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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  UNREAL! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Paul in PA - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Im coming off a hideous Blazer experience. The XC90 is incredible. Fantastic in every aspect! Im even getting 24.5 mpg right now and have gotten 25 (highway of course with the 5 cyl.). You have to watch the instantaneous mpg closely to get that. The Edmunds reviewer says power is lacking??? Even with my 5 cyl turbo this thing takes off like a raped ape. My little Prelude cant do any better. I dont know what he was driving. Passing on the highway is like a dream - you see a spot and youre there!! The navigation system is incredible. The ONLY drawback is the premium gas. What the heck if you can afford this car you can buy premium.

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  Nice car - 2013 Volvo S60
  By mtasquared - September 25 - 9:47 am

  Just bought this car one week ago, in Platinum trim. Safety features are remarkable. Power is smooth and makes driving fun. Rear headroom is a little low, one of the few minuses. I wanted to get away from all the little compromises of econoboxes with this purchase. Mission accomplished.

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  So Happy - 2006 Volvo S60
  By j - September 25 - 4:53 am

  Bought this vehicle to fit this criteria, fuel efficient/fun to drive comfortable, stylish and moderately priced. I enjoy driving it, even if it is not super sporty, it is very comfortable, and gets good gas mileage. I got 31 hwy averaging about 70-75 on my latest 3000 road trip, around town I get about 25. I bought a 06, Special edition with all the bells and whistles to include nav, bi- zenon, ect., and paid 34. Beemer would have been 45, no contest if you ask me, and as far as the bmw, this handled ALMOST as good on my twisty road into work, and ALMOST as fast, but I like the interior better. If you need to pay for a name/image get the bmw, if you are past that get this.

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  Not an Audi - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By WT - September 22 - 11:16 pm

  My previous car was an Audi 200 quattro avant and on paper this car is very close. In reality it not even a contest. It does nothing as well as the almost 15 year older car. Big delay from start, bad handling, lighter modern brakes - yuk! The controls are cheap and all work backwards. And then there is the seat which always wants to move away from the last driver when you get in. They even blew the armrests. Blows light bulbs for some strange reason. Gas mileage OK though. Going back to a real european car and getting rid of this Ford!

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  Dogs love their Volvo - 2000 Volvo V70
  By aman 4allseasons - September 22 - 4:03 pm

  I have had my Volvo for three years now and have enjoyed it. Mine is the Cross County which means it has the turbo engine; unfortunately the turbo Cross Country is not available anymore. Those extra ponies is great when you need to pass someone. I really like the cargo net that is built into the rear seats as it keeps the dogs out of the passenger area, most of the time. Except when my Australian Shepard got around it and ate a whole plate of macaroni & cheese. My Volvo has a load leveling system in the rear suspension which is really nice. Handles great on turns Dislikes: cup holder, which does look like it did come from a Happy Meal. 1 variable wiper

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  Just Buy It - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Ron - September 20 - 12:26 pm

  When I 1st saw the S40 in the LA auto show Jan 2003 I knew I was going to buy one. Picked it over my other want cars. RX8 too gas guzzler, BMW 3 series too common now, Audi A4 less power for more money, and Mini Coop selling more than invoice. If the S Coop was around 18K I would buy that instead. The T5 6 spd manual is perfect. Its got power when you need it yet it can get 33 MPG going up the mountains through the grape vine at 70 mph no traffic drive in cold morning air. High torque at low rpms making it easy to beat the young car aftermarket ad on enthusiasts. Quiet drive as if youre not even trying to speed up. Handling is great but car feels stiff or choppy at freeways.

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  Daddy needs some speed - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Santosrjr - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a performance sedan that can give me the thrill of high performance sport car, the safety of a family sedan and the advantage to drive it all seasons. I test drove the Audi A4 3.0 Quattro, Jaguar X & S Type, Infiniti G35x, Lexus IS300 and BMW 330XI. I didnÂ’t have the opportunity to test drive the S60R however; I read all reviews on this vehicle and decided to take the chance on it. I brought the vehicle thru military sales and believe me; waiting for it was worth it. Excellent AWD handling, adjustable suspension, 6 speed, 300HP, comfortable seats, safety and good dry and wet road performance.

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  I Love This Car! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By VolvoLover52163 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Nothing but pure pleasure with the convenience of a wagon. I couldnt be happier with my choice. This car is understated elegance at its best!

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  My S60r - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Rich Picone - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, very responsive engine and handling.

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  solid car - 2005 Volvo S40
  By jspagna - September 20 - 10:00 am

  sporty and responsive vehicle, first volvo purchase and impressed with safety features. visability somewhat limited but otherwise a pleasure to drive