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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  Buckeye Bobs Black Beauty - 2001 Volvo S60
  By BuckeyeBob - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I had owned a BMW525 for eight years. My wife had a 740 wagon and V70 R. So I thought I mightspend my money where it would come back to America (Ford owns Volvo)Although very peppy vs. the BMW, the turning radius isnt that tight. Im over 6 feet tall, so I never have even small children in the back seat and expect a comfortable long ride. Dealer service is Poor in Dayton, Ohio, so even though car in warrantee I pay mechanic to do service. Volvo on demand roadside assistance is average at best, both times were a dissapointing experience.I love to drive this car on a long highway drive. The upgraded sound system was worth the $s.

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  Best - 2002 Volvo S60
  By BIG WILL - February 6 - 5:46 am

  This car is exceptional on every level. The fuel economy is great, the ride and feel is super, the seats are very comfortable, and the price is excellent in comparison to the other"high line vehicles" in the market.

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  Love it! - 1998 Volvo V70
  By charming - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted one and finally I got one. I absolutely love it! There are a few things that I dont care for. The cup holders suck and the rattling I could do without. It also drives a little bumpy but other than that heaven. A buddy of mine even took it off roading out in the sticks and it did surprising fabulous.

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  Safety First Performance First - 2003 Volvo S40
  By PenguinPete - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is real good for the price it cant be beat the 03s are now going for around 21-22K fully equipped with premium and climate packages. Its a well made automobile thats FUN to drive. I just wish it had a little more room in the rear I guess thats what the S60 is for but 4 fit fine for a 2 hr trip. Any more I dont know Im never out of the drivers seat.

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  Overall, best value - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Dez - February 4 - 8:20 pm

  Overall, I would rate this car as having exceptional value for its age. Bought a year and a half ago, at 125000+ miles she is still going strong mechanically and electronically, and still looks like she just left the dealership. I have had offers to trade/sell for a new Volvo because the demand for used S70s is high (great car to pass to the kids). The only issues have been the oil system, which needed repair once one month after purchase because of insufficient oil flow to the cams, and replacement of the coolant resivoir. Repairs were due to normal wear/age, and not derived from poor build quality. Quick and smooth performance, intuitive interior layout, and timeless design.

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  Performance and Comfort/Reliability? - 2008 Volvo S80
  By darryl greer - February 3 - 6:36 pm

  Ive leased 12 cars in 20 years, including the original S80 (1999), which did not prove to be very reliable. After examining Infiniti, BMW, and Audi, I leased the 2008T6. It is extemely comfortable, and quiet.The engine performs on par with our Jaguar XJ8. The transmission is smooth, as is braking. However,compared to cars in this class, there is a slight tradeoff in handling, if driving agressively; and gas mileage could improve (averaging 18 in mixed driving). The interior is elegant in its simpicity, but the rear seat has been downsized. Unfortunately, after 1500 miles I had to return to the dealer with an airbag fault, which was quickly repaired (faulty software).Overall, very satisfied.

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  Sweet Ride - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Sweet Ride - February 2 - 4:56 pm

  Since I purchased the wagon 45 days ago, I have put 3,000 miles on with no problems. The wagon runs smooth and quiet with power when needed. This is the first V8 I have purchased so I had to get used to the reduced gas mileage. There should be no expectations for great gas mileage with a 5,000 pound vehicle. Design, fit and finish are unmatched. This is my 3rd Volvo I have purchased. If the design and quality continue, I can see myself hooked for life.

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  My first Volvo - 2008 Volvo S60
  By Central Florida - February 2 - 7:20 am

  Ive had my Volvo 10 months and love it! I traded in my SUV in order to save on gas. I have not had any problems and I get better gas mileage than I thought I would --- about 35 Hwy as long as I drive 69mph. Very very happy overall!

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  Stay away! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Lemon - February 1 - 6:43 pm

  We purchased this car one year ago with 61k miles and have had nothing but problems. It has left me stranded 5 times in the past four months! Very very comfortable to wait for the tow truck in. Every time we get in this car something goes wrong. We are aware of at least $5000 (no exaggerating!) worth of problems with this car. Absolutely the worst car Ive ever owned. We purchased a Volvo for safety and reliability...but stalling at 70mph on the highway with two small children in the dark negates any safety features of this tank. Stay away! We take delivery on our next car (not a Volvo!) tomorrow. Cant wait to get rid of this bomb!

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  very good - 2004 Volvo S60
  By mobada - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I love the car over my 2000S40. Bigger, more responsive, roomier,luxurious. Car key is too big and keeps falling off key chain. Should go back to key and separate piece for alarm, etc. Bose sound system would be nice but sound system is great. Needs trunk release that opens trunk.