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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  Dont get the BLIS! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Matt - April 23 - 10:00 am

  First Volvo Ive ever owned. Tested multiple vehicles in this class and the Volvo was the best deal. Pretty much satisfied with the whole vehicle except the optional BLIS. Since I picked up the car Ive been getting multiple BLIS "false indications" on the drivers side. Took it to the dealership and they duplicated the problem but Volvo didnt authorize repair, called it normal operation. Have had multiple e-mail exchanges with Volvo customer service and there response has been, its an "information system" and not a "safety system", it will give off "false indications" under certain driving conditions, which must be most of my driving conditions since its always coming on. Very frustrating!

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  Best money I ever spent on a used car! - 2000 Volvo V70
  By edanstrekal@live.com - April 22 - 6:35 am

  Ive owned quite a few used cars. I was always attached to unique or freaky cars--old Volkswagens, Cadillacs, 1980s Audis, and more recently Saabs. I always wanted a Volvo wagon because I thought they looked cool and Id heard excellent things about reliability of the 2.4L 5 cylinder engine. I was a little hesitant about the electrical system as it seems all European vehicles have electrical issues, some more so than others. With that being said, this is by far one of the finest vehicles I have ever owned (and I only paid $2500)! I bought it from the second owner with nearly 190K miles on it. The former owner provided me with all the maintenance records from the time it was new. In the last couple of years, he himself had addressed many of the preventative maintenance issues including timing belt, brakes, shocks, and radiator. The only issues were the lock on the tailgate doesnt work with the central locking system and there is a bulb burned out behind the odometer. Since Ive owned it, Ive just kept the oil changed, tires rotated, and replaced the plugs and air filter when necessary. Ive had a few issues with the check engine light coming on now and then, but Ive just cleaned the MAF and throttle body thoroughly and that seems to have fixed it now for other a year! The wagon is very utilitarian. I can carry all kinds of things in the back, bikes, dressers, tables, almost anything within reason. The heating and cooling are much better than expected, and the acceleration for being a non-turbo isnt half bad. Its not a hotrod, but it has the power to go up and down over the Sierra Nevada mountains, which I often do. The seats are some of the most comfortable Ive ever experienced. It is almost nice returning to my Volvo after having a rental car. As far as gas mileage is concerned I average about 20.8 around town, and on long trips I can usually manage over 30. Thats not half bad for a car this size and weight. Although it rattles, and it isnt the smoothest ride, it handles well, always starts up, and just keeps on going at 195K miles now. A great bang for your buck, and since its old I really dont care what happens to it.

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  Dependable car - 2005 Volvo V70
  By Vince - April 20 - 5:33 am

  We have an 03 V70 and liked it so much that we bought the 05. Car is solid, comfortable, and dependable. Normal services and no real problems yet through 62K miles. Does have electrical snafus -- at times the fuel gauge doesnt register fuel remaining, and when cold, the MPG and fuel remaining readings arbitrarily change between the 4 or so displays available. Wide turning radius on the 17" wheels -- larger than the 03 with 16" wheels. Smooth & light steering, but bumpier ride than the 03 due to the 225/45R17 tires I suppose. Engine is responsive and turbo gets car up to freeway speed quickly. Original Pirellis still on -- probably replace at 70K.

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  Swedish delight, a real drivers car - 1998 Volvo S70
  By actorboy - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Have owned Volvos and Saabs for 25 years, this is one of the best. Totally dependable, starts at 25 below (we live in Minnesota) turbo 5 cylinder is fast and fun, 26 mpg all day at 75-80 with regular, best seats in the industry, great sound system, still as tight as the day we bought it. Got 83000 on it, cant get rid of it because I cant find anything as good that doesnt cost me 40 thousand. Have to replace a few bulbs, big deal. The ABS computer went out at 75000, a bit expensive. Station wagon version of this car saved my life in a collision 10 years ago, confident this one would today.

