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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  Awesome Car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By JMc - October 2 - 8:56 am

  I purchased this car with every bell and whistle available. I got the 6- speed manual transmission, and the car drives very sporty. With the exception of the initial smell from the vents, I love everything about this car! The car handles great and is comfortable. I average about 23 mpg. With the rear split seat folded down, I can fit 3 people and 3 sets of golf clubs. Other than routine maintenance and a few recalls, the vehicle has not been to the shop.

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  Review of Volvo V50 T5 AWD automatic - 2005 Volvo V50
  By firsttimevolvoowner - October 2 - 8:40 am

  Overall, I am pleased with this car and would recommend it to others. However, there are both pros and cons. Let me list them and you can decide for yourself. 1) The sports-tuned suspension on the T5 AWD is a bit harsh/jarring over bumps. I test drove the FWD version and did not notice this. 2) mild vibration from passenger side seat over bumps. Not noticed when someone is sitting in the seat. 3) narrow/deep glove box and small door pockets.

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  2007 Volvo XC90 - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Kelsea - September 29 - 2:16 pm

  I first drove this SUV with my dad, and I fell in love with it. I was so amazed by its performance and all the features. Its my third new car and the Volvo SUV by far is the best. If you arent looking for fantastic gas mileage then this is the car for you. Its almost like being in a day spa, I have heated seats in mine and its so nice in the winter time.

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  First time volvo owner - 2004 Volvo S60
  By popec - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Very impressed with the smoothness of the ride. Has great pick up and really moves when you step on the gas. Turbo lag is something that I had to get used to, but does not affect the driving experience.

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  Great XC again - 2009 Volvo XC70
  By Art Faul - September 27 - 11:43 am

  This is my fourth XC70 -- I current;y own one in the US and lease another in Europe. I have previously owned a 1999 (which had problems) and a 2001 XC70 which I picked up in Sweden on Volvos Tourist program. Contrary to the other review here, I am delighted with my new XC70. It is a solid comfortable ride. I did change the tires from the Continentals it came with to Bridgestones. Its a great addition to the lineup.. I do wish it had the Four C suspension. I got misled by the dealer about that.

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  bragging rights- great performance - 2004 Volvo S40
  By greatpurchase - September 26 - 10:00 am

  From the moment I test drove this car I loved it. The acceleration blew me away, not to mention the handling. I drove off the lot 2 hours later. 0-60 in a blink of an eye..I leave the competition in the dust. Handling, finish, reliability. My Favorite features are the rain drop/auto wipe feature,heated seats,audio system. Volvo got it right on this one.

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  worked it out - 2011 Volvo S80
  By Earl goldberg - September 26 - 10:00 am

  great car , quiet safe roomy

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  Driving Pleasure - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Ric - September 24 - 8:56 pm

  I purchased this car used, with only 2070 miles on it! The car is a pleasure to drive, very sporty looking, and gets great gas mileage (32.3 MPG highway. The quality of the build is typical Volvo, everything fits as it should, and solid as a rock.

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  My favorite car - 2010 Volvo S80
  By jm1955 - September 23 - 5:57 am

  My first Volvo was an XC90. While being serviced I was given a 2010 S80 loaner. I purchased one 3 months later. I had wanted the V8, but they were in short supply and being discontinued. The turbo was a great second choice. I have the sport suspension and most bells and whistles. Most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. All my passengers comment on the comfort, ride and appearance of the car. Great simple design cabin with easy controls. This car is fast! I rarely get beat off the line by all the higher end sports sedans. This car is a well kept secret. Ssshh! Dont tell many others, I like being different.

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  great car - 2004 Volvo S40
  By ZETA - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THE CAR. VERY FUN TO DRIVE. SMALL BUT COMFORTABLE. HOWEVER, NOT RECOMENDED FOR PEOPLE OVER 6 FOOT 4.