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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  Do not buy this car - 1999 Volvo S80
  By texasgirl - February 28 - 2:00 am

  At first I loved it, even though the right blinker was hanging out of the car when I got home from the dealership. That has happened two more times. The check engine light comes on every other time you get gas. The air conditioner went out (on a road trip, in summer, in TX, with a baby. Bushings had to be replaced. I have had 5 new 17" tires (never had that problem with any other car). The ride is no longer quiet. A lot of little things that add up to severe annoyance!

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  XC90 T6 AWD - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By FSavane23 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a superb SUV with more safety features than can be expected. The dealer demonstrated the Anti-Roll and DSTC feature of the SUV and it was absolutley amazing. There was no rolling or swaying of the SUV at all. My other SUV swayed so much in an emergency avoidance that it almost tipped over - that was only at about 40MPH. The Volvo was demonstrated at about 55MPH - AMAZING!

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  Get ready to shell out a lot of dough! - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Hutch3535 - February 27 - 11:50 pm

  I always wanted a Volvo wagon ever since I was a kid, so I was thrilled when I got my 2000 Volvo (used). Since purchasing the car in 2004, I have easily put in $12,000+ on major items: AWD system, new radiator, rebuilt transmission, etc. While I love this car when its working - its powerful and feels safe - I dread when the engine light goes on (which is quite often). Just found out I need a new catalytic converter and two O2 sensor - another $1700 repair. This time, Im trading it in - I just cant see putting any more money into this car! I will NEVER EVER purchase another European car again...Im going with Subaru for my next station wagon. I can see from this site many others agree!

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  nice sports sedan and a deal on the 2009 - 2009 Volvo S60
  By marcy,ny - February 27 - 2:30 pm

  This s60 is like a sports sedan, not luxary. The 2.5 turbo is great. The front seats like sitting in a cockpit. I owned a 2002 passat, 2006 passat, 2008 Nissan maxima. The max ride was better, but this car is easier to drive, more like the passats but better. I just $9000. Off on the s60. As they are clearing them out for a redesign. These cars are a bit overpriced normally I wouldnt look at this make but with this money off was a better deal than the new maxima. Classy little sedan.

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  Fantastic Volvo S60 T6 - 2012 Volvo S60
  By atlas4 - February 26 - 8:42 pm

  Purchased the Volvo 2012 S60 T6 after owning a 2011 BMW 328i for 13 months (bought in June 2010). I can say the Volvo beats the BMW in every area. The S60 is a very fun car to drive, the interior is very comfortable well layed out and easy to use. The safety features are first rate. We test drove both the T5 and T6 but like the T6 much better, it just has a better feel on the road and the T6 is much more smoother than the T5. This is a great car for the value, with many items that come standard vs. others like BMW and Audi. Engine uses regular and the 5 year/50,000 mile maintenance care is excellent. I highly recommend this car.

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  Wipers are a saftey hazard - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Mary L. - February 25 - 11:40 pm

  The vehicle handles well in all types of weather. However, side mirror defrosters would be a great addition since they are standard on other vehicles. Besides the poor navigation system and poor night time back up camera visibility, my main complaint is the poor design for the windshield wipers. For a such a safety conscious company, Volvo blew it in this area. These are a safety hazard. Snow & ice build up quickly despite a defrost temp of 85 degrees, requiring frequent stops in inclement weather and traffic to clear! The large swath not covered by the wipers in upper right windshield, is also a safety hazard due to the poor visibility this creates.

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  My Baby - 2008 Volvo C30
  By drsherry - February 25 - 2:26 am

  "Baby" drives like a luxury car, which took a little getting used to (heated leather seats, smooth steering, quiet engine, etc). She can take off like a space rocket, especially going uphill, pushing me back into the seat. It makes me laugh right out loud--as does the incredible sound system! The BLIS system is very useful, as are the front and rear fog lights. The backseat is suprisingly roomy. Overally, Im very happy.

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  A blast to drive!!!! - 2006 Volvo V70
  By Peter - February 24 - 8:26 am

  This car has put the "fun" back into driving....and at a reasonable price. I shopped around a ton before buying my 2006 V70R. Nothing else came close! If you want lots of room without the SUV size,if you need safety, quality, speed, handling, this car is it. There are a few negatives though. Front bumper clearance is a concern everytime I park. The ride can be a jarring at times...price to pay for a "sporty" suspension, even in comfort mode. but the thing that bugs me the most is the turning radius. Its huge. I knew all of this going into this relationship. Bottom line. I love this car. Leaving an Acura TL/BMW 3 series at a light wondering what just happened is priceless!!!!

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  Great Power but Poor Reliability - 2000 Volvo S80
  By FirstVolvo LastVolvo - February 23 - 10:00 am

  When Consumer Reports notes that this is one of the poorest used car buys, listen to them. It is an incredible car in its interior quality, power, and road handling; but the fun stops there. I have spent so much time in the dealership with the front suspension, climate control, engine and transmission issues that it is on the rack more than the road. The vehicle reliability is incredibly disappointing and you should really think twice before buying. Between the poor dealer service and the dismal quality and reliability, I will never buy another Volvo. For the same money elsewhere you can get so much more.

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  Awesome Volvo S60 AWD - 2003 Volvo S60
  By SilverBullet - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This Car satisfies all the needs of this owner. Performance, Exterior and Interior Styling and above all Safety. By far the best car I have ever owned.