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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  Satisfied - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By curtpark - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a troublsome 2000 M Class. The XC is off to a good start with no surprises. The engine is strong (I use 89 octane)and runs flawlessly. The front seats a fantastic but the rear seats a just a bit firm. The standard CD player is fine. I have not had to use it in snow yet. Mileage on the highway is at or over the EPA numbers. I hope that it is as trouble free as my wifes 96 Vovlo sportwagon which has had no problems since new, just regular servicing.

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  great car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By GRZEL - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Driving for 25 years, and this is the first car that I LOVE to drive, top up, top down, local and highway. Commute to and from NYC daily, and find the car very comfortable, with lots of pep, great ride and tons of fun with the top down. Get lots of compliments on the looks, too. Cant wait to have somewhere to go.

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  Disappointing Fiasco - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Disappointed Fiasco - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Volvo should be embarrassed with how this vehicle has seriously tarnished thier reputation. From day one, we experienced multiple electrical problems, such A/C staying on after shutoff, molding falling off, idiot lights that indicated engine trouble, malfunctioning locks, doors, batteries, etc. Everytime car brought in to Volvo 128, service department claimed nothing was wrong. This car & most importantly the dealer were a complete fiasco that sheds Volvo in a light different from what they spent years trying to develop.

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  Electronic Problems, costly maintenance - 2005 Volvo V50
  By sue - August 23 - 12:50 pm

  I like driving the V50. The problem with it is the electronices. Had to have the air worked on twice under warranty thank God. The home link, the air conditioning, radio and the cruise control have all needed computer updates. Im afraid of what will happen when it goes off warranty. Less than 5,000 miles left. I was also told that Volvo doesnt offer extended warranties. I would have to buy one of the after market warranties. The cost of regular maintenance is high. The maintenance today costs me over $500. That was an oil change, cabin filter change, coolant flush and front brake pads.

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  Wagon Love - 2008 Volvo V70
  By Dan De Angelis - August 19 - 12:28 pm

  I held off on my review until we had several thousand miles logged in the car and a few service intervals. This isn’t our first Volvo as we have had 240’s, 740’s and S70’s through the years. Along with Volvos we have owned everything from Mini Vans to Mercedes, approximately 55 vehicles in all. I was attracted to the V70 because of styling, performance and the need for cargo space. All of which have been fulfilled with this car. We found this previously owned with 48,000 gentle one owner mi. and all service records up to date. We have taken several road trips thus far and use as a commuter during the week. Absolutely no disappointments at all and I enjoy driving a vehicle that doesn’t look like the majority of vehicles on the road. Other reviewers have a tendency to compare this to vehicles that out perform and out handle the V70 but they miss the essence entirely. This wagon has plenty of power provided by the 3.2 Litre ( same motor in the LR1 Land Rover) and delivers well when called upon. The comfort is second to none and the fit and finish throughout the vehicle is way above the standard run of the mill cars for the masses. Our V70 is the silver metallic sans the luggage rack with 6 spoke 16” wheels. It’s amazing how many people compliment on the looks and the younger gen love it! Kinda cool for a station wagon huh ? I will be adding Bilstein HD Struts and Shocks along with rear stabilizer bar soon for ride and sound improvements but that’s it. We continue to service at all intervals and to this point have absolutely no complaints. Go find a well kept V70 and stand out!

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  Fun AWD Wagon - 2004 Volvo V70
  By lehigh88 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Needed a famiy vehicle after child number 2 arrived. Wanted AWD and luggage space. Compared PASSAT GLX AWD, MB e320 AWD, Audi A6 Avant and Audi Allroad. Looked briefly at he min- vans and suvs but not a big fan of these vehicles. After extensive analysis, we settled on the Volvo V70R and we are very happy with our choice. Great build quality, styling, comfort, performance and utility. Good value versus the competition. A few minor areas can be improved. The turning radius is wide, which doesnt impact driving but does affect u-turns and pulling into a tight parking spot. The stereo/climate control ergonomics can be improved a bit.

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  Very satisfied buyer! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By smithran - August 19 - 1:43 am

  I purchased my S40 T5 in August 2004. It is actually a 2004.5(2005). To date, I have 32K miles on the car and still handles and performs like I just drove it off the lot. The only problem I have had with the car was a defective security chip (15K miles). Once replaced, not another problem. This car feels safe and secure. The car also loves the highway. Cruising an interstate at 80-85mph seems to be the speed this car loves. I just hope I can keep evading speeding tickets. Acceleration you ask? Well..A co-worker has an BMW M3 and he has trouble trying to get away from me ..{{Smiling}} Would I buy another S40 T5? YES! Without a second thought and the price is right. {{Wink}}

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  Disappointing Beauty - 2001 Volvo C70
  By GregA - August 18 - 3:23 pm

  This is a beautiful automobile that will turn heads and is fun to ride around with the top down. However if it was not a convt. I would still not own it. I bought it used and got a great deal but if I bought off the lot at $43,000 list I would be very upset. I have had lots of small problems, cd player broken, leaks at window seals, bad wind noise with windows up, cowl shake, small engine issues, and the lights blow constantly. I am shocked to have these issues with a high priced Volvo. I would have gotten rid of this car by now if it was no for the fact that it is fun with the top down and you can actually get adults comfortably in the back.

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  Solid ride - 2010 Volvo S40
  By thurstrw - August 17 - 5:40 pm

  Picked up my S40 AWD R5 turbo in Sweden in early January. Have driven it 1200 miles since, through a lot of snow and construction on the autobahns, as well as urban driving in tight European streets. I love the stability of the car; it inspires more confidence than anything else Ive had. Corners very flat. The acceleration is fine with me. Great sound system.

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  Last good Volvo - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Josh - August 17 - 5:23 am

  I have next to no problems with my car. It now has 90k on it and still going strong like Volvos do. I would not buy a new one than a 1999, Ford really wrecked the things Volvo stood for (tank like and indestructible).