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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  Excellent Value - 2006 Volvo S40
  By snead_c - October 1 - 10:30 am

  I replaced a Subie STi with my Volvo.A definite step down in performance but necessary at this time. Im very pleased with my overall experience with the car. It gives over 30 MPG on the highway and is very comfortable to drive.

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  Great car, expect to pay for it though - 2003 Volvo S40
  By GT3996 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This car was purchased for my wife in 12/00 with the expectation that we would have a baby before the end of the lease. We truly enjoyed the car, however the addition of our daughter has changed our feelings towards the S40. It is simply not large enough for two adults and one baby. With the baby seat in the rear-facing position behind the passengers seat, my wife has to move the passengers seat almost all of the way forward, which is obviously not comfortable. Also, we had to replace the brake pads at 13,000 miles, and tires at 22,000 miles.

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  Solid performance, great looking - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Bill from San Diego - September 27 - 6:10 pm

  Love the car. HP model is very quick, especially over 40 mph. Surprising little body roll, Best looking in its class, especially top down. The rear seats are well-sized and surprisingly good trunk space. Love the car overall.

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  Dont buy - 2000 Volvo S80
  By ACT - September 27 - 9:16 am

  Worst car Ive ever owned by far. Great ride when Im not spending money on transmission, wheel bearings, rattling moon roof, rotors, etc . . . Stay away.

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  Great Purchase - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Erica - September 27 - 4:30 am

  I just got this car a few days ago and absolutely love it. Its a lot of fun to drive and feels much heavier than my 01 Honda Civic (which I also liked as well) on the road. Great transmission and excellent power. Jurys still out on gas mileage , but for the smooth ride, its worth it! Also very pleased with all of the safety features. Hope to have the car for a long time to come!

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  Disaster - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By Polly - September 26 - 10:53 am

  There is a distinct delay when stepping on the gas pedal which can be a problem pulling out in heavy traffic. This car is truly terrible in the snow, seems to float, not in a good way. Changed the tires and this helped somewhat, but dont buy this car if you live in a snowy part of the country. Had over 100 "faults" in the computer electrical system recently, the dealer says this car is a computer on wheels and after over $500 (no parts in this cost) in computer software downloads cannot say if the problem will ever be totally fixed.

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  Set yourself apart from the crown - 2015 Volvo V60
  By Matt - September 25 - 1:04 pm

  Americans need to wake up and end the crossover craze. And the Volvo V60 is a fantastic option. Not only does it offer exceptional design style, but it handles like a sports car - something a SUV cant offer. In addition I still can have optional awd and it can tow my speed boat on a trailer. The engine has incredible pick up, and the ride is just fun. This may be my best car purchase ever!

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  2016 & 2018 XC90 PLUG-IN HYBRID - PROBLEMS!!! - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Lynn - September 25 - 3:21 am

  This car looks luxurious outside and inside. What is under the hood is another story. It is riddled with repair issues. I have already owned two of them because Volvo bought back my first one. My 2016 R-Design version had the check engine light on when I purchased it. This recurred several more times and it took several more visits to the service shop to repair. Then, my sun roof had a major leak, which I discovered after my free shower from the Costco car wash. I had multiple issues with my temperature control systems and some repair on the fuel system, all requiring repairs. Each repair, always took a minimum of 2 days (and those were rare). Most repairs took 5 business days, so I didnt have use of my car for well over 30 days. It only had 15,000 miles when they bought it back. There were two issues they couldnt figure. The seats would squeak when going over a small bump in the road (it sounded like nails on a chalkboard). I had major issues pumping gas. At certain gas stations, the pump would keep clicking off, so I couldnt tell how much gas was in the car. One time, it wouldnt allow me to pump gas at all. It just kept clicking off. I really liked the features of the car, so after Volvo bought back the 2016 I purchased two model years later, the 2018 XC90 T8 Inscription (also a plug-in hybrid). I have owned it several months and at 3,400 miles my check engine light came on. It has BEEN IN THE SHOP ONE WEEK SO FAR! The thermostat needs replacing (please note the temperature control system issues on my 2016; shame on Volvo for not fixing this huge engine design flaw!). The only trouble is the part is back-ordered!!! The estimate for the part being available for purchase it another week and then about 8 days after that they should have it in the shop. This REPAIR ESTIMATE ON MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE IS A MINIMUM OF 2 WEEKS, MORE LIKE 3 WEEKS IF IM LUCKY. As for the gas pumping issue... It seems to have improved some with the newer XC90, but it IS STILL AN ISSUE VOLVO! Furthermore, my seats are starting to squeak too! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BETA TEST A LUXURY SUV AND PAY FULL PRICE, THEN THIS IS THE SUV FOR YOU. If you have a life and dont have time to spend bringing your vehicle to the dealership, then I suggest buying from a different brand.

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  Practical good looks - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Michigan Fats - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. It is solid and practical. Great cargo room, long and lower than SUVs. With my Thule roof rack I can carry kayaks, bicycles, or lumber on top without help getting it on the load bars. However, since 100K miles Im putting quite a bit of money into repairs. Maybe thats normal, but my wifes 1994 Accura Legend with 164K miles has needed fewer repairs (per her). Wonderful winter car too.

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  lolos volvo - 1996 Volvo 850
  By lolo - September 24 - 10:00 am

  great solid car, even the trunk lid is heavy so you know the passenger cage will be protected in case of serious accident. fast car,as soon as u pass the initial turbo lag, for its size and weight. above average maintenance/ repair fees but not unusual or even less than other european cars. Master cylinder replaced at around 80000 miles, otherwise no other major repairs done.