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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  Oh, not bad - 2003 Volvo S40
  By John Lee - March 30 - 10:00 am

  We test drove VW Passat, and Jetta. Both vehicles had a higher price tag. The S40 is by far a better car. Good power and the handleing is excellent for a Front Wheel drive car.

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  Built like a TANK - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By red1958 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Anyone that doubts the safety of this vehicle, read on. Within 3 days my wife and I have been rear-ended. The first one was my wife, she was hit in the back by a Camry at about 15-20 MPH. Last night I was hit in the rear by a Mustang on the freeway, it must have been going about 45-50 MPH. The damage to the XC90 in both accidents was minimal, marks on the bumper, while both of the other cars had major hood and fender damage. If anyone has any thoughts about their kids being safe in the 3 row of this vehicle, Im here to tell you DON"T because the hype about the safety of the XC90 is true and Im living proof.

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  Well-engineered, and most attractive car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By srassam1 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my S60 2.4 w/5-spd auto for about 26k miles. This car is the most attractive in its class, and the price is not inflated compared with European rivals. Overall I am very impressed with the car, except for very minor problems (Lock buttons), which arent mechanical. The car has excellent braking, and superb winter traction w/ STC and Winter mode). What I truly miss on the car is Stability control DSTC.

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  S60R Fun - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Kate - March 29 - 5:56 pm

  This car is incredible to drive, the speed and handling make it an absolute joy, whether you are going to get groceries or just going out for a little fun!

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  My04 - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By XC70Geo - March 28 - 1:13 pm

  Well done Volvo. Im very satisfied, its fun to own this car. BSR PPC Tuning is the best choice.

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  Hot Mama Mobile - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Renee - March 28 - 9:43 am

  I switched from a Mercedes GL to my new XC 90 Inscription and I dont miss my Mercedes a bit. It is so comfortable, easy to drive, easy to park, and functions wonderfully!! Not quite as fast off the mark as my old car, but catches up fast. Havent been for service yet, but love that three years of service is included in the purchase price, much better than expensive services at Mercedes. So far, so fun! Bought it in Nov. 2017.

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  What a fun car. - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Demetri - March 26 - 1:23 am

  I had been drooling over the S60/V70R for a couple of years, and finally had the means to buy one. I could not be happier with the vehicle. It is fun to drive, and the performance is great.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Driven! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By SwedeSpeederR - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is honestly the funnest car that I have ever been in. Volvo has finally made a sports sedan that can easily beat the stuffing out of any BMW 3 or 5 series along with an Audi A-4 or A-6 with caonsiderable rivalry with a Mercedes E55 AMG. The Volvo S60 R is hands-down the greatest sports sedan ever!

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  Money Well Spent - 2004 Volvo V40
  By gilp - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I never thought Id be driving a Volvo station wagon...but the V40 SPORT changed all that. Looks, performance, comfort - I could have purchased a similarly equiped Jetta Wagon for the same amount of money...Id rather have a Volvo on my driveway. Take itr for a test drive and youll know what I mean! VERY highly recommended!

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  Volvo Bravo!! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Jerry W - March 22 - 8:23 pm

  Had it for a week. A blast to drive - nicely weighted steering, peppy acceleration, and firm (but not harsh) ride over horrible pothole-filled roads in Michigan. Sandstone beige interior and dual tone dash convey luxury feel to it. Panoramic sunroof is magnificent (a free upgrade too). Unique City Safety (although havent got the guts to test it yet) and long list of Volvos safety features are all good. Very satisfied with the purchase!!