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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  Cant wait for next season - 2003 Volvo C70
  By 1972ChevelleMalibu - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I have to put in my opinion on this car because they are so hard to find, etc. I have had my Moondust C70 with the high powered turbo for 6 months and 6,000 miles. So far, it has been a fantastic car. It is powerful (252 HP), smooth riding and the seats are extremely comfortable. I originally struck out to find a used one, but it was so difficult, I bought a leftover 2003 new. People come up to me at stoplights to ask what it is and say how much they like it (sometimes one person a day) when the top is down! If you have the $, it is either this, or I would check out the new Saab (was not out when I got mine).

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  Love it - 2002 Volvo S80
  By buckley - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Our S80t-6 has been a joy to own. I appreciate the acceleration on the highway. The interior is comfortable and plenty roomy. Im over six foot and find I do not feel as tired or stiff if I have to drive a long distance.

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  Mikes V70 Review - 2001 Volvo V70
  By mikemccrary - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is an excellent car; probably the most comfortable of any car Ive ever driven. It has a few reliability problems (since I bought it in July 2000, Ive had to replace the alternator, right electric door lock, brake booster, both headlight bulbs, one tail light bulb, and some air conditioning work - cant remember exactly, but it wasnt blowing cold air). Visibility out of the rear side windows is hampered a little by the front seat headrests. Very peppy, wonderful ride, and fun to drive.

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  Highly Recommend - 2001 Volvo S60
  By mbecker - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has a very tight design. Its like youre driving on a cloud...you dont feel the turns or the fast breaking....

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  It is fun to drive again - 2009 Volvo C70
  By cthimes - July 30 - 12:33 am

  I just purchased this vehicle last week and love everything about it. I am a big man and fit in the vehicle just fine. It is a great car to show off and certainly gets everyones attention when it changes. My kids have named the car after Jazz in the Transformer movie because it really is a noticeable change. I like the feeling of security that the car brings and I am very pleased with the performance. The car has plenty of power actually more horsepower than the V6 Mustang convertible that I was also considering. It really is two cars built into one.

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  Mechanical Cascade Failure - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Plantiful - July 27 - 7:30 pm

  Bought this car, used, and it was fine until it was maintenance time. Once you need a clutch and/or timing belt replacement, it is downhill from there: Since April, we have replaced the braking system, a leaking drive boot/seal, heating core and 2 window motors (did myself), a seat belt that would not release, a power steering rack 2 weeks ago, and this week, we are featuring a mysterious motor-oil leak of some significance. Most of the interior plastic is broken, as it is some cheap junk Ford must have introduced, paint has been off of the bumpers for some time. After 120,000 miles, just say "No".

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  great car and value - 2014 Volvo XC60
  By suninla - July 27 - 11:54 am

  This car is a great value and has all the extra safety features I wanted in the car at a much lower price then BMW and Audi. I drove a 2010 XC60 3.2 and the transmission was a bit sluggish. I just purchased a week ago the XC60 T6 and I couldnt be happier. Car drives smoothly and is fun to drive. Really hugs the road and I like that its a unique car you dont see all the time. Really like the improvements to the navi system and update Blis package with cross traffic alert.

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  I Love It - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Ariel - July 27 - 6:46 am

  I bought this car new in 2001 after having 3 Mercedes in a row. I love this Volvo! Zero problems in 7 years. Only have had scheduled oil changes, etc. I bought this car because I demolished my husbands Volvo Wagon on a trip, flipped and rolled it down a ravine -- and opened the door and walked away. I wanted that feeling of safety for myself and have not been disappointed.

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  love it - 2004 Volvo S60
  By DONNY - July 26 - 2:00 am

  love this car it is fast and a good car for the highway

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  A Prince of Cars - 2002 Volvo S60
  By trusgold - July 24 - 10:00 am

  reliable and the volvo people are so so so attentive