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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  My Lemon - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Carlh - February 23 - 9:10 am

  I bought the car at around 80K miles and the car checked out fine from my Volvo mechanic. After a snow storm, the bottom of the car was basically corroded and I needed to replace the entire exhaust system and several brackets. I was unable to find tires that would not rub against the interior wheel well, so it made this awful rubbing sound whenever I turned. The tire company insisted they sold me the manufacturer recommended tires. At 113K miles, the transmission gave out. Repair estimates are $5000-$7000. The car is basically junk now.

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  Driving in Mouseland - 2005 Volvo V50
  By floridacar - February 23 - 4:50 am

  After six months of good experiences with an S40, I bought the V50 as a second car. I wanted something with enough space for the occasional trip to Home Depot, but no ridiculous SUV. The V50 provides a good combination of style, performance, and room. I have owned BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis, and the Volvo compares favorably to all. I opted for the Premium, Sport, and Convenience packages, and the very good auto/manual transmission. After 1000 miles, mileage is at 27 highway. The ride is as expected: European firm, but not harsh. There is no noticeable turbo-lag and acceleration is good, but there is some "rubber-banding", requiring a little practice for a smooth lift-off.

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  Good Car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Rusty - February 21 - 2:03 pm

  After 90k miles and 5 years, our used off-lease 2001 volvo S40 is still a very reliable car. While under warranty, we had to replace the Climate Control system and a coil spring broke, but it always starts and gets us where we need to go. Bought it with 33k miles, now has 124k miles and it still runs great. Its like having a BMW but without the BMW pricetag and with Volvo reliability. I anticipate well drive ours until 200k miles easily.

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  Be Careful - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Unhappy - February 21 - 10:26 am

  I have owned my V50 for 1 1/2 years and I have been unhappy almost since the day I purchased it. We had to be towed off the highway on the six day of ownership when the turbo went out. Weve had it in for repairs for a faulty radio, faulty cargo compartment and just recently the fuel hoses went out.

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  This car was NOT ready for prime time - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By MrMan - February 21 - 12:31 am

  I was one of the first to take delivery of the 2016 model (non-first edition). The car is great if you are just taking it for a short test drive. All of those glowing reviews.... Were from reviewers that took it on a few hour test drive. Actually owning the car was a different story. Mine leaked twice, and after a long, drawn out, months and months long story, it was lemond and I got into a Q7, which is far and away a better vehicle. Its not even close. And the leaking wasnt the only problem that I had. For the first several months that I owned the vehicle, my car spent more than 30 days in the shop. The support from VCNA and the dealers is just awful. I could literally go on and on for pages about my experience, but Ill just leave it at that.

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  I love the car, with one exception - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Jason - February 20 - 5:43 am

  I love this car, with one exception. The front seats are not overly comfortable. Unless one sits on the seat the correct way, hell hurt his hips or his back. Aside from the seating issue, the car is a winner. I drove to the office in an incredible downpour. The car performed perfectly. I felt like I was in command of the road. Id recommend this car to anyone, just make sure the seats are comfortable to you.

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  My First and Last Volvo - 2001 Volvo V70
  By volvo_disappointment - February 18 - 5:40 pm

  When I was looking for a car, I had four criteria: safety, reliability, longevity, and environmental impact. Volvo rated well in all categories. This car has been nothing but a disappointment and money pit. Just a short list of previous problems: throttle module, fan, fuel system. Now, the heating is out and the transmission needs to be replaced, to the tune of $5K. I cant tell you how disappointed I am. The car was great to drive for the first two years, and then it seemed to fall apart in spite of being well cared for. I resent Volvo. (Thanks, Ford.) By contrast, my 2002 VW has more miles on it and has required no repairs, just maintenance. Its VW for me from now on.

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  Suspension and tire woes - 2006 Volvo C70
  By "Tired" Out - February 17 - 11:53 pm

  Wonderful to look at, and fun to drive, but a disaster on tire wear. Dealer states that suspension is designed for high speed driving, so tire wear will be an issue. Originals wore out at 14000, and this set will be about the same. Dealer suggests going with H rated tires for better wear, but they arent authorized to put them on. Im thinking a trade is in the near future. Hate to do it, because I love the car, but $1000 + for tires every 14000 miles is no good. Local tire dealer says the suspension system (camber) is not adjustable, so Im stuck. Beware and watch for tire cupping.

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  Fake Transmission Issue - 1999 Volvo S80
  By wusup2u - February 17 - 5:53 pm

  I bought a white 1999 S80 2.9 Executive (surround sound stereo with 4-disk CD changer and performance suspension and handling) with exactly 90,000 miles on it in September, 2008 for $5,500. I test drove it and it ran great! Two weeks after I bought it, the "attention" triangle lit up red and the status screen said "Transmission service urgent." I had the transmission rebuilt which was luckily covered under the warranty I purchased for from the dealer. After the rebuild, the warning came up again. I took it to my local Volvo dealership and they found out that the Mass Air Flow Sensor was bad and it has been a great car ever since! Easy $175 fix because of labor.

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  The car your wife will let you have. - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Carlos Stevenson - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This car was a Blast its 300+ hp engine refined handling and comfortable seats make it the best. But unfortunately its styling is a little bland and i would have rather had a benz. For those of you who have wives and want a safe car while you want a fire breathing racer this is a good comprimise.