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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  Best Bang for your Buck - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Mikey Z - February 12 - 11:30 pm

  My new S40 is incredible. I am 23 pre-dental student who never gave a thought to a Volvo until a friend recommended it. Now, I cant say enough about it. Its safety features are incredible and beat the heck out of its competitors. Not to mention that it rides very well, not too stiff, not too soft, but can handle curves and speed impresssivly well. Bottom line, it is safe, sporty, fun, and looks hot.

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  Very nice car - 2008 Volvo S80
  By Mikevm - February 12 - 10:26 am

  This car is beautiful inside and out. Wonderful new design. Volvo did a great job staying true to their style but making it look way more current. My friends say it has sort of a BMW look to it. Plenty of power w/the V6. Nice ride both in the city and freeway. My only challenge is that it seems to have a rather noticeable hesitation when starting from a complete stop when accelerating slowly.

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  Who needs an SUV? - 2002 Volvo V70
  By PJ - February 12 - 3:16 am

  Excellent value. Looks great. Great driving vehicle. Avg. about 22mpg around town. Seats are the most comfortable I have ever owned. High-pressure turbo throws you back in your seat. Holds the whole family (and the dog) in comfort and safety.

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  More than expected - 2001 Volvo S80
  By HuckFinn - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a safe and roomy vehicle. I have experience that and much more. I have had no mechanical or electrical issues. I have only had to take it in for its check up every 7500 miles. It has been comfortable, reliable and more than I ever expected.

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  Sporty, Zippy, Peppy - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Fun Driver - February 8 - 3:23 am

  This is a sports car that will handle almost anything. Ive had it for a month now and driven everywhere. The handling is outstanding on mountain roads. The engine never showed signs of exhertion. In the city, its an eye-catcher because its different from the "traditional" Volvo. The money is well worth it if youre comparing with BMW, Audi, Acura, and Lexus.

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  3.2 non-turbo with AWD is fantastic all-around - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By adamwrites - February 5 - 12:51 am

  This is, hands down, the most luxurious, comfortable, enjoyable vehicle Ive ever owned (prior cars include: 08 BMW X3, 04 Acura TL, 99 BMW 3 Series sedan). Compared it to the latest Acura RDX, BMW X3, a few others. Great seats, handles great in the snow, lots of passenger and cargo space. Chose the naturally aspirated 6 and theres plenty of power without the turbo (tested both passing uphill on Rt. 280 near Livingston, NJ, those who have driven it can appreciate the statement). Love that it is a PZEV and AWD, and I expect better mileage sans turbo. Note: I picked the car up only a few days ago -- so my choice of 5 for reliability is what Im hoping rather than what Ive experienced.

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  volvo fan for life - 2004 Volvo S60
  By bpmba - February 4 - 10:00 am

  i traded in a 98 s70 glt turbo for this s60 ... and i love it! i custom ordered it with premium & sport packages, dstc and bi-xenon headlights, so i had to wait a few months for its arrival. this car is **much** smaller than my s70 and that parts taken a little getting used to. but overall, im very pleased with its handling, performance and styling.

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  Boxy but Nice!!! - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Gsimon - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I have 78K miles on this car and it still drives great! Have never had a problem with this car!!!

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  Is there a better sport sedan? - 2004 Volvo S60
  By jon heberling - February 3 - 12:13 pm

  With IPD ECU and exhaust 335 hp. The Brembo brakes should be on all volvos, they would be a great selling point. Where can one find more comfortable seats? Performance is outrageous. The grip in snow and ice is quite assuring. Not being a racing driver I cannot address subtelties in steering, but I doubt that a BMW M3 or a $50,000 Mercedes could compare to this one. An Audi S4 weighs 300# more, so could not handle as well. A truly wonderful car this Volvo. The atacama leather too is unmatched by the competition.

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  My first volvo - 2011 Volvo C70
  By nodregob - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Volvo..It wont be my last! It is fast, comfortabe.well designed inside and out and fun to drive. I am very satisfied with the mileage,getting 29mpg city and open road. Fit and finish is great and to date not a single concern.