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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  XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Maryland Volvo Owner - January 17 - 9:00 am

  After driving a Volvo 940 for about 11 years, I moved to an XC90 last fall. I am impressed by the handling and the safety features are typically great Volvo items. Wet weather mode and rain sensor have come in handy this winter.

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  Dont listen to the experts - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By V Hencken - January 16 - 8:30 pm

  When I read the reviews I was leary about the power of this vehicle. What they dont mention is that if you live at a high elevation where horse power suffers, the turbo charged engine is huge plus as you dont lose any horsepower. Also I have been averaging over 18 MPG in the mountains. Sure beats my Yukon getting around 13.

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  The car that does it all - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By deb - January 12 - 2:50 pm

  I love this SUV - always wanted it for my family of four. Finally got it!! Because this is our main car (the other being a rusty "station" car) it must covers all bases. And, it does so perfectly with its capacity for 7 passengers, plush and comfortable interior, all wheel drive, built in booster seat (gotta love it), safety features that Volvo is known for, decent mpg, and first class looks for a night out on the town. What else can you ask for? Really?

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  2000 v70 awd Volvo - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Andre - January 10 - 7:03 pm

  The car is very solid, it is well appointed with heated seats, retractable sun roof, the 2.4l motor has turbo. Overall this was a very good purchase: I travel many highway miles, the car hugs the road, and the turbo makes the fuel economy soar. The maintenance fits into the domestic price league so Costco oil changes & lubes for $35 are perfect choice for budget minded car owners. The awd in the recent snow with all season tires was ample. Overall, a very good car, fun to drive and safe with the kids.

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  2004 volvo s60 after 8000 miles - 2005 Volvo S60
  By douglass - January 10 - 6:40 am

  We are very happy with the non turbo S60 California version Volvo. Sport seats, 17" tires, 5 sp auto, etc. Looks good, runs good, quick on take off, fits my 65" frame, built like a tank, good decision, and it is owned by Ford so we dont feel bad sending jobs off shore.

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  Love it - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Love to drive - January 9 - 2:40 pm

  I used these reviews before buying, so I feel I need to contribute. Own an SUV and wanted a "run around" car. Its safe (I have 2 kids) and very fun to drive (I got a manual transimission). The gas mileage is excellent. It has a luxury feel but is sporty. My heated seats work just fine. It handles curves nicely. Took me a while to figure out all the bells and whistles.

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  Best Car Out There - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Daniel H - January 9 - 2:00 am

  The S80 is, by far, the best car out there. I am a BMW dirver and I traded- in my BMW for the Volvo S80. Once you drive one, you wont want anything else.

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  S60R Best bang for my buck - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Steve D. - January 8 - 11:23 pm

  Bought this certified pre-owned and after only 1 week every expectation has been met. With only 22,000 miles car smells and drives like it just rolled off the assembly line. One issue I have is the summer OEM tires which are worn out. Theyre being replaced with Ultra-High Performance M+S Yokohomas Advan S4. With a treadwear rating of 400 and rotation every 6,000 miles I should get approx. 40,000 - 50,000 miles out of these Yokohomas) C4 Suspension settings >> Comfort, Sport and Advanced. I can go from a Lincoln Town Car ride (Comfort) to a race car ride (Advanced) with a touch of a button! By far the safest car on the road today

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  Great car! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Eli - January 8 - 7:13 am

  I just bought my 2005 XC90 with 90,000 miles on it and have put an additional 35,000 miles on it and have absolutely no problems. I have challenged snow, tropical storms, ice, and mountain roads and this car preforms with flying colors all the time! It cruises nicely and quietly on the highway and around town. The tranny was replaced with the previous owner at aprox. 80,000 miles and it feels like new. I always feel safe in this car in any environment or situation and Volvo does that magnificently.

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  top notch ride - 2006 Volvo S60
  By john p - January 6 - 12:13 pm

  I bought my 2006 s60 2.5t new. I now have 134,300 on it and it still drives and looks new. Volvo interiors hold up incredibly well, the seats stay comfortable and all components stay in place. True quality. The cars is great to drive, has smooth power great handling and comfort. Anyone looking at a used 2006 will be surprised and satisfied especially with the price you can pick one up for. Just over 140,000 now, new tires, shocks and brakes. Feels just like new. Go to a Volvo dealer and just do some comparison shopping against any BMW, AUDI etc. Volvo will hold its own.