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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  Great Car for the Price - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Siddiqui - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I have bought this car 2 weeks ago, and I love it, This car is quick.With Ford Xplan and $4500 incenticve it is a true bargain, I am waiting to see how it handles in the winter, I opted for sports and climate package with Moonroof. I have read people have some problems in 2000 and 2001 models but i think there are all fixed in 2003. I have checked A4 and VW Passat but they were too pricey as compared to S40.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By chippy - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my old Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Volvo. The Volvo has many more amenities and features; it is comparable in seating space and has more cargo space. The stowable 6th and 7th seat is quite a plus.

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  Great Value - Great Safety Features - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By David - January 15 - 1:20 am

  Traded in a 13 Ford Escape Titanium for a 18 XC90 Momentum with the Momentum Plus and Convenience Packages. Very happy with purchase after 2,200 miles and 8 weeks. Wrestled with decision - final competitor was the Q-7. Volvo won my business based upon the features offered, safety rating, outstanding active bending LED high beam headlights and PRICE! Q-7 was/is a fantastic vehicle - but feature for feature the Q-7 is just more expensive and I couldnt justify the additional cost of $3,000 to $5,000. On top of this good pricing we got an additional $3,000 Conquest Award due to owning a Mercedes Benz! I liked that the Volvo has a spare tire in it vs. run flats on the Q-7. The park assist on the Volvo (parallel & perpendicular) is something that Audi didnt offer. Huge sunroof in the Volvo came in the Momentum but was an upcharge in the Q-7. Styling (inside and out) of the XC90 is very striking (in a positive way). Decent base sound system. Seats - very comfortable ... and I like the seating position as well ... good visibility. 2nd row seating is generous and comfortable with plenty of room for big feet. The 3rd row is handy - certainly not something for full-size adults for anything longer than a local trip - but reasonably comfortable for smaller adults and the younger generation. Good overall cargo capacity. Comes with roof rack too. The trailer hitch is cleverly concealed to give the rear of the vehicle a nice finished look. We have the 21" wheels with Pirelli tires - and while the ride is no doubt a little stiffer - I dont find it objectionable - I like the looks of the larger wheel. The 4 cylinder definitely has 6 cylinder performance - and inside the vehicle it also sounds like a 6 to me - not sure if Volvo has intervened to make the engine sound more robust when inside the cabin. Outside it sounds like a 4. My wife was able to lock her key in the car - something that shouldnt be able to occur. Youll need to devote some time to read the manual to learn all features of the electronics and safely features - but its well worth the time spent. Needs more USB ports. Could use a sunglass holder in the overhead area. Only time will tell regarding quality. Overall both my wife and I are pleased with the XC90. I never thought Id consider a Volvo - but trying to be objective I drove 8 to 10 different mid-sized SUVs including the XC90 - and I was impressed. MPG has been slowly improving.

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  my first volvo - 2006 Volvo V50
  By timmy - January 14 - 12:16 pm

  i need a station wagon, dont like those family vans, this car is just so right for a small family

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  Volvos Secret - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Paul from MA - January 14 - 12:10 am

  Volvos secret is the buy of the year. Fast, safe, stylish and 10 to 15K less expensive than an Audi S4 or BMW 540i.Great interior(except for the roof liner). The Brembo brakes inspire confidence to drive faster than you should. The shifter is quick and precise but the clutch is a little quirky. Steering could be a little more precise, but this is subjective as my last car was an Audi TT. The suspension in either sport or advanced provides a nice tight ride and in comfort(which I use when my wife is with me) is still fun and very smooth. Its a ggod thing that few people know about the R or I may have had a much longer wait to get this car (2 weeks, it was on the boat).

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  Fun Car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Ross - January 11 - 10:20 am

  Really enjoy the car. Being 63", I need more head room than most. This car fits me well. Smooth engine, great looks. Only problems: slow acceleration up slight grades sometimes causes the tranny to slip a bit between 2nd and 3rd. No slip at heavier acceleration though. Also, get verbal abuse about the headlight wipers:Could do without them. Actually room under the hood to work on a few things myself. Only other nitpick is the slow power seat feature to enter the back seat.

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  Fun little family car - 2008 Volvo V50
  By Mark - January 10 - 2:33 am

  This car drives and feels like a fun little sports car. It has plenty of pep with some room to spare. We have taken it on many road trips loaded down, with a child, dog, and full size stroller. The quality of the workmanship inside and out is spectacular. We have had no mechanical issues whatsoever. A great little family car that gets pretty good gas mileage!

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  Great Car!!!! - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By Jake - January 8 - 9:53 pm

  The XC 70 is one of the best cars that I ever bought. It is amazing on snow/ice. Its just as good as a Subaru on bad condition or if not better. It handles like crazy. I feel very safe in it also. Volvo makes some of the most safest cars. I just love it!!!

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  The Real Swagger Wagon - 2011 Volvo XC70
  By jrod1790 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough good things about this car. Its fun to drive and has the most comfortable seats Ive ever been in. I wasnt in love with the idea of getting a wagon/crossover but with an expanding family it was necessary. However, once I drove the car with the T6 engine all my apprehension went away. It really makes the car fun to drive as there is power on demand at all rev ranges! I test drove the 3.2 twice and the difference in performance was significant. Also like all Volvos, the XC70 is loaded with safety, convenience, and technology. Ive driven about 1000 miles so far, close to 50/50 local and highway, and Im averaging a touch over 22 MPG on 91 Octane.

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  Best SUV Ive Owned - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Dan - January 6 - 10:30 pm

  I just purchased a 2007 Volvo XC90 3.2. I was thinking about the V8 however I wanted better fuel economy. I was concerned that I would be sacrificing power (fun) for fuel economy. I didnt, this true SUV has power and is fun to drive. I know the V8 has more power but it is not necessary. I considered a Land Rover LR3. However I selected the XC90 based on the safety features as well as the ride. It is far superior to the LR3. If you need an SUV for getting around town and you want a comfortable ride for road trips then this is your automobile. It is also excellent in the snow so you can get to the mountains to do some skiing. I love it! Must have - Sirius satellite radio and running boards.