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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  Tough Expensive Workhorse - 1996 Volvo 850
  By xcvbvbb - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven the 850 60000 miles in 3 years and I find it extremely reliable. There a re a lot of aggressive young drivers in my area and I dont worry if the idiots crash into me - a land rover rearended me and merely bashed up the boot lid. It builds up your driving confidence if youre nervous on the roads. Replacement parts are expensive - ive been quoted 2000 for replacement ABS unit.

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  Full Package - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Senior - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my car so much - I never even considered a Volvo until I drove the S60 T5! It handles great, even on ice, and has quite a kick to it. Of course, there are slight problems - Ive had my car in the shop to repair the CD player twice already in 6 months, a rod has been replaced and my alignment is off. Random things seem to go wrong and I hate the fact that there is no trunk release inside the car!! Still, its a smooth ride and I love it despite its flaws!

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  Love this car !! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By YOGIMA - August 13 - 10:00 am

  What a great car ! Having always liked Volvos for their safety and reliability..we have one with 165,000 and going strong.. This car has far exceeded my expectations. I find it very luxurious and nice to drive. The versatitlity with the seating is wonderful and easy to use. The only down side is the visibility with the 2 rear columns..I just had to get used to using my side mirrors more. I also just discovered that the car can be driven manually which is fun and has also increased the already great fuel economy. I highly recommend this car to any family.

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  C30 is a head-turner - 2010 Volvo C30
  By HoustonJ - August 12 - 2:16 pm

  Ive had scores of cars through the years, from Lexus, Infinit, Porsche, BMW, Audi and others. I have gotten more favorable comments about the C30 than any car Ive owned. Its a sort of cult classic already. Fun to drive, great for urban transport, I can even take adults in back without apologizing. Ive had it for 6 months and really love this car.

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  Ultimate Volvo Turn On - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Hilltop Volvo Fan - August 12 - 7:53 am

  Volvo epitomizes "safety" to me and most important feature in a car for me was simply a comfortable, safe, and affordable ride until I bought a used 2004 S60R that has completely rocked my world! What a beast! I love the way the car handles, drives, and looks. AWD and lightning fast acceleration and solid braking... man, I am in love!

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  The car just fits - 2009 Volvo XC70
  By Steve - August 12 - 1:03 am

  This car if very comfortable to drive. Very solidly built. Quieter and more comfortable ride than the 2006 that I really really liked. Every time I drive the thought "this is a pleasure" comes to me.

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  I love it - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By ??? - August 12 - 12:56 am

  the only complaint I have about my xc90 is the key! It continually comes off my key chain and the mfgr fix didnt fix it! Otherwise Im a convert. I owned five bmws before the xc90 and theres just no comparison when you match price drivability and quality. the gas milage is excellent too. I have a 2004 now but im ready to trade for the 8 cylinder version. I have 51,000 miles on mine so you know I live in my car.

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  Excellent car! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By pschmid - August 11 - 2:28 pm

  I picked up the car at the factory in Sweden and kept it in Europe for 3 months to benefit from sales tax advantages then in effect. I only drive the car on long distances and it therefore has barely 30,000 miles on the odometer. A Volvo is for life , as they say, and at this rate it may hold true in my case. I have not had a single problem with the car, and it still looks just like the day I took delivery. However, for urban driving it is less suitable because of the rather generous turning circle compared to my other cars. Still, overall I am very pleased.

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  What a great vehicle - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By fabdog - August 11 - 12:06 am

  Moving out of a Lexus IS, needed more room. Looked at Lexus, Audi, BMW, Ford. Went with the Volvo. Sharp looking vehicle, AWD, great ground clearance. Drives very nicely, very comfortable front and back seats, lots of cargo room. Have most of the bells and whistles (NAV, backup camera, sound system) and they are very nice. Wife and kids love it. After 1500 miles am getting 21.5 to 22.5 MPG in mixed city/highway driving. Havent had a chance to test it out in winter conditions, counting on the Volvo pedigree there

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  Great used value. Safe and sporty - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Popps - August 9 - 10:50 pm

  I love my S60, even with its flaws. In my opinion, the best looking body of any sports sedan. Great reliability history, especially for a Volvo. Lets hope they continue this trend. Ride is good. Peppy, but Id prefer a bit more power. (I have 2.4T) Interior design is fine, but could be a bit more refined for a luxury sedan. (See Infiniti) Gas mileage is surprisingly good. An excellent used value, as Volvos dont hold value like a BMW/Mercedes. Again, its not perfect, but I love mine and doubt youll do any better for the money in the used market.