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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  Not worth $43000 - 1999 Volvo S80
  By garysabo - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Leased 1999 T6. Its been a reliability problem since 3 miles after taking delivery. 13 un-scheduled service appoints - Check Engine light comes on regularly. Transmission Control Module and Evap Control replaced twice. Most parts not available and require ordering resulting in another visit to Volvo service. Brakes are a nightmare - long play on pedal where nothing happens, then instant grip. Volvo service says this is normal. Remote locking has failed twice. When the lease is up this car goes back to Volvo. Volvo offered $500 off residual to keep the car but residual is $5000 over Edmunds TMV. Volvo knows this car was a problem.

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  My Opinion - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By joezarra07 - May 6 - 7:26 pm

  Previously drove A4 and 9-5 but w/3 kids we needed something more practical. The SUV has traditional good looks that didnt go out of style 3 yrs later. The seats are still very comfortable. The third row seat has not been an issue and wont be unless you have a large teen or an adult in back. Even that is OK for a short ride. However not all is good with this SUV. The AC is nothing short of terrible. The Pirelli tires that came standard didnt make it to 25K. The plastic housing on the driver side craked. The tie rod broke at 42K The CD player no longer works. Lease is up and will look at GL450 X5 MDX.

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  Great Volvo SUV-XC 90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Brutus - May 6 - 12:06 am

  Love this car. Its built like a tank but feels more like a sports car. Comfortable and easy to drive.

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  First Volvo - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Sara_J - May 5 - 3:26 pm

  This is our first Volvo and so far, I couldnt be happier. This is by far the most solid and comfortable car Ive driven. The seats are great, and the doors are bank vault heavy. I got the climate, convenience, BLIS, premium, and booster seats. So far, fuel economy has been just ok, but its actually better than the G35 that I just turned in. It goes without saying that my 3.2L version of the XC60 is not as fun to drive as the Infiniti sedan, but I havent found it to be lacking in power. I get lots of looks and questions; the car is just plain pretty and there arent too many on the road just yet. I drove just about every other crossover out there and think I made the right choice.

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  I love my new C70! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Ozefan - May 4 - 10:46 am

  The four months that it took for my C70 to arrive from Sweden were well worth it! Ive had the car for just over two months now and I absolutely love it. I have the manual, 6-speed. It handles extremely well, and is especially fun on curvy country roads. People stop and watch as the top goes up or down. Fuel economy is better than I expected. Its very comfortable - the bucket seat supports your back and a long road trip is conducted with ease and comfort. And there is genuine room for 2 passengers in the rear seats. Adequate trunk space.

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  Phenomenal Car... - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By RHV - May 3 - 1:16 pm

  How often can one say that spending over $40k for an automobile was a good feeling and/or investment - although the safety of my three under 4 years old is worth $40k - not often. The XC90 is one of these autos. This is my 3rd Volvo, and it is an incredible machine. The XC90 can best be defined in two ways: powerful yet understated or aggressive yet humble...BUY THIS CAR MOM AND DAD!

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  Excellent Choice - 2002 Volvo V70
  By stjean - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2 year old, and safety was the primary reason for selecting a V70. Very comfortable ride, especially on extended trips. Never thought I would every own a station wagon, but a V70 is more than just a station wagon. I never considered any other. Have received a lot of compliments at my choice.

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  My first SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By kentmilani - May 2 - 10:00 am

  We were looking for a safe 7 seat vehicle, comfortable seats, reliable and economical to run. The MDX is only the only other SUV to come close to this descripition. The fuel economy (or lack thereof) has surprised me in the first 800 miles. My Toyota Tundra V8 does better in city and on highway. I have BABIED the XC90s throttle and I get 14 mpg (US gallons)in the city and 20 mpg on highway. Tell me its just during the break-in period?! Dealer tried a few "tricks" when I went to pick it up, but they backed down when I objected. Otherwise, our whole family is very happy, comfortable and safe.

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  Volvo Return Customer - 2005 Volvo S60
  By grserody - April 30 - 12:10 am

  I owned a 2000 Volvo S40 and while I liked the car, it was small and not heavy enough for me on long trips. Since I bought the S60, I have been on 3 trips on interstates and love the way it handles and feels.

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  Sadly were mostly disappointed - 2011 Volvo V50
  By darkknight1999 - April 29 - 12:48 pm

  Well in a little over a year and Im done with this car. The quality is just not there for the money. Things break inside and out. Examples: The plastic cap on the e-brake pops off and is now floating around the car; the rear tow hook bumper plug broke and fell out, so thats now missing; the front seat covers on the back that are roll under and clipped in pop off and are lose. The engine is loud... almost sounds broken. The brakes give off sooooo much dust if you dont wash the wheels twice a week in a month theyll be black. The tires that came stock, out of a list of 30 different tires are number 27... almost the worst you can get. Not exactly Safe+Sound!!! Snow tire are a must!!!