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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  1998 Volvo V70 Wagon - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Pablo - May 20 - 7:43 am

  Its an expensive car with cheap hardware. Its fun to drive, somewhat economical on gas, fairly comfortable, very expensive to maintain compared to other cars I have owned. I would not buy another Volvo, as much I have always liked and admired them.

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  Amazed - 2004 Volvo S80
  By greg freiwald - May 19 - 4:13 pm

  Had this car for 30,000 mile. never a problem. Great on ice and snow. Absolutely reliable. Amazing MPG ( 31 on the highway at 75 MPH and 23 in the city)...checked many times. Does everything you would want in a car. Great acceleration (despite what they say)

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  Good Riding XC60 - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Halllucy - May 19 - 8:33 am

  This is my third Volvo. I like the old Volvo "Box Style" and did not like any of the new Volvo "hatch-back" looking cars, so I bought the XC60 Crossover. However before the test drive, I was a bit hesitant because I dont like driving and looking down at other drivers. The test drive proved this was not an issue. I love my XC60. The only problems is the low gas mileage and AM radio reception.

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  Great commuter - 2007 Volvo S40
  By ndotym - May 19 - 3:30 am

  I have 14000, love this car great gas mileage, comfortable, great radio, just a couple of problems, all interior, sun roof shade broken track, mirror loose all being fix under warranty. Otherwise no problems.

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  Car is great but possible improvements - 2008 Volvo V70
  By aef83a - May 19 - 2:26 am

  This is not a typical station wagon. The handling is not like that of a sports sedan but it works for what this vehicle is. You will appreciate the comfort and convenience that the V70 provides, and although I have yet to see proof I hope that it is safe as well.

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  sleeper - 2005 Volvo S60
  By sleeper - May 18 - 5:03 am

  The S60R with spoilers is gorgeous! The interior luxurious. It smells great, and it feels wonderful. The lumbar and the enveloping feeling of the seats feels comfortable and supportive at the same time. The 300 hp is unbelievable. Smooth transitions, nimble, yet stable, and quiet. The roar is not quite a BMW roar, but it is not bad either. It is a fun car to drive........Husband says it reminds him of his C4 because the all wheel drive is similar.

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  New Mom disappointed to give up Volvo - 2000 Volvo S40
  By New Mom disappointed - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Up until the day I had to put the infant carrier into the backseat, I loved my S40. Its stylish, peppy, and comfortable. Unfortunately, the car is too small to handle a carseat. The front seats have to practically be moved all the way up to accomodate it. My husband feels like hes driving a "go-cart" with the way he squashed in. We did have continuing trouble with the check engine light but a recall has seemed to correct that issue. The radios reception is poor also. I have had it replaced once and this has not cleared up the issue.

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  Great car, but.... - 1999 Volvo S80
  By ss21 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  In the year Ive owned this vehicle, the ABS brake module, air mass sensor, engine mounts, tie rods, power steering stops, and a vacuum line had to be replaced. And the car only has 40000 miles on it. Other than that, the car has been excellent. Great performance, looks good, and drives well - when its not in the shop. I would highly recommend against buying this vehicle unless you have a second car and lots of money to spend on repairs/maintenance. Otherwise, just buy a Honda.

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  My baby - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Redster - May 15 - 12:56 am

  I love my s40. I drove the audi a4 and the bmw 3 seriess and the s40 is a million times better to drive and a lot nicer in inside design

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  Awesome Black Sapphire Metallic V8 Sport - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Bill - May 14 - 5:16 am

  I love this car!! Tested the 2007 X5 V8, MB GL450 and the Audi Q7. This one had the best performance for the price. Handles like a dream and has more than adequate power. Im not sure what a previous poster meant about not having auto locking and a compass. I have both. The auto lock is turned off from the factory, you just turn it on as per page 108 of the manual. The compass is on my rear view mirror. Test this one before you buy anything.