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 very good car to Consider - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By David Yanik - July 4 - 8:50 am

  I have owned this car for 8 months and have enjoyed it immensely. It rides well, it handles well and is very flexible. I drive it long distances and find myself well rested. The view is great and it holds the road well. The down sides are the mileage is not great. Also, here in Europe, it is sometimes difficult to park in the tiny spaces, but still a winner to me.

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2004 Volvo S60
  By righteoustraveler - July 4 - 6:03 am

  I have had my S60R for 4 months and cannot recommend it more enthusiastically! Aesthetically the body and interior project the perfect balance of elegance, sex appeal, and virility without the pretentious vibe of the BMW & Mercedes crowd. In my opinion the R gives you the most versatility and value on the market. First of all its a limited edition vehicle(only about 4000 or so in US) which can only bolster resale value. Second, the combination of safety, performance, and price(got mine for 35,600) is second to none. Third, the versatility is addictive. This is the only vehicle on the market with the ability to choose from three different suspensions, thats like owning 3 different cars!

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  Update to an earlier review - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By an update - July 3 - 3:26 pm

  I loved the car. At first. Then it broke. A lot. Eventually even Volvo gave up and gave me my money back after 15 months. I really did like driving the car when I could. But it was a lemon.

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  Exceptional Performance Value - 2004 Volvo S60
  By strike eagle - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Volvo spent a lot of money developing this car and it shows. I looked at BMW M3 and Audi S4, they may be a few ticks faster than the Volvo but not by much and the Volvo is a lot less money and cheaper to insure This is my third Turbo engine car, first was a 78 Buick LeSabre V6 Turbo (165 Hp), then a 83 Ford Thunderbird 2.3l turbo(140 hp). Nothing like this one! Exceptional throttle response handling and driver comfort,

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  Nit picking - 2004 Volvo V70
  By usmcrg - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This car has the turning radius ofthe Queen Mary. Also there should be a warning BEFORE the purchase that winter tires are necessary, a $700 surprise. The dash clock is difficult to read in most day light hours. The door lock system does not differentaite locking from unlocking. But great handling and performance in sheeps clothing.

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  Nice car - 2004 Volvo S80
  By hombredeplata - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my second T6. The first was a 2000 that I leased. I am buying the 2004. I have found many subtle improvements. Car continues to feel substantial. I drive almost 100 freeway miles daily. Feel safe. Good handling. Great look.

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  Excellent Machine - But Rattles - 1996 Volvo 850
  By TJG - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We really like this car. Speed. comfort. Reliability (exepct electrical, and ABS computer @ $850). But the dash has a rattle that absolutely drives you crazy. Two dealers couldnt find it.

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  Volvos rock - 2002 Volvo S80
  By volvo babe - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall I love this car, and I am very happy that they came out with the matching trim.

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  Nice Car - 2010 Volvo XC70
  By js - June 29 - 3:03 am

  Bought my XC70 a few weeks ago. Overall very happy with the car, smooth drive, lots of space, good safety features, clean and simple interior design, very comfortable seats and excellent visibility. Handles very well. My only criticism is the less than impressive fuel economy. Base engine is also a little sluggish at the lower end. Seems to perform much better when higher octane fuel is used. Solid family car.

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  Very Comfortable - 2008 Volvo S80
  By Matt Bernsen - June 28 - 10:46 am

  I am very impressed with this car. Its the most comfortable car Ive ever driven (most recent cars were Passat & Murano). Very elegant, simplistic interior, eye-catching exterior and solid construction. My only complaint so far is the fuel consumption (20 mpg avg - high for a V6)