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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  Outstanding Quality - 2004 Volvo V40
  By johnnie - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is extremely comfortable and has an incredible ride. I highly recommend it for singles, married couples, and couples with young children, as the rear seating area (leg room)is a little snug.

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  My scud missile - 2004 Volvo S60
  By arod - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I love it! Now I know why they say Volvo for life.

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  The best car that I could find for ~$30k - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Straightnochaser - July 31 - 10:00 am

  One of the smartest buys in my life. I bought it for my mother that I respect and love so much. I searched & researched hard for the best car available in terms of style, performance, safety, luxury and build reputation. Volvo IS it, my friend, and there is no doubt about it. Look forward many years to see what Volvo is really made of.

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  Love Ruby - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By SRado3 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great Car!!! Would buy it again!

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  My Favorite Volvo Yet - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By leslie logan - July 31 - 12:56 am

  This is my 6th Volvo in 35 years. I do look at other cars but I always end up purchasing another Volvo. This one is the best ever. It is every bit as comfortable as my last car, a 2001 S80. The turning radius is better than the S80 which makes it easy to park even in tight spaces. I did not get the third row of seats and Im so glad. The "trunk" space is large and so well designed. I use the pop-up area for transporting anything that could tip over. It is my favorite feature. I also love the solid feel of this heavy car. The safety features are outstanding and thats really why I ultimately decided on this car but it has it all. I also think it is the best looking SUV on the road!

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  YAH HOOOOO! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By micheemoo - July 31 - 12:53 am

  This is one hell of ride! Dont let the old Volvo brand name fool you, this car will smoke quite a few vehicles on the road! It is solid, comfortable, stylish, safe and FAST! I really quite love this car, but then again, I have a thing for swedish cars! I was looking to replace my third saab, I test drove all the cars in XC 60s class, the lexus, the audi, the benz, the beamer, I even contemplated the 3.2 litre XC 60, but then I drove the 3.0 litre T6.....Woah! SOLD! I never turned back after that test drive! This car is luxurious, beautiful leather seats, best in class, feels solid, tight drive, just stellar car to move your caboose! I LOVE the power and the feeling is swanky but elegant!

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  Mountain Performance Vehicle - 2011 Volvo XC70
  By J jennings - July 28 - 3:01 pm

  High Performance Turbo enhances MPG and Smiles Per Mile. Volvos 2011 T6 engine makes it fun, fast and efficient.

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  Pleasure to drive - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Huck Finn - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I admit that at first I was hesistant to buy the S80. I had friends with the first model year 99 that had nothing but trouble. My experience has been just the opposite. The car has performed beyond my expectations. Comfort and pleasurable drive. Passengers have always commented on the comfort in the back. Surprising acceleration for such a large vehicle. No maintenance issues at all. I am quite please with my choice and look forward to future offerings....a few years from now.

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  best buy in the luxury entry level class - 2006 Volvo S40
  By joseph from rockford - July 27 - 8:16 am

  i was looking for a 4 door sedan for my wife. we looked at the 3 series bmw (too pricey when options are added in) the audi A4 (wife hated the styling) and the C class mercedes (my choice, but it wasnt for me) we(she) choose the volvo for its safty features. i wound up buying it because comparably equipped it was several thousands less that its german counterparts. the drivers seat with its 12 way power and lumbar support is more comfortable than most family room recliners. it has all the bells and whistles to keep the conversation going at the country club. and its a good looking car. complaints? maybe the faux wood. but the dealer we bought from was first class. would buy again.

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  Another Volvo Success Story - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By David - July 27 - 3:26 am

  I have driven many SUVs including Land Rover, Explorer, Isuzu, and GMC - but for the value - this Volvo is the best. It turns heads and starts conversations, looks aggressive, and yet is super comfortable inside with all the creature features you could want. My only wish - better mileage - but it still beats the LR and Explorer in that department.