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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  We gave it back - 2004 Volvo C70
  By duner - September 6 - 2:00 am

  purchased Nov, 03. 500 miles, power steering failed. 1800 miles, new Rack installed in Car. transmission began clunking between 10 and 20 mph . Volvo N. America looked at the car. Agreed to everything during the proof drive then denied it after they got off the phone with Volvo legal, per a Friend at the dealer. C70 platform is CRAP. Tranny by Mitsubishi per Volvo, tolerance issues at transaxles and hubs, known to Volvo. END: Volvo Corporate told me "too Bad" and "well see you in court" if I didnt like it. its sounds weird? it Was! dont buy any C70 or Volvo , car flagged 2 weeks prior with a steering problem Volvo sold it anyway

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  A great car - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Jay Grant - September 5 - 10:00 am

  THis is my 4th Volvo. I have found them to re reliable and the service to be excellent from the dealership, but high priced.

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  I like it - 2000 Volvo C70
  By wansomathis - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a long run of bad experiences with used cars, but this one has been a dream so far. Everything works smoothly and reliably, and its always a pleasure to drive. Excellent handling and styling. The only minus is less than great reverse vision due to the high trunk line. Also, why o why didnt they make tha back seats fold down like everyone else?!

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  2002 Volvo S40 - 2002 Volvo S40
  By SammieGrl - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I picked up my S40 last week and so far, so good. The only complaints I have are only so/so gas mileage (compared to my previous car, anyway), the box on the center console is about 1/4 inch too small to put CD cases into and the radio reception is not great (my car came with the upgraded stereo with CD).

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Klappez15 - September 4 - 2:33 pm

  I have had my s40 for a month now, but I have to agree with a reveiw above, everytime I drive it I have a huge smile on my face. It looks good, drives nice, and for the price has just about every feature I could want. I love the sound system, the comfort level, and the way the car looks. My first Volvo but probably not my last.

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  Wow - what a great car - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By Bob _bear - September 3 - 8:53 pm

  We recently purchased the 2008 XC70 after an exhausted search. The ride is exceptional and the seat are very comfortable. We are averaging 21mpg which we fell is reasonable. The build quality so far is also exceptional, not a rattle or the slightest defect to be found after two months. The park assist is excellent giving parking assist on front, back and sides. Radio and speakers are very good. I like the fact that the controls are very clear, easy to locate and only the controls you really need on the steering wheel -- cruise control on one side and radio on the other side. Overall we are exceptionally happy with our purchase

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  Stranded - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By scatback - September 3 - 7:13 am

  At 33k, the car overheated and stranded us. Picked it up from the dealer after two days, happened again. Twice on the hook in a week. That follows 3 days in the shop for a steering angle sensor, and another day for a headlight. The 4.4 is great, the ride is quiet, the interior is designed for adults. But weve driven 800,000 miles in Acuras and Infinities and never been left on the side of the road. Its happened twice in our low mileage XC90 in a week. Plus, no rearward vision and primitive electronics. Were going back to MDX

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  Im a Lifer! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Edward - September 2 - 7:36 am

  I commute 180 miles round trip each day and this car is a pleasure to sit in. I can even fit my 62" frame in the back and still be comfy. The safety features are amazing even the sunroof is safe! My s60 is quiet inside, except on bad roads it can get a little rough over bumps with no weight in the car. Cornering is actually pretty good, but bumps may require a bit of correction. Its smooth for a front drive car. My non turbo is actually really spunky. Maint. is a little expensive, but talking to other Volvo owners, they swear by the dependability of their cars...so far so good. I like the Volvo because not everyone has them...Im very happy overall with my car

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  Underwhelmed - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By John in Calgary - September 1 - 11:53 am

  I bought my 2003 Volvo XC 70 about 18 months ago and have been pretty underwhelmed. The car looks fine but is very underpowered for a $50,000 (Cdn) premium wagon. The handling is also terrible and the fit and finish leave something to be desired. It is comfortable but the other short comings are just too much. The new 2005 Outback is a much better vehicle with way better performance, handling and hauling capabilities - for $10,000 less (Cdn).

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  Great Car - 2004 Volvo V40
  By Rabbit Volvo - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to replace a perfectly good honda civic as a reward for quitting smoking. I picked this car out of the beetle, element, and audi wagon because it has versitility, styling, and is great to drive. I can have kids, get a dog, and still keep this car, yet I am single and my friends want to ride with me when we go backpacking. The price was only a bit more than the rather poorly finished element with the $4000 off invoice.