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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  Pleased So Far - 2007 Volvo S60
  By ExMB - October 31 - 1:06 pm

  Just purchased this auto after turning in a leased Mercedes C300. I loved that car so stepping down is going to be a bummer. However, I am pleased thus far about the Volvo. Good ride, though not sporty at all, and quality seats help it. I like the safety record and the reliability prospects for the car.

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  Still Kicking - 2001 Volvo V40
  By Brian - October 30 - 2:16 pm

  I just turned over 200,000 kms and the V40 is still performing deciently. Noticeable interior creaks and squeaks recently but nothing the stock sound system can handle. My V40 is my office and it still handles great. My only complaint is the cost of servicing this vehicle. Without doubt the most expensive car I have ever owned for regular maintenance. Beware.

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  Best Car in its Class!!! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Dr.Patterson - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have now owned my 1999 Volvo S80 for just over 3 years. It has been extremely reliable and a great car to own. The performance and reliability are outstanding. I shopped around for about a year looking for a luxury car. This is definately the best from the bunch. I would definately recommend the 1999 Volvo S80. I have absolutely no complaints at all! Drive one, youll love it!

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  Love my S80 - 2000 Volvo S80
  By John Burke - October 30 - 2:00 am

  At the risk of being premature in my evaluation, this is the best riding, quietest, most fun to drive car I have ever had. I knew Volvo was a quality automobile judging from my wifes 1991 940GLE. The dealer is great! I havent had the need to have my car serviced yet, but judging from the superior service my wife has received, I feel I can look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Don Beyer.

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  Money-sucking disaster - 2000 Volvo S80
  By anosmic - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Only a repair shop could bear to own this vehicle, and then only if they had infinite access to free replacement parts. I havent had the personal resolve to total up the repair bills we have had on this car, conservatively $15000 in less than 4 years. The design crew Volvo hired for this car were definitely in way over their heads, unless they are getting a cut on the repair bills from the Volvo shops.

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  XC90 Blessings - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By T5Rrrrrrr - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven my 2.5T to the mountain to test the power and this machine is impressive. I had to try the manual gear (geartronic) on an uphill and downhill and it works great! Mileage so far is about 18/24.

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  Most comfortable and one of the safest car - 2007 Volvo S80
  By xjungrocx - October 27 - 10:23 pm

  Styling is very conservative and bland, which is my favorite feature of the car. This car is very comfortable and has plenty of power to spend. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking into buying luxury midsize sedan with AWD system that works.

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  Enjoy driving - 1999 Volvo V70
  By wellspring - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought this V 70 GLT with 42,000 miles on it. Needed upper engine mount replaced, turbo oil seal, front cup holder, sun roof switch bulb all warranty items. Very good handling, acceleration. Roomy and excellent quality throughout. My experience is that most folks trash their cars except for the very basics. For example the previous owners changed the oil every 7,000 miles (Volvo recommendation). Unacceptable, no more than 4,000 at the most between oil changes. Condition the leather, brush out the seams regularly, keep it protected from the sun, and the leather seats will last.

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  Volvo Rating - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By BR - October 25 - 4:26 am

  Ive driven the Volvo on long drives, around town, and in the mountains. The vehicle is very fast, solid, confortable, and reliable. I had a Range Rover before the Volvo and believe the Volvo is at least its equal at a much lower price.

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  Dont buy this Car! - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Chris - October 24 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car in late July and have had nothing but problems. It has been in the shop for 30 days for to get the roof to stop leaking, and to fix look at the electronic roof system since on it stops for no reason during closing. It only closes half way and then stops. After thirty days, the issues are still not fixed. In addition, we have had issues with the stereo system and the passenger airbag... AGAIN, DONT BUY THIS CAR. We are looking to pursue the lemon law options to return this car!