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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  I love her - 2008 Volvo S80
  By itsvolvosafe - July 23 - 4:32 pm

  I bought this vehicle because it was a much better value than comparable BMW and Mercedes models and it also does not come with the pretentious stigma commonly associated with owning one of this cars German competitors. My previous vehicle was a Mercedes ML 320, it had many problems and was worth less than $5,000 when I bought my S80 and I still got more comments from people about the vehicle that I drove. The S80 has a subtle presence while still offering most of the power and luxuries that come with owning a BMW or Mercedes. It is not as dynamic as a 5 series or a powerful as a E550 but it still has as much power, performance and comfort as you could want in an everyday driver.

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  great car - 2007 Volvo S80
  By matt - July 22 - 2:36 pm

  this is my first volvo, i am impressed at volvo stepping it up this year with a nice s80. the car drives nicely, and is on the fast side. looks great and catching to the eye. ppl are shocked thats it a volvo when they see it..

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  If you buy the T5 model, you are in for a SURPRISE - 2000 Volvo S70
  By logan_sully - July 21 - 9:41 pm

  Ill say this..when I started looking into buying a Volvo..I wasnt expecting a speedster. Then I found this gem- a 1999 Volvo S70 T5, mother of god..this thing goes. I mean IT GOES. I am completely blown away about how fast this car goes. No one expects it. Its also very luxurious (very nice leather seating, wonderful sound system, heated seats)

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  rolling blunder - 2002 Volvo S80
  By michael torres - July 19 - 3:30 pm

  volvo touts its safety features but its hard to have an accident when the auto is in the shop for repairs. acelerator module, struts, turbo seal leaks are common. volvo knows this and wont recall. do i hear class action lawsuit? save yourself some headaches and look elswhere. these autos suck.

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  Faulty Armrests - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Houston Fwy driver - July 19 - 10:00 am

  60 days after purchase (8/02), I noticed that the armrest vinyl on three of the four doors was "bubbling" "delaminating" and otherwise separating from the armrest. Despite being a "certified pre-owned" car, neither the dealer nor the corp. will touch this obvious and apparently known defect in materials/manufacturing in this otherwise excellent car. As a 15-year customer, I want to remain loyal, but I will likely switch brands next time around.

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  First Small Hatchback - 2008 Volvo C30
  By lgibsonjr - July 18 - 4:40 pm

  I read all the reviews and test drove several small hatchbacks before selecting the Volvo C30 (with only one option - automatic transmission). The C30 standard features met all my other requirements. Overall, it cost less than the Audi A3, has more comfort than the Volkswagon GTI, and enough power to compete with both. Personally I dont like to "feel the road" as much as some, and I enjoy the unique styling. The C30 is a nice blend of sportiness and comfort at a reasonable price. One added benefit is the fact you dont see many of them on the road (yet) so it stands out in the crowd.

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  VERY Disappointed - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By VERYdisappointed - July 18 - 3:26 am

  We were thrilled to purchase our 03 Volvo XC70 but the excitement didnt last! One thing after another went wrong with the wagon... one year after buying it, the ignition went (sometimes the key would come out, other times it was stuck!)! The ball joints, brakes and rotars were shot. How many times do you have to replace a headlight bulb?!! The straw that broke the camels back: the angle bracket, which cost $2,500!! The car was constantly in the shop, and it was never inexpensive to repair!! We bought this as our family car... Volvo for life? We finally got rid of it and bought a Toyota Highlander Limited!!

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  Love on four wheels - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Captain America - July 15 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my baby is one of joy and jubilation! Driving her is so mcuh fun and she is so unique (You dont see that many black coupes) I love her and am going to keep her for quite some time...

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  Love my Volvo - 2004 Volvo V70
  By fedlawman - July 15 - 10:00 am

  When our CPO 2001 V70 was totaled last May, we didnt think twice about replacing it with another one...this time brand new! We love the comfort, luxury, and style of the V70. Although not a powerhouse, the engine is strong in midrange power, and the smooth auto transmission is a perfect match for the powerband. The kids love the 3rd row jump seats, and we use the SUV-like cargo capacity regularly. Why would anyone spend $30,000+ on an ungainly, ill-handling SUV when they could have a sporty, fine handling luxury wagon?

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  1999 Red Volvo S70, aka. Cherry Bomb - 1999 Volvo S70
  By DC Volvo Driver - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I normally wouldnt do a review, but seeing how this had such a high rating...I had to speak up. I bought this car back in September and Ive had nothing but problems. So far Ive replaced the Mass Air Flow sensor, power steering pump and hoses, rear stablizer, part of the dashboard, rubber stripping on windshield, sensor lights going off all the time....I do a little prayer everytime I get in the car that nothing will malfunction. I will say its a nice shade of red, and is a smooth ride when all is working well...