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:

• 

  I"d buy another one ! - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Kelster2 - April 11 - 11:50 pm

  Overall good solid vehicle. I went from a mercedes to this volvo. Volvo is more comfortable for my commute and more practical for all those trips to costo and the nursery and the vet.

• 

  You cant go wrong with the Volvo XC60 T6 - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By atlas4 - April 11 - 10:20 am

  The Volvo XC60 T6 in my opinion is the best small luxury class SUV. I know most car reviewers put the Audi Q5 over the XC60 but having owned a 2011 Q5 I can tell you they are wrong. The XC60 has plenty of cargo space, the seats are the most comfortable I have been in. Performance for the T6 model is top notch. I have been averaging 25 miles a gallon to and from work (combined) and 28 on the highway (and I am not holding back).

• 

  First Month - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By 1stTimeOwner - April 11 - 2:06 am

  We are staring a family and purchased the XC60 because we wanted a SUV that was safe, reliable, and professional looking. We considered several SUVs including the X5/X3, Tiguan, and XC90. The XC90, XC60, and X5 were the finalists. We choose the XC60 because of its size and agility, styling, and uniqueness. Reliability is a concern and we have noticed some minor build defects. Fuel economy is lower than expected (14mpg), and the rear seat barely accommodates our child seat. Wind noise at high speeds is louder than expected. Driving the XC60 is pleasurable and we are satisfied with our purchase overall. We have received compliments from other drivers and envious stares from XC90 owners.

• 

  Volvo dropped the ball on the V70 series - 2001 Volvo V70
  By gedafe - April 8 - 8:26 am

  My family and I have driven Volvos for most of our lives, from the old 240s up to todays V70s. I have to say that (arguably) though looks have improved, quality control has not. Sure my V70 looks top notch, but Ive had multiple issues with the car from the brakes to the ETM to the suspension. All of these problems are not cheap to fix, ranging from $700-1200 a visit. It seems that Volvo dropped the ball on their 2001 line of V70s, and theyre not considering any recalls. Youll find many owners having the same problems: ETM gives out while driving at highway speeds, the clunk felt when starting up from a stopped position, the brake rotors needing replacement every 20K miles, etc.

• 

  I love my 2004 2.5T FWD XC-90. - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By AJ - April 8 - 12:06 am

  I bought it 1/06 like 3 weeks ago. We own a Volvo 1994 850 T-5 and have been happy with. The XC90 is awesome both interior and exterior. We bought a used one that came from a 3 year lease and it had 68k miles on it. Even with this high miles the SUV drives,looks and feels brand new. I already flushed the tranny fluid and it was dirty. Dont wait until 90 miles to do the flush. Flush it every 45-50k miles. I noticed some people have negative things to say about the XC90 but I love it and I only spent 16k for it ;-) Take care of the car and should last a long time. The 2.5T have great engine and tranny but the T-6 have a bad 4 speed GM tranny and are known to go bad.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Keith - April 7 - 3:16 pm

  Well, now I have 150,000 miles on it, yes, 150K! I dont know what people are talking about but I have not had a single issue with this car yet! I got it at 81K and knew that it would last, and it did. Yes, the cup holders are awful, but if you are like me and not like to have picnic in your vehicle, you will be just fine. I still average 28mpg with the ac running here in San Diego. If this car goes to junk, I would buy one again for about 7000 bucks. Beats buying a Civic as these are very very safe cars. The only issue I had was to change the coil wire which ran about 70 bucks! Just go and buy one, if it feels good, then it must be the right car.

• 

  A Great Car - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Ray - April 7 - 4:33 am

  It handles great, good quality, gas mileage superb--36mpg on a 1000 mile hilly trip through VA,WV,and OH with the cruise set at 70 and 3 adults. I love the turbo and the fact that the cruise never kicks out on long steep grades and provides good acceleration when needed. I dont understand the other reviewers problems with brakes. Mine are still the original. I get 39 mpg driving a back and forth over an 80mi (160) stretch over the Blue Ridge Mts. I love the computer mpg meter giving instantaneous and avg mpg. The other features (heated seats, pockets in front of seat base) are nice. Overall a great little car. It could use a little more floor room for rear occupants.

• 

  T5 Tribute - 2002 Volvo V70
  By von - April 6 - 1:10 pm

  Great high powered wagon. Plush ride kick in the pants get up and go and nice functional styling. I only have 8500 miles on it so it is a little early to know how she will hold up over time. So far I am very pleased with my purchase. Only problem so far is keeping myself from getting a speeding ticket.

• 

  my car - 2004 Volvo S40
  By mike 1000 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  its just basic transportation. no frills . was in the shop for some electrical problems 2 times.

• 

  Love this car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By ladyjean - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Volvo and I couldnt be more pleased. Every time I buy a new car I test drive similar makes but always come back to the Volvo. My last Volvo was the S40; I wanted a bit more room and luxury and the S60 delivers on both. I chose the titanium grey with taupe leather. I look forward to driving it, its responsive, comfortable, fun and great to look at. My favorite Volvo by far!!