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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  Awesome and safe suv - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By volvolvr - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my Volvo ... and I love even more that its an SUV. Safe, quiet and sleek. Its the BEST!

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  Solid fun brick, expensive repairs - 1996 Volvo 850
  By ADub - January 14 - 3:10 pm

  Bought mine used at 170000 miles, now has 230000. Right around 200000, had to replace starter, fuel pump, and the odo. went out. Have not replaced odo. Have computer, overall 30 mpg, probably 26 city, 35+ hwy. I drive it slow, 55 mph on hwy. Just replaced head gasket, $1250 at ind.gar Volvos are super safe (built in roll bar in roof), built to last, superior handling, even for the wagons. I believe that the non-turbo engines are peppier than the turbos (when not in boost range). Parts are very expensive - the starter as a rebuilt was $200, not incl. labor. Found a used one for $30 and did it myself. Could have done the fuel pump myself, and saved $400 on labor (part was $200).

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  Solid through and through - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Randy B - January 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun-to-drive car. Very solid vehicle. Best car Ive ever owned. Very responsive turbo; can pass virtually any vehicle on the road at speeds of 60 - 80 mph.

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  I like this car - 2011 Volvo XC70
  By Albert Sokol - January 13 - 10:06 pm

  It has 70,000 miles on it. Otherwise it is great. It is perfect for sports (kayaking, hiking, skiing, biking). And for family and carrying stuff and it is very peppy. Good in even deep snow.

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  Well Built Car - 2010 Volvo S40
  By Larry - January 13 - 7:23 am

  This is the third S40 in the family, my second. This is the best money can buy at this time due to the 5 year warranty plan and discounts being taking off. After driving a prius for the last three years I really have missed my S40, such a solid well made car. Dont get me wrong, the only thing Ill miss about the prius will be the mileage. You cant put a price on your safety and comfort so I am willing to pay the extra for that. I now feel so much more relaxed when driving, I love my Volvo S40. The safety car crash star rating sold me back into my S40. My partner has had his now for five years and loves his as well, no major unexpected issues. For what I paid you get a lot.

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  Stand Out With A Volvo C30 - 2008 Volvo C30
  By C30Grant - January 13 - 2:53 am

  I have had my C30, with automatic geartronic trans, for about a month now. The acceleration is incredible and the shifting is smooth. It can orner at a fairly fast speed and stay in control. I tinted the rear hatch window and the two rear passenger fixed windows with a dark tint. I tinted the two roll-up windows with a lighter tint and the car looks even more cool now.

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  First Volvo - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Flyingman - January 12 - 3:26 pm

  I was close to buying a VW Touareg before I test drove the Volvo. I found the volvo to have excellent power in the 2.5T, better mileage, and more space. I prefer the boxier look over the bubble look that is currently so popular. Only have a few 100 miles, but am really impressed with handling, especially on Hwy. Mileage is mostly city, so in the lower mid teens, but on hwy it was very close to advertised, 22-23mpg. It does not have any cheesy extras you really dont need, very practical. A bit sluggish at parking lot speed but if you punch it front tires will screach out without hesitation. Ill follow up in a few months but for now Im very pleased overall with this purchase.

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  XC90 Beats VW Touareg Hands down - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By ltwxc90 - January 11 - 2:44 am

  I have owned my XC90 now for 4 months and what a great SUV. My last SUV was aTouareg and what a disappointment! It was the worst! It had a faulty transmission and when it would shift it felt as if the Whole car was going to break apart. VW Service was horrible, I would take it in and no one would do anything. Even after having the Transmission replaced it still did the same thing. My XC90 is great! From its smooth ride to better fuel economy, Hands down it is the better car both inside and out. The service I have received at my Volvo dealer is second to none. I have owned a BMW and Mercedes and in this case Volvo service even beats those two! Great Job Volvo

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  Early life crisis - 2005 Volvo S60
  By R_Rated - January 10 - 11:50 am

  I needed a car that was a bit more pretentious than my Mercedes. At my age and a sales career I needed something more responsible looking. The volvo fit that perfectly. I wanted a toy that was fast and fun to drive.... This car has been perfect from the get go. Add some goodies and before I knew it, I had a 600 hp monster on my hands. (463 to the wheels)

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  Volvo S60R -the fist few weeks - 2004 Volvo S60
  By witek - January 10 - 10:00 am

  More Im driving this svedes rocket, more I like it. Excellent acceleration and throttle response. Good, thight steering and very immpresive cornering ability. Fun to drive!