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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  Best Car for $3,500!! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By killmitchell@gmail.com - December 8 - 6:32 am

  I found this amazing car last minute on craigslist. I had previously owned a 2003 BMW 3-series that was riddled with problems and kept my wallet pretty slim... I needed AWD/4WD because I go to school in an area where it snows a lot. I have yet to report on how the AWD is in the snow but Ive been disappointed so far with how it takes off in the rain (maybe its because of the KUMHO tires)... In terms of reliability, Ive gotten the oil changed 2 times already at my local Volvo dealership, both times, theyve said the car looked amazing and needed nothing. I may get the Transmission fluid done on my next visit because sometimes from 1st-2nd gear it flares after a long highway drive. My particular car has the sport seats but doesnt have the GPS or the Xenon headlight option... bummer. The seats feel amazing, even after sitting in the car for 7+ hours non-stop!!! The back seats seriously lack leg-room and the turning radius absolutely sucks.... Aside from those two negatives, Id totally recommend this car to anyone! Mine of course was a 2 owner car, very well taken care of at the dealership/volvo indy shop. After 11 years, this car still looks amazing and people still ask me if its brand new. Take care of it, feed it premium fuel, only use synthetic oil, and itll return the favor!!!

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  Great car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Kerrigan - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I had been looking at cars for about 6 months. I really liked the new body style of the Volvos. I owned an Audi A- 4 and I was waiting for the lease to expire. Well, I finally bought a car (a new Infiniti I-30). After owning the car for a few months, I felt like it was too big/touring sedan for me. So, I looked at the BMW 325 and MB C240 and decided upon the Volvo S-60. It was the right size and equally priced to the BMW and MB (was a little higher).

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  ultimate sleeper - 2005 Volvo S60
  By sleeper - December 6 - 9:40 pm

  For anyone wondering what the S60R can do flat out on the super highways of germany (AUTOBAHN). Well let me tell you. When I first test drove the demo car I was sold.The dealer told me to break it in at least 3000 miles and then drive it how you want. So I did just that.After the 3 was up I was trying to race everything I could.For those who dont know on the Autobahn there is (NO) speed limit.I took it to the max.It tops out between 155- 160mph. It gets there Quick. I would run the car at 150mph for 3 hours straight (no problem). Cars I blasted. bmw 545i, boxer porsche,all audis period. Hell the only thing that pushed me out the left lane was the 2006 M5. Everything less was NO match for it.

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  Used Car for Christmas 2013 - 2002 Volvo S80
  By evaeve - December 5 - 9:45 pm

  I bought this car after my long recovery from a motorcycle accident... And I am completely satisfied four months and 5k miles later. Repairs: When I bought it, I replaced the water pump and timing belt. I have had this vehicle serviced one time to replace/fill all the fluids. I need to replace my upstream oxygen sensor (minor issue), which will cost around $130 for the part and is easily installed (or labor $40 for labor). Struts are squeaky in this model, but that isnt a required fix. Wish List: This car has a terrible audio system. I have a 12inch long Skullcandy speaker at home that performs much better than all 6 speakers in my vehicle... which is sad.

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  I like my new S80 - 2007 Volvo S80
  By Chicago Volvo Owner - December 4 - 3:46 am

  I bought the S80 because it had better styling, luxury, fuel economy and safety than the competition. Three months later, Im still very pleased. A recent 300 mile trip got me 31.3 mpg at an average 64 mph with air conditioning! Thats better than many so-called economy cars. It feels solid as a bank-vault, and definitely has that luxurious ambience.

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  Excellent - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Kay - December 3 - 5:36 am

  Driving the XC90 makes me feel safe in all types of weather. The control and size are exceptional.

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  SUV of the future - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ColoradoMike - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought a rare used 2003 XC90 just last month to replace a 1994 Toyota Landcruiser my wife decided she just couldnt handle anymore. SHE LOVES IT and Ive never seen her give a thought to an automobile before. I agree with her completely whenever she lets me behind the wheel. Its good looking, nimble and we feel safe when carting the family around in the Colorado high country.

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  Very Impressed - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By MIS - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Since this was my first SUV, I really didnt know how I would like the SUV after I bought it. It felt fine during the test drive, but thats only for 15 minutes. After I bought it, I drove it from Phoenix to Portland. It was impressive, comfortable and handled extremely well. Cruising at 80 to 90 was a dream. Im glad that I bought it. I have no further second thoughts.

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  Best Decision I Ever Made - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Annette - December 2 - 3:00 am

  I compared many car models including Acura, Lexus, and Volvo and researched for months. Buying this Volvo was the best decision I ever made. Not only is the car sleek and sexy but it is amazingly fun to drive. It has the subtle and streamline sophistication that I love. My highway commute is about 30 miles per day one way and driving this car makes it so much more enjoyable. Wood trim in the interior is nicely done in a rich dark wood, leather is fine quality.

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  Perfect Car for Me - 2002 Volvo S80
  By RCS - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I just got a new 2002 S80, the dealer gave us a great price, well below the TMV number, they said it was based on an existing Volvo owner incentive. The car is perfect for my wife and I comfortable, equipped with all the right features and no extra gadgets. It is our 4 th Volvo and the first front wheel drive one. The only complaint is that the turning radius is too large, especially compared to our old rear wheel drive Volvo.