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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  A fun car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Christy G. - October 15 - 1:56 am

  Im a loyal Volvo owner (have owned an 87 and 90 station wagons) and I love this car. I did have some set- backs in the beginning - electrical plug blew a fuse after barely being used, A/C started blowing out hot air mid-summer, then the foot fan stopped working. Currently experience a popping noise when turning every once in a while - still hasnt been corrected. Gas mileage is okay - not as great as my VW Golf, of course. Im hoping for a Volvo hybrid!

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  Good start but could use a little help.... - 2013 Volvo S60
  By jimdd - October 9 - 12:28 pm

  Been driving my S60 R-Design for just over a year. Great styling differentiates this car from a standard A4 or 3-Series. Motor is smooth and powerful with very little or no turbo lag. Interior is clean and comes off like a German car with a little twist. I actually use the on-dash dial pad often. Its not simply a gimmick. All in all, its a nice upgrade from my G37x but leaves me wanting just a little more. Maybe Ill consider the new Limited Edition R-Design if it isnt cost prohibitive.

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  A Nice Upscale Vehicle - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Sunny Blue Skies - October 8 - 1:50 am

  I bought my 2002 S60 in 2004. The car already had 75,000 miles on it from being a corporate lease vehicle. I was a bit leery at first to pay a higher price for such high miles. So far, I have had the small things wrong. Repair is fairly comparable if you get it done at a non-dealer repair shop. Sad to say the repair shop I took mine to for most of my ownership, ruined my oil drain plug opening, and now I am faced with an $800 repair for a new pan as the hole can not be repaired. Also the fuel door hinge broke and now I have to place the door on the trunk at fill up, but that part is only 10 bucks and I will repair myself. Overall its an ok car, hopefully Volvo has improved any issues.

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  Car has grown on me - 2000 Volvo V70
  By dadinkc - September 29 - 7:13 pm

  After my wife got a new car, after much deliberation, I decided to sell my 5-series BMW and take her hand-me-down 2000 Volvo wagon. At the time, the decision was driven a practical one - less expensive to own and maintain, more room for a family of 4 and performance in the snow. 2 years later, I couldnt be happier with the decision. It has been reliable and everything I need in a vehicle with the exception of looking cool. Fortunately, Im way past worrying about looking cool.

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  I love driving my wagon - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Pastsportscardriver - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I usually buy new car every 4-5 years, but I cant this time. I love my Volvo, and it is a wagon! The seats are comfortable to sit in (mine are leather, the car responds to my every command. All the controls are in the right place. The seat belt adjusts to fit my female 54" body (most dont). The cargo space is unbelievable large. I bought a new 35" TV, TV stand and VCR and all fit comfortably, still in their boxes in the cargo area without removing my child seat. The back seat folds down to offer even more room. This car is a keeper.

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  A bumpy ride - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By Don of Cincinnati - September 24 - 12:03 am

  Paid about 47K for the Platinum package and in general pretty nice car. Its my wifes driver and shes very happy with it. This car is way too rough on bumps etc. My 37K new Honda Pilot is a plush ride comparatively. The XC is peppy and really kicks it, but Im very disappointed with the joltiness of the ride. The tech package is OK, but lacks walk away locking and you pay a monthly extra for remote start. The driver/passenger heat/ac lacks synching which has become fairly common.

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  Cool calm collected - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Paul - September 20 - 12:10 pm

  All the features, design integrity and legendary safety with none of the bling and flash.

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  Great Car..BUT - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Al - September 18 - 11:10 pm

  Great car to look at and drive, a stylish interior is always a pleasure to sit in.Got the car fully loaded with sport package and body kit. Practical with lots of cargo space. Gas mileage is around 25 mainly in city driving A cautionary note - I had a problem with road noise/ front suspension , Dealer could not fix it, went to Lemon Law,the car was inspected 4/11/06 by Volvo to confirm the noise was still present after their 4 repair attempts. Four months later I still have not had a refund or replacement and am applying to the State for Arbitration.

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  A Mistake - 2000 Volvo S40
  By SCR - September 16 - 11:40 pm

  One thing after another. I have had the care for 2 years, and have spent over $3000 on repairs. Every time I think Im done, something else comes up. Like everyone else, the headlights burn out fast. Looks like most people say their S40 is fast, but mine is sluggish and I cant figure out how the Turbo works. It seems random. I just had to replace the an axle and all motor mounts ($1900). Bad sensors. Check engine light will not go off... Replacement parts are expensive and hard to find. I am selling it, regardless of my loss, and buying a new Civic.

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  serious machine - 2002 Volvo S80
  By jdm - September 16 - 10:00 am

  price performance is great, one of the best in the bunch. very well built, low noise, great torque. a mercedes-lexus- bmw like with 10-15K$ less.