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  Best in Class - 2004 Volvo C70
  By pbgeneraluse - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Tested Audi A4, BMW, Saab; Easily picked C70. All are stylish cars, but C70 is more elegant, classy; a head turning auto. Its the most spacious-comfortable of the 4; has most features-including safety. C70 is a dream to drive. My trip to work seems cut in half. Handling is perfect for normal driving and more than any adult would need. Rear window is smaller than a Sebring, which does not have an auto-boot, but larger than the Saab. Not the acceleration of the BMW, but how often do you really need to jam the gas? Love the solid sound when I close the door. Will last 20 years, still look great, and still feel like it "fits" a mature adult.

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  Great for all - 2002 Volvo S60
  By golferaz - April 19 - 12:21 am

  I bought an s60 in November of 2010. Its the t5, 5 speed automatic. I am absolutely in love with this vehicle. I bought it with 127k miles on it in Arizona, its been driven around there and then across the country to Arizona. Most people would be hesitant to drive a car with 140k miles on it another 2000 miles, across unfamiliar ground, but the car did great. Great range, averaged around 29 mpg on the trip. Great sound system, comfortable, handy on board computer system to check information. I did put W rated tires on it about a year ago (speed tires), and I noticed that the cornering and stability increased ten fold. A bit expensive for parts, but you pay for quality. Great for all

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  This is One Nice Vehicle!!! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Don - April 18 - 12:23 pm

  Volvo really did a nice job on the XC90. Our is two weeks old now with over 1000 miles and we continue to be impressed. The interior layout is outstanding. All the controls are easily reachable and understandable. Ride is very smooth with good acceleration. Gas mileage could be better though. We got the Rear Seat DVD system and it is just amazing. For a family with kids in the 11-17 range, it really keeps the noise down in the back. We compared against the Cadillac SRX, Chrylser Pacifica and Ford Freestyle. The XC90 blew them all away in quality, comfort and features. Its an excellent vehicle that I hope to enjoy for many years.

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  A niche, but if you fit, this is the car - 2008 Volvo C30
  By CarDude - April 17 - 5:56 am

  I wanted something fun, but not one of the Racer Boy cars. I have kids, but Im more likely to be alone and take the wifes VW Passat with the family. This car just FIT. Excellent fuel economy, power when you want it, and space to take things. Can even tow or mount stuff on the roof if needed. Interior is very unique. Some buttons take some getting used to, but overall a really nice stylish design. I like the two rear seats as they didnt try to squeeze in 3. Access with manual seats is great. Comfort is good as long as you put the short people in back. Volvo seats just seem to fit really nice for the long haul. Even the carpet in the back doesnt seem to be a dog hair magnet.

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  Great on the Autobahn - 2002 Volvo S60
  By driving in Europe - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The car is great on the Autobahn, it is capable of diving 230kmph or approximately 130 mph all day long. When you do so forget about good MPG, however up to 100mph you can still get 20MPG. I have driven this car all around europe and bought it over the 3 and 5 series BMW, which says alot since my wife is German. I did drive the T5, which was nice but decided the 2.4T was a good compromise and could drive as fast and handled as wel as the T5. Note it drove as fast based on the goverened top speed, the T5 will get you to 230kmph faster.

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  Not bad - 1997 Volvo 960
  By Ian - April 15 - 6:15 am

  This was my first car I recieved for a graduation present in 2008. it had over 100,00 miles on in then. It lasted about 5 more years. Sunroof leaked when it rained. it would all pool up and then you when you made a turn all of it would drip on you at once. Inside parts did start falling off, all the cloth on the roof finally came off. I used the cheapest gas on it and didnt take the greatest care of it. Seat controls stopped working so I was stuck at one position forever My alternator broke near the ned and I had to replace that. Then at about 180,000 miles the engine and battery started having issues. It couldnt keep charged. It would drive sometimes but would randomly turn off. The radio wasnt the greatest. The sunroof was nice. I would say its a slightly above average car.