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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  A Smart Persons Car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Jakebird - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Though I havent racked up a lot of miles, this is a reliable, sporty, true luxury sedan without the Lexus or BMW sticker shock. It could use a little tweaking of the interior (wood trim, for example), to put it into the true "luxury" class, but it is safe, fast, and a very reliable player for the money in the competitive mid-range luxury class. I do wish the mileage was a little better in the city, but my car it actually exceeds the EPA estimates on the highway. Finally, my last Volvo was traded running strong with 183K miles and expect the same here.

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  small but cool - 2008 Volvo S40
  By URSUS - December 6 - 8:50 am

  I bought the S40 couple months ago and i like it ..European car always the best ..

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  Great car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By s40 blue - December 5 - 7:16 am

  I bought this car in February and it is a wonderful car. I have nothing but great experiences with this car, tons of compliments and the dealership I bought it from was awesome

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  Hands down fantastic auto - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Yoquiero Unapatada - December 4 - 11:00 am

  The C30 handles beautifully. Fast. Super zippy! I live in Los Angeles, where quick acceleration is part of the traffic landscape. The design of the C30 is purely amazing! Also, many people are under the impression that this vehicle costs more than 40k. These things matter to a 40 yr old like me..

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  Best vehicle purchase ever! - 2000 Volvo V70
  By The Oakleys - December 4 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our choice to purchase a Volvo. We LOVE our V70 SE. We were fortunate to get the ultimate treatment when we purchased our Volvo directly from Volvo Intl., and picked it up in Sweden! A one of a kind experience The V70 handles well and has been extremely reliable. Its wonderful to know about all the research that has gone into all the safety features in any Volvo.

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By mojo - December 3 - 7:23 pm

  A blast to drive--can handle sharp turns at high speeds, great acceleration at all speeds and very comfortable seats. Turns heads as well, people comment on it to me all the time and are shocked that its a Volvo. (got the Sports package with the wheels, rims and spoilers) Test drove the Audi S4, new Lexus GS300 and BMW 5 series before deciding on the S60R. Others were great cars, but the S60Rs combo of performance, looks, price and uniqueness won me over. Great car!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2000 Volvo S70
  By Merle - December 3 - 5:00 pm

  We have been extremely satisfied with our Volvo. It has always performed up to standard for us. The controls are in good positions despite what the "Cons" for this car state. Required intervals are 7500 mi and it has not given us any major problems. The car is completely loaded with all that Volvo had to offer. Smooth yet responsive ride. Volvo has been nothing more than a pleasure to deal with. The AWD is excellent in the snow as are the Anti-lock brakes.

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  Excellent family SUV - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By X.Z. - December 2 - 9:20 pm

  As a biomechanics and human-machine system engineering expert, I applaud Volvo for this new XC90. We were ready to buy a GL450, and the XC90 caught our attention and the attention was never returned! I can appreciate the safety and injury-protection features better than a lay person. I also understand its not the more the merrier in terms of gadgets and add-ons. Volvo did this the right way. Now, when I am driving this XC90 with my family members in it in a snowy slippery day, I feel much better.

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  The New Volvo XC90....wow!! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Pat - December 2 - 5:48 pm

  Hurry!

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  Love my 2003 S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Sheri Ann Johnson - December 2 - 8:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 S40 in 07 with only 4600 miles on it. Ultimately a new car! I couldnt be happier with it. Its quick to get out the way & handles nicely, especially in the Florida rains. I do wish the back seat had more room for passengers, but its a great excuse to get out of driving! I feel safe driving, especially at night. Ive had no major issues, replaced a headlight & put on a new set of Michelins. Ill definitely replace it with another Volvo.