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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  New Family Addition - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By rwhome - March 16 - 7:36 pm

  Ever since giving up on the Chrysler because of its poor performance and gas guzzling tendencies, this vehicle provides the ideal alternative. Better cachet and a much more maneuverable package, the Volvo matches or exceeds all the Pacifica benefits, then goes further with laser enhanced cruise control, satellite stereo, built-in child seats, and a really effective bluetooth system. still, I wish it were more economical.

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  My experience with the v50 2.4i - 2005 Volvo V50
  By dave - March 16 - 12:30 pm

  I owned a 240 for 16 years. Liked it, but, not driving in snow. The v50 has the features Im interested in: safety, comfortable seats, easy to drive in traffic, easy to park. The front wheel drive with snow tires have been excellent. I dont feel that AWD is necessary. I have been concerned about reliability, but, so far the only problem has been squeaky brakes when backing up. Problem has been intermittent and dealer has been very supportive. Problem not totally gone, but, only happens on rare occassions now. The car has been reliable and it is fun to drive. I like the car and I intend to keep it.

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  What a Nightmare - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Jus me - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used because of the high cost only to find that this car had been badly abused and neglected. Unfortunately the only love and care that would help was $$$. Not only that, but the vehicle likes the abuse - it gets the worst dents from the smallest nudge. Its an aweful investment if you dont have a lot of money or time for the dealer (and only the dealer) to repair or if you work/live in a densely populated area. Had it less than 2 years & getting rid of it 2 years too late. And what is it worth now??? If you like it, rent it; its not worth buying.

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  Peace of Mind - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Rorschach - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My first Volvo, but I am very happy with the XC90. Rides great, stable in any weather, very comfortable, looks great. Unpretentious.

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  My First Volvo!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By First Volvo Guy - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I currently own a 2003 BMW 530i, which I LOVE to drive and I needed a people mover thats stylish, safe (3 kids) comfortable and good on gas. Saw the XC90 last yr when it came out and was impressed with its styling. Fell in love with it on my test drive. I drove a friends X5 and was not happy with the ride, ruled out the Touareg and the Cayenne because of the lack of the third row, the MDX because its just an expensive Pilot and Im not a fan of American SUVs (too big, trucky and bad on gas).Anyone looking at luxury level SUVs to definitely check this one out before making their final decision. Volvo did good with this one!!

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  Volvo Has Done It Again - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Sanford - March 14 - 1:20 am

  This is my 4th Volvo and so far the best I have driven/owned. The handling is superior; the exterior appearance is eye-catching; the interior is like being in your favorite easy chair; and the sound system is definitely ear- candy. The acceleration is neck popping yet safe; the braking system is very dependable; and the lights really show you the way. The heated seats are a definite plus, and the entire heating/air conditioning system does not take long to either heat or cool. This Volvo handles like a dream. If you can resist putting your foot in the gas tank, gas mileage is also a plus. I plan to drive this Volvo until the wheels fall off.

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  Volvo V70 - 1999 Volvo V70
  By jobo - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most solid built car I have owned. I currently own a Mercedes ML 430 and choose to drive this car 90% of the time.

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  S 40 -- a Sweedish Civic! - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Bruce I. Higgins - March 12 - 10:00 am

  We just bought the dealerships first 03 S 40 -- after buying a new 02 XC a few weeks ago -- the 03 S 40 is a really well built "Civic size car" with a supurb build quality -- we bought it for safety and reliability -- and its worth the extra dollars over the oriental competition.

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  excellent car - 2002 Volvo S80
  By craig schroll - March 12 - 10:00 am

  excellent in all regards. a real fun car to own and drive.

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  Pre Retirement Toy - 2013 Volvo C70
  By Charles - March 12 - 1:28 am

  We wanted a "Adult" convertible with enough trunk space for a weekend trip. We also wanted to be able to enter and exit with reasonable ease. There is nearly zero wind buffeting with the top down. We drove it home from the dealer at highway speeds for over two hours. Truly amazing, and comfortable. This model has the premium sound system and it is great. I opted to have the Polestar software upgrade done. It adds +25 hp and 40 lbs of torque and No real change in the fuel economy, and its keeps the full Volvo warranty.