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:

• 

  Totally Satisfied - 2009 Volvo S80
  By MAD - April 15 - 4:40 pm

  I test drove cars from Audi, BMW, MB, Acura, Infiniti and Lexus -- Leased a Volvo S80 T6 AWD. It offers a more comfortable and quite ride than its competitors and priced closer to smaller models (A4, 3 series, c300) than the larger models (A6, 5 Series, RL), which it more closely competes. I think the upgrades with the executive package are well worth it. Gas mileage is average, but able to use regular grade gasoline and still in "break-in" period. Scheduled maintenance is included. Great value and safety. Very underrated car. Recommend without reservation.

• 

  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Volvo S60
  By george w. - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Very camelion car in terms of performance(from sheep to wolf).Styling is great with the Sport Pkg.that includes great ground- effects.Outstanding mileage for the first 1200mi.(26mpg.overall;28mpg highway!

• 

  Couldnt Be Happier! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Doonie - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my S40 T5 about a month ago and Ive loved every mile so far. Its fast, responsive, comfortable, and feels very solid and safe. A great value for the price. I find myself using any excuse to go drive it. I think the S40 will make me a Volvo driver for life!

• 

  Excellent car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Lfront - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle, one that is fun to drive, very comfortable seating, ample room in back seat, draws many favorable comments. It is the only one in the area that we live in and gets many looks and comments. The front seats are the most comfortable of any car that weve ever owned. If there is a drawback, its that the car must be in park and emergency brake on to raise or lower the top, (which is quite fast to do).

• 

  Love this car! - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Cinnywoo - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery on this car in November of 2003, it has been great ever since. Ive had no problems with the performance. Like many others I would like the rear seat access to be quicker and better view out of the back. Otherwise, very happy with the car, including my 61 husband who NEVER was able to get in the back seat of the Celica. Im also happy knowing Im in one of the safest cars around.

• 

  The first 7500 miles - 2004 Volvo S80
  By J Williams - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I choose the S80 because my previous cars have been standard V6 sedans. The S80 is by far the best sedan I have own or driven. Leaving Denver in April, there were 12 inches of snow on the ground but with my DSTC on and working I had no problem with driving or staying on the road (other cars and trucks, even 4x4s slid off the road) and holding a steady speed for road conditions. I made it though the snow storm until the DOT closed I-40 at 7200 feet elevation. The moto "For Life" had nothing to do with my decision to buy but Im glad I did. The only thing better than owning a Volvo, is having 2 Volvos. I have the XC90 also.

• 

  Fabulous ride - 2004 Volvo S80
  By mule - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Best car in terms of drivability, comfort,room, ever experienced!

• 

  Early Purchase Review - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Donald W. Davis - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is everything I had hoped it would be. Performance and styling is excellent! It gives me performance and allows me to enjoy the same luxury that I have in my Mercedes.

• 

  Happy Owner - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By haef - April 13 - 10:00 am

  As an early owner of the XC90, I am pleased to say that this vehicle has exceeded expectations in almost all ways, now with 33,000 miles. We have the T6 AWD 5 pass with the 17 in wheels. Our biggest disappointment has been the OEM Perilli tires, which Volvo replaced at 17000 miles due to excessive noise which gradually built up over time. It was nice of Volvo to replace them, but theyre doing it again. We love the ride and handling, and the seats support my poor old back like no others! We drive from MI to CO 2-3 times a year, LOADED, and it still drives and handles great. In the mountains it really pulls, even with a load.

• 

  First Year Follow-Up - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By flyingman - April 10 - 11:30 pm

  This is a follow up to my first post in Aug 06 when car was new. Just turned 10k miles and one year. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. Got a recall notice about the gas tank door and they fixed this during a routine service at 7,500 miles, but never suffered the problem. Took one long trip with 5 persons and gear. It was tight but didnt want to put anything on the roof. Added a hitch (not from the dealer!) and a great bike rack from softride. We are still loving the car. Mileage is in the 17-18 in the city and 22-23 hwy.