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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  Pleasantly suprised - 2008 Volvo S80
  By Smith - February 13 - 3:33 pm

  We also own an 04 XC 70 and I do not like driving it so I was pleasantly suprised by the S80 and the different feel it had in comparison. It has great styling and it is nice to drive. The interior is quiet and the sound system is good. The engine could use a little more go, as we never test drove the 8 cyl or turbo but would recommend doing so. It is economical for gas (why we chose the 6 cyl) and love the AWD.

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  Mikey Likes It - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Jerry Blum - February 12 - 11:53 pm

  This is a conv. not a sports car. Owned with this in mind, it is a nice vehicle--no cowl shake, peppy, comfortable seats, great exhaust note, gets lot of positive comments from bystanders, fuctional interior & controls.

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  Great Alternative to Oversized SUV - 1999 Volvo V70
  By newVolvoLVR - February 12 - 12:43 am

  Great alternative to Hefty SUV, this car provides reasoning to buying a car for hauling purposes. Design is classic. If you are in the market for safety, look no further. A wonderful starter car if you have never owned a Volvo. Volvo for life.

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  S-40 2.4i - 2005 Volvo S40
  By fred ehmann - February 11 - 12:06 pm

  This is a solid car that will please those looking more for quiet, comfort, and reliability rather than punchy performance. The motor is willing--just not exciting. However, 30 mpg is the payoff for what you give up in thrills. In 2+ years and 35,000 miles Ive not had a single repair and am on original tires and brakes. Not bad!

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  Happy after 4 years/70K miles - 2007 Volvo V50
  By sheltonsheltie - February 10 - 2:50 am

  This car has been fantastic! Its a lease and Im seriously considering keeping it. Have had NO problems with this car. Its been great in snow (AWD T5 Automatic is the version I have). It is sturdy, solid, and still has decent pick-up considering. The MPG is as stated. I drive in a lot of bumper to bumper / slow highway commuting traffic and get about 20 MPG.

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  best everyday road car on the market - 2002 Volvo S60
  By future driving - February 8 - 10:00 am

  You can drive this car slow, fast in bad weather, and its such a joy. Always get out of the car smiling. I had this car over 110mph just crusing and it changes lanes with exceptional road feel. Ill drive slow and just enjoy the excellent sound system and living room like seats. This Car handles great in bad weather for all you BMW or rear wheel lovers.

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  Volvo For Life - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Flash Turner - February 5 - 11:56 am

  Volvo got it right when they built the 1996 volvo 850 turbo platium edition. Comfort, reliability, safety and passenger experience are all awesome. The engine is so good that Volvo is putting it in its new 2008 C30--rock-solid engineering. Dont know why Volvo didnt put the T-5 (with 218 horses) in the S80 or why didnt they put the R S-60 engine in the S80. All I know is when Volvo built the 850 Turbo they built a legend. The 1996 850 R are still selling for a lot of money.

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  The Truth about the 2001 Volvo V70XC! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By brent g - February 5 - 1:36 am

  I bought this car in 2003 and the transmission was replaced under warranty. I was told by a tech that all the 2001s had a software problem that if it wasnt fixed in time would cause permanent damage. Over the history of this car the throttlebody, radiator & fan, sensors and mounts were all replaced under warranty. Make sure these repairs are done or that you have a warranty! I currently have 120k miles on the car and running well. I was recently hit (drvrs frnt) by a teen boy who ran a red light but slowed to about 20mph. My wife and 3 kids were in the car. The damage to the car was literally unidentifiable except for a slight hood adj that was made in a few minutes. What more can I say.

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  Great family car and fun to drive too - 2004 Volvo S80
  By Prepsel - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I use to own a 2001 S80 and loved that car after putting 60,000 miles on it. After stepping into the 2004 S80, I love this car even more, there have been many changes made since 2001 and all for the better.

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  Happy with my S70 - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Volvo devotee - February 3 - 8:10 am

  This is my third Volvo, and by far the best. I had my life saved by my first Volvo and will remain brand loyal. The car still looks brand new when washed and waxed - also the interior still has the new car smell. Problems have been minor, ABS had to be repaired, check engine light comes on sometimes, but overall I am very happy with the car and the peace of mind knowing that I can live through a serious collision.