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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  More Than Fair Value - 2008 Volvo S40
  By Happy Pittsburgher - March 23 - 6:00 pm

  I narrowed onto this model as the best dollar value to replace one of our cars. While it does not have neck snaping acceleration, it is far from underpowered and it will snap your neck while cornering. Mileage on secondary roads is great, city is real good and highway if fantastic. Little negatives: no inside trunk relase or on the key fob and the doors do not automatically unlock when the key is removed.

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  Just purchased this vehicle and I love i - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Cthimes - March 19 - 3:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after reviewing several others including the V6 Mustang convertible. I am pleased with the quality and luxury of the design. The nav system is relatively simple and intuitive. The audio system is excellent. The aggressive ability of the acceleration is wonderful.

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  New Volvo SUV Exceeds Expectations - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By 2005 Volvo XC 90 - March 18 - 10:43 pm

  In 2002 I bought a new Volvo V70 CC wagon, which I loved but missed the kingly height of an SUV. In April I gave the car to my college-aged nephew and bought a 2005 XC90 T6 for myself. My new SUV now has 8000 miles and has only surpassed my expectations in function and handling. Some drivers/reviewers have dissed the programming commands on Volvos audio and navigation systems. I dont know what they are talking about, but Id tell them this: Practice makes perfect. Once mastered both systems are easy to operate, and operate like a dream. The navigation system, AKA "Inga," is so handy and reliable I now cant imagine driving without it. Overall my new XC90 is not just good, its spectacular

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  Its all good - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dwyercc - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive, and is one of the best looking cars on the road today. The only thing I do not like is the lack of driver headroom...and I am short. I cannot imagine if I was a large person fitting into the Volvo XC90. Aside from a few minor noises we have had no problems at all. We ordered our car, and got a free trip to Sweden to pick it up. What a kick. That alone made buying the car worth it. You need to be patient though because it takes an extra three months to have the car shipped back to the states after picking it up in Europe.

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  It does have some issues, but not bad - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Oklahoma - March 16 - 2:40 pm

  This car is very pleasant to drive, people compliment its looks all the time, and I feel safe in it. There have been annoying minor problems but the dealers have been gracious about replacements of parts w/warranty. Minor light bulbs, the mechanical cupholder, and the fuel door have all had to be replaced. Im careful about maintenance, Mobil 1 every 4000 miles. It has hauled furniture and teenagers with room to spare, and is excellent for long road trips.

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  Unbeatable Value - 2005 Volvo S40
  By AZDriver - March 11 - 8:20 pm

  I just got one of the last 2004.5s at a discount of nearly $6,000. I got the 2.4i fully loaded, with nearly every option for $23,400. Ive been researching cars now for the last 6 months and have test driven numerous competitors such as the new Subaru Legacy, Mazda 3S, Audi A4, and Acura RSX. The S40i drives better than all of them...not quite as fast as the Audi or Acura, but a smoother more comfortable drive. It blows the Subaru and Mazda out of the water although the Subie was much nicer than the Mazda. Great dealership experience. This is my 3rd Volvo and I keep buying them for a reason...they are truly great cars. I just hope their quality doesnt decrease now that theyre Ford.

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  Best car of the world - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Frederick - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I just cant say more then now, its a beautiful car, seriously!!!

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  Best car of the world - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By frederick - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I just cant say more then now, its a beautiful car, seriously!!!

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  Fun to drive and affordable - 2009 Volvo S80
  By Mike M - March 9 - 3:13 pm

  I have convenience and comfort packages with bixenon swivel headlights. The car drives much better than I thought over windy roads, especially using the flawless Geartronic transmission aggressively. DTSC keeps the car tight to the road and comfort level is awesome. I had compared the S80 to Audi A4 Prestige model and it was less expensive. Audi A6 is actually the comparable car but way more expensive! Control panel with buttons is more intuitive than the I- drive on German sedans. MPG is as advertized--23 MPG pure highway and 17- 19 mixed depending on driving conditions.

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  Love it! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Michael S. - March 7 - 9:16 pm

  OK, so I dont drive much. I work from home, so I do mostly short trips with an occasional 30 mile highway drive. That said, I love my S40. Great pickup on the highway when I need it (80 without even trying), OK gas mileage around town. I have the premium sound and moonroof. Loved the moonroof before we hit rainy season here in Miami, and the sound system is like being in a concert hall. Not many S40s on the road here, so its nice having a somehwat unique car. Extremely pleased so far (even though I havent even broken 1,000 miles yet).