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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  Very pleased so far - 2007 Volvo S40
  By Jim - June 8 - 10:46 am

  I did a lot of comparing of models (VW Jetta, Mazda 6, Accord, Camry) and picked the S40. I have come close to purchasing Volvo in the past, and finally took the plunge. I have been very pleased with the build quality. I am 63" and have been able to find a good seating position - I got the Select Package with power drivers seat. Nice headroom even with sunroof. The power is adequate in the 2.4. I have been pleased with the mileage although I am still in the break-in (city only so far - about 18-19 mpg) with optional auto transmission. Optional 12 speaker stereo is fantastic. Incredibly well thought out ergonomics. EXCELLENT A/C in Texas summer.

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  Year old XC90 needs a new engine!! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Shana - June 8 - 6:57 am

  Dec 3. 2016 took to dealer because it was telling me that engine oil level was low after getting oil changed on Nov 15, 2016. Dec 13 same message. Took to dealer kept it for 2 days, had to call and they tell us it needs a new engine! We are waiting to see if they will extend the warranty!

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  A dream Come True - 2006 Volvo S60
  By shadow - June 7 - 1:03 am

  I wanted this car for 4 years and Now I have one. There is no more car that even comes close value and performance wise.

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  Good Fun Car - 2002 Volvo S40
  By nate91 - June 6 - 5:57 pm

  I really wanted a used BMW or Mercedes primarily because they were great handling rear-wheel drive cars. Hence I was hesitant to get another front-drive Volvo, but this car was in the price range. However, this car has exceeded my expectations. The turbo makes for great power and great fun. Hit the gas hard and it peels out through first gear. You can easily get to any open spot in traffic even on the highway. Firm suspension makes for good handling but a bit of a bumpy ride. Like others said, it stops on a dime. The cons. Cheap interior, I hate the cloth seats and door panels are loose. The car idles a bit rough, the steering wheel always shakes at lights.

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  Best Bang For The Buck - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Steve - June 6 - 10:03 am

  Outstanding performance, ride and handling. Does not drive like an SUV at all. By far the best "SUV" Ive ever driven. Extremely fast and agile for a 4600 pound car. The V8 sounds great and is also a work of engineering art. The fit and finish of the XC90 is about as good as it gets. Compared the XC90 to a BMW X5 which costs at least $10,000 more and the Volvo wins hands down. Plus, Im a big guy, 64", 265 pounds and feel very comfortable in the car. I cant say that about many vehicles. For the price, sticker was about $50,000, it cant be beat.

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  Shocked - 2007 Volvo S60
  By jetwet1 - June 6 - 9:50 am

  The first car we test drove was a 07 S60, we both liked the car a lot but we had other cars to test drive. After test driving every 4 door salon on the market we came back to the Volvo, it was everything we wanted. Great performance, very comfortable, good fuel economy and of course being a Volvo very safe. After a month of ownership, well the negative is of course the back seat, if you are traveling with friends make sure the dont have legs, on the other hand if your like us and dont have to worry about people in the back seat then this is a car to look at. On the highway it is a fantastic cruiser, ranking right up there with my 500E. In short, test drive it, you may well be shocked.

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  What happened to Volvo? - 1998 Volvo V70
  By E. Knapp - June 6 - 7:33 am

  I have always had a Volvo since the mid 80s. The quality of them, CHEAP Plastic, and way too much for parts and service, almost a 300% mark up on the stuff. The Emissions started acting up and the car will not pass even after spending $1000 on service only to be told it cant be fixed. As well as there is a shake in the front end (no accidents) and been in twice never found out what was wrong. Perfect alignment Never buy another one!

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  Volvo XC60 - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Hz2bred - June 5 - 10:13 pm

  After 3 days of driving our new XC60; the power steering went out. It took the dealership over 1 week to fix the problem and get the part. This model has been recalled 2 times since our purchase. In less than one year: a piece of the sunroof fell off and the rear wiper blade motor burned out. This has been a bit of a disappointing driving experience; especially when we spent over $40,000.00 on a car.

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  The Worst Car Ever! - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Bowman - June 4 - 11:56 pm

  We bought the 2000 model after threatening our dealer with a lemon law suit for the 1999 model we purchased 60 days prior. Dealer took the car back at full refund and offered us the 2000 model for a "deal". I wish they would have just kicked us in the head. Two ABS modules, engine struts, 3 radios, 3+ software upgrades, bi-annual computer resets (the kind that required a shuttle to and from work), two extended warranties (paid for themselves in six months), suspension problems. I would estimate the maintenance cost for this car have exceeded $20k. If it was a plane or a boat we would be dead. I thought Volvo Corp. could be trusted to release a product complete.

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  Better than the Rag Top - 2006 Volvo C70
  By LJM - June 3 - 10:00 am

  I also own a 2003 C70 soft top convertible. There is no comparison. larger, more comfortable, quite, excellent stereo and AC. Equal power. You cant beat the expression on peoples faces when you put the top down.