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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  Nice car but missing a few options - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By tpeters2 - September 13 - 1:19 am

  We have only had the car for 2 weeks and it has just over 1000 miles. We love the the car the size is great for our family. It is great in the snow and ice. The snowy weather driving performance good. Love the build quality and way it drives.

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  A special car - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Tim B. - September 8 - 4:50 am

  We bought this car while stationed in England and it has turned out to be one of our best purchases. We picked it up in Gothenburg Sweden in February 1999 and visiting Sweden in February is the only thing I would change (too much cold and snow). We have 185,000 miles now and the car still performs great. I taught 3 sons how to drive in it and it took it all in stride. Fit and finish are still first class-- my friends have wondered at the lack of squeaks and rattles with this many miles. The seats are still the best in the business and the paint and finish is still great. This is one of the best cars Ive ever owned and I plan on hanging on to it until it falls apart.

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  HOT!! Volvo C30 R-Design - 2011 Volvo C30
  By rsoldier97 - September 7 - 7:54 am

  I test drove several cars to include the Volkswagon GTI and Mazdaspeed 3. I wanted something with a European feel when driving and this car nailed it. The Car has more than ample horsepower. Exterior Styling is a attention grabber.....Going to a new drive thru window always has the kids commenting on the car. It really is a wonder why there is not many on the road, but it sure does get attention....Interior is a BIT BORING, but I spiced it up with amplifiers. Kinda upset that door sills are not dressed up like other "luxury" brands. If you want something with performance and not just a kiddie compact tuner cars this will get attention. My first Volvo and I love it. Hatch is small.

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  Less than thrilled- Consider the T5 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By farsidejohn - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I am not delighted with this car. There is a noticeable squealing whenever I back off the accelerator. The problem (thought to be turbocharger back-pressure) is currently "under investigation" by Volvo. The windshield washers are loose and turn on their own. Not the kind of build quality you would expect on a $40K+ car. Fuel economy on the T6 is awful. In summary, there are no major problems but this is not what I expected for $43K. Do not overlook the T5 version as it is nearly as fast as the T6 with smoother performance due to the 5 speed transmission. It also has much better fuel economy. If I had it to do over again, I would have bought the T5.

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  Value - 2006 Volvo S60
  By S60R_Boy - September 3 - 9:30 pm

  Its true that this car is not quite in the same league as the Audi S4, BMW M3, and Mercedes C55. HOWEVER, for about $10,000 less than these German competitors, the Volvo S60R is an outstanding value. I just leased a 2007 model and got an amazing deal. A 36-month lease on an Audi S4, BMW M3, or Mercedes C55 would have cost me an additional $250 per month - not worth it in my opinion. The value proposition presented by the S60R was hard to pass up!

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  Riding so smooth then clunk!Tranny! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Findurresolve - August 31 - 11:46 am

  This vehicle is hands down the most elegant, smooth, and did I say smooth vehicle I have ever driven. The seats are so comfy, and the steering wheel just feels like silk! But then the transmission issue. Do not buy a t6 awd unless it has had the transmission upgrade! I bought one used now Im looking at $8,000.00 in repairs. Volvo knows its a huge prob and will pay for parts in some cases.

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  No not again!! - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Shelley C. - August 26 - 4:33 pm

  Everytime I have turned around in the last few years this car has needed something and it is always expensive. The joy of owning the car is constantly diminished by its time either in the shop or with something expensive wrong with it. No wait - everything is expensive from little lights to big lights. Surprisingly low quality leather means that a car that is 8 years old has tacky tearing on its seats. I cant wait to get rid of this thing. There are things I love about it, but usually I just regret the purchase.

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  Good Volvo Starter Car - 2009 Volvo S40
  By Lee - August 25 - 4:23 pm

  I bought this car after recommendations from friends. I previously owned a Passat. My Passat got 37 MPG (Diesel). My Volvo gets 24+/- (Gasoline). The S40 is very comfortable to sit in and I have a bad back. Im not too thrilled about some of the plastic trim in the interior but overall I like the European attention to detail. Theres not a lot of room in the back seat for adult kids but for little ones, its ok. I like all of the gadgets that come with the purchase price and theres not a lot of options to add on. My Passat lasted 13 years and I fully expect the Volvo to do the same. The dealership is very responsive and attentive. A good car for the money.

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  2000 Review Volvo S40 - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Frank - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new in 2000, it has 153,000 miles, serviced every 3,000 miles: Since then replaced (besides normal service items i.e. timing belt, filters, etc.): Front struts Brakes 5 times Front rotors Motor mount Cataylic converter ($1,000) Ignition part Fuel Pressure regulator Turbo seal Car has lousy paint. And, it is important to ensure you have a good 4 wheel alignment for tire life. I guess so long as my repair bills do not exceed new car payments, Ill keep driving it.

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  Love My Car - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By J Miller - August 11 - 6:48 am

  I bought the 2015 Volvo XC60 as a demo with low miles about six weeks ago and I really like it. The ride is smooth and fast, and stereo system is crisp. I love the rain sensor, and I really appreciate all the safety features (parking assist, BLIS, rear camera). There are a few things I would change about the interior design though. For example, the design of space for storage between the front seats is not very practical. The cup holders are also positioned so that can they interfere with the gearshift. The navigation/sensor software is functional but not very intuitive, especially compared to systems in other luxury brands. Overall though, I am happy with my purchase.