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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  trip comfort - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By r.ketzel - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I have made two recent road trips in the past 2 months,2ooo mile round trip (20hrs each way, 2days ew.) and 1000 mile round trip (7hrs each way,1 day ew.) and had extreem weather conditions. My xc90 was a pleasure to drive and preformed exceptionaly well. My mpg was probably around 18.5.The drive was very comfortable.

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  Great for an outdoorsy on-the-go family! - 2006 Volvo XC70
  By oregonmom - December 25 - 12:00 am

  Weve owned our XC70 for four years and hope to keep it forever. We take many road trips - mountains, coasts, 1000+ mile trips, and its been wonderful. We havent had any problems at all. We do our regular oil changes and maintenance and it just goes anywhere we wish to take it! Today - at around 41K miles - we are shopping around for our first new set of tires. The Pirellis that came with the car were OK, but were going to put some Michelins on to see how we like those better. The kids get carsick in other vehicles, but have never had a problem in the XC70. We also camp quite a bit and are able to fit everything for a family of four into the back. Were very happy with our Volvo!

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  Best car with horrible problems! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Angela - December 23 - 11:46 pm

  Love my XC90! We have had too many issues and Volvo has done nothing to help. 1. knob on thermostat broke 2. check engine light came on and remained on till sweeden developed software to correct 3. radio-CD player was changing stations without pressing buttons (rocker switch in steering was bad)4.sunroof leaks & more... We are military living in germany and have US specs on our car. They have blamed that for many of our problems however, Volvo has done nothing to compensate us for the 16 trips to the dealership in the seven months of ownership.They believe driving their product with the check engine light on for six months is acceptable. They are selling us poor quality and horrible service!

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  32,000 miles - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Bodie - December 22 - 6:46 am

  Over 2 years ownership now-premium and sport packages. Pros: very comfortable seats, doesnt look like everything else on the road, reliability, decent performance. cons: turning radius is terrible (my 2005 tacoma double cab is easier to park than the volvo) glove compartment rattles on bumps, road noise. Overall I cant complain, my wife likes her ride, and have had no mechanical issues yet. I enjoy the sport shift when I drive it. I still would have chosen the Acura TL if it were my choice. We also tested the BMW 325, infiniti G35, Mercedes 230 and Acura TL.

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  Good Car - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Smuggus - December 20 - 6:10 am

  This car has been awesome. I bought it and did some work too it (400 dollars) and it lasted me a 4k round trip with no problems. I do know about all of the claims to infamy on here, like the battery not starting on the third day, you needed to reset the computer. The rough idle is either motor mounts (problem on all volvos) or ignition coils. The cup holder had to be put there because there was nowhere else to put it, if it was under the arm rest then the arm rest couldnt come down all the way. So there you have it, it is a good car and if you take care of it and know how to take care of the Swedish/Japanese beauty she will take care of you.

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  An Outstanding Experience - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Chicklett - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I am driving a premium pkg. option dark blue, black leather interior. It is a fabulous ride, my first volvo and I am hooked ! The car is extremely fun to drive with a lot of zip. The turbo engine option was a good choice for me. This is Not a family car unless you have babies. The back seat is very cramped especiaklly if there are two regular sized adults sitting in the front. The wagon would be a better option. The sound system is superb and I am very impressed with the resale values.

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  Love our S70 - 1999 Volvo S70
  By danno123 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife and 5yo daughter needed a reliable car. This pre-owned volvo was the perfect choice. A solid, peppy car (although it does have a few creaking sounds). We have had it for a year now and no problems at all.

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  I love this car! - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Wizkid - December 19 - 10:00 am

  It has the euro-feel that makes driving fun. It is so responsive. Downside: Too small for a family of 4.

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  2004 XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By firtft - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Very few miles yet, but very happy so far!

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  Rocky Mountain Sleek - 2008 Volvo S40
  By Colorado Ms - December 18 - 10:33 pm

  Love it, Love it, Love it. Living at 9200 feet in the Rocky Mountains, I was concerned how it would fare. But it handles snow and ice better than my SUV did. Great handling and hugs the road- the car almost drives you. Interior is sophisticated and very comfortable. Congrats to Volvo for the sleek and modern body design. This car feels solid unlike most small sedans out today. For the quality, safety, and options found on this car you would have to pay thousands more if you bought another make.