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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  My new R - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Ramib1 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car Ive ever driven - or own. I almost bought a G35, until I took the R for a test drive. I bought it on the spot. Its not only the amazing performance, but the complete package, including comfort, design, quality, and of course, safety. For a price of a BMW 330 you get a bigger, faster, better looking car, with performance only a tad below an M.

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  Comfortable, Safe Cruiser - 2011 Volvo S80
  By MrSmith - December 21 - 10:00 am

  The S80 is best cruising on the highway. It is not a nimble car. The exterior design is traditional Volvo. T6 performance is more than adequate. Fuel Economy is fine. The interior design and quality is better than US/Japan, but not quite up to Mercedes/Audi standards. This car is 90% Mercedes at 80% of the price. The technology and safety offerings are stunning and they work very well. I recommend this car to anyone looking for understated luxury and high quality.

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  Why is this car so uncommon? - 2007 Volvo V50
  By Barbarella - December 21 - 8:56 am

  Simply put, I love this car. I live in the mountains of colorado, and this car is tons of fun to drive on twisty mountain roads. I am of the belief that you do not need a SUV just to live in the mountains (unlike everyone that lives around me). The AWD is all you need to survive up here. The interior design is simple and intuitive, the performance is great, the mileage is decent (considering the way I like to zoom around), the cargo space is great, and it looks awesome. I seriously dont understand why this car isnt more popular, but then again, I dont understand why everyone around me drives these monstrous SUVs. Arent they driving on the same roads I am?

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  My first Volvo, but not my last. - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Diana C - December 18 - 11:43 am

  Great looking car. I love the sporty lines, while retaining its classy look. Gone are the days when Volvo was boxy and predictable. Volvo proves a sedan can be sporty.

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  great first car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By donaldduck - December 16 - 10:00 am

  5 speed auto is excellent. Very economical.

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  Happy Camper - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Johnny W - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Love the low torque band of the T6 Engine, and more than any thing how quiet it is. The mileage is 14 in town 20 on the highway ,The ride is great and it is fun to drive Would buy it again

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  Great Car! - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Frey the Viking - December 9 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo S40 is so underrated. I love my car! Its handling is great and the turbo engine seems as if though it can handle a lot more than 160hp. I always rev it and it accelerates like a dream. A must if you are a car enthusiast.

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  Nice little car - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Srini - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for 2 years and have no major complaints (except the check engine light - I got it fixed at the dealership when I received a notice from Volvo a few months ago). Excellent acceleration, good build quality and reliability. I frequently take this car on long trips and have great fun driving it.

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  Great SUV!! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By CBennett - December 9 - 9:13 am

  This was a great investment for my growing family. The third row seats are small, but will be used by my kids only. The leather interior, wood grain steering wheel, rear DVD system are all a major plus for me. The most impressive feature is the 315 hp engine with smooth acceleration. This does not even compare to my wifes S70. Volvo has really stepped up with the rest of its competitors in the SUV market.

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  Priceless - 2007 Volvo S60
  By juniorCBR - December 7 - 6:46 pm

  Amazing car! Incredibly quick, amazing exterior and interior looks, amazing sound system, gages are beautiful, powerful brakes, sharp rims, soft and easy clutch, AWD system definitely keeps the car grounded. An huge bargain for its price compared to its counterparts. Definitely go overseas delivery if you have the chance, nothing beats zipping by BMWs on the autobahn.