides like a magic carpet and off roads like rhino. I LOVE IT!

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  Wouldnt trade it for the world.... - 2004 Volvo V70
  By XCowner - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Had the Saab, and the Land Rover, this by far gives me seven seats and power, but outstanding turning radius, get-up, and comfort. Will always be a Volvo owner now. Easy on the pocket for gas and insurance too.--Lots to offer

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  Shockingly great - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By better than Lexus - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We own a 2002 Lexus SC430 and love it. We recently decided to get an SUV, too. This was the one we chose. We love it. The navigation system is different from the Lexus and has some pros it just takes learning the difference (like computers). Really sharp, well designed, comfortable and enjoyable. Got everything but securty. Love DVD, etc. Will buy this brand again, although we never had one before now. It is a different type of fun car (big car fun versus little convertible fun).

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  Satisfied Driver - 2001 Volvo S60
  By s60driver - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Went from a 1999 Lexus ES300 to the Volvo S60. Was surprised to find that the ride is actually better. Have been extremely impressed with the quality and design of the S60. After nearly 15000 miles, the car drives as it did the day I bought it. Would definately consider another.