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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  02 2.4 ASR in WDC - 2002 Volvo V70
  By KKC&JLC - July 8 - 3:30 am

  Wifes car - has 25K miles. Bought new in early 03 before baby arrived (needed safer vehicle w/more cargo space); got great deal w/yr end clearance - chose over preowned 01 V70 for same price, 13K miles, & less options. Premium & Touring packages - Leather, sunroof, 16"alloys, 3rd seat, laminated glass . . . great car overall. Looks like the NHTSA finally crash tested the V70 for frontal and side impacts - 5 stars all the way around! Only problem thus far has been a burned out power lock motor in rear door (under warranty) and a burned out headlight (replaced myself). Will look at an XC90 next for more space . . . but will wait until the bugs are worked out from the first few yr

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  Best of the three! - 2010 Volvo S80
  By brianluigi - July 7 - 4:32 pm

  i work with a us volvo dealer as a tech and i have to say the S80 with the V8 is my favorite! amazing design with the engine. today i reached 130 in seconds while taking a curve. this car deserves its rightful place next to any mercedes benz or audi. its classy, makes you feel like you own your city inside, and when you see a speeder you can pass them with ease. the only thing i dont like about this car is that its a little too quick. It makes me want to run from the cops when they try to pull me over for speeding.

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  Superb car - 2012 Volvo S60
  By owlieono - July 7 - 6:47 am

  My wife and I are long-time BMW owners, and we love those cars. We compared the T5 to a new BMW 3-series, and the T5 won hands-down. It is simply more car for less money. Excellent pickup on the freeway, deft steering, nimble handling. Before buying we also test drove the T6, which was AWESOME, but more car than we needed. The T5 is so much fun to drive and so well-built that I have a feeling our enthusiasm will last long after our last car payment. If you are considering a BMW, Lexus, or the like, you MUST test drive this car. Gone are the days of the stodgy Volvo. This car positively rocks!

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  Impressed with C70 - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Mike S - July 5 - 11:20 am

  I could not be more satisfied with my new 2008 C70 convertible. As an owner of a 2000 C70, bought new and driven over 100k miles, I initially though I would select something different. I shopped the competition for convertibles and test drove many below and above the C70s price point. I concluded the C70 was clearly the best value for me based on quality, style, and fuel efficiency. The C70 is not inexpensive, but the more expensive 328i and CLK350 could not justify their higher prices. I have now driven the car for two months. All my expectations have been satisfied. Great qulaity and value.

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  First Volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By rooster94 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought our First Volvo. got 4350 off MSRP of 33500...maybe could have done better, but seemed like a lot of car for under 30k. We are very pleased with the dealer, price, and performance of the car.

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  Silky Smooth Swedish Thing!! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By John M. - June 29 - 2:43 pm

  If this car were a woman, it would be the one youd never forget. Maybe it has a few quirks, maybe the turning radius is slim, maybe controls arent instantly intuitive. But the S60 has a silky smoothness everywhere your hands touch. And the T5 is more than just a pretty face. Theres something about a very comfortable driving position with a huge amount of power underfoot and silky smooth controls at your fingertips that make this Volvo an unforgettable experience. Granted, Ive only had mine for four months and 5K mi., so my impressions might be premature. But I almost always opt for driving the T5 over my BMW X5 when I have the chance. It just feels better.

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  Best Volvo So Far - 2000 Volvo V70
  By volvofanatic - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Volvo Wagon and it is by far the best I have ever owned. This one is a keeper. Great versatility and aggressive looks make this vehicle capable of getting second looks.

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  Safety with style - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By comp - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding daily driver. Easy to navigate in city traffic. Lots of power when needed. Very comfortable on long trips. Excellent gas mileage.

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  Great car, even with a few flaws! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Matt - June 29 - 12:53 am

  I absolutely love this car! I fell in love with it as soon as I took it out for the test drive. Sharp looking and gets lots of attention. I really only have 2 issues with the car. First, city mileage isnt what I expected it to be. I do almost all of my driving in-city and find myself at the gas pump more than I expected. Second, the rear brakes have started to squeal when backing up, and the problem seems to be a mystery. Ive had the car in twice (with a 3rd looming). Ive done some checking online and found my problem, while not widespread, is not unique to my car either (no solution IDd). Its a frustrating issue that I shouldnt be dealing with on a car 4200 miles in.

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  Nice mix of sport and luxury - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Ken K. - June 27 - 5:23 am

  I bought the 2.5T and splurged for the sport, luxury and comfort packages to get the 17" wheels and leather as well as other feature. The car looks great (metallic black and tan leather with wood appointments) accelerates quite well and is extremely comfortable for longer commutes. I was looking at the Infiniti G35, but I was able to negotiate a much better deal at Volvo and was surprised that the Volvo was only marginally slower with better looks and comfort. I was surprised to learn that you can use regular unleaded in the S60. The only sour point is the turning circle is on the poor side, especially noticeable when parking. Overall I love this car.