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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  Solid and safe family transport - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By JCC - July 8 - 10:00 am

  It wont win any races, but it rides and handles beautifully for its weight and height. The seats are the most comfortable of any cars Ive owned. Going down the highway, the car tracks straight and feels solid. Exterior design is classy, and interior design is highly functional and efficient. The car is easy to drive and park, though the second row leg room is tight to make room for the third row and the generous cargo bay. The car was reliable during the 4 year warranty period. On the down side, the car is underpowered while only returning so-so fuel economy. It needs a new set of tires every two years. Had some electrical problems starting year 5. Dealer service and parts are expensive.

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  recommended - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Rawas - July 8 - 10:00 am

  The xc90 is an excellent suv for people looking for design, build quality and durability. It has a special scandinavian character that puts it far ahead of other suvs. volvos are famous for thier safety,practicality and longevity. Built like a tank, with one of the most sophisticted premium audio system installed in cars.If you are looking for muscles and performance, this suv is not for you.

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  Luxurious, somewhat fast, yet very problematic - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Thomas Skinner - July 2 - 4:06 am

  When I initially saw this car, I was hooked by the twin turbo inline six that sat under the hood. I took it for a test drive and it was surprised at how quick it was, considering that it was a somewhat obese, front wheel drive luxury car. I needed a "reliable" car to drive on a daily basis (compared to the 40+ year old Datsun I had been driving) and I figured I would go with the S80. It had 160,000 miles on it, which shouldnt be too much right? Only a few days after bringing it home I noticed a whining noise from transmission... Great. Upon doing some research (which I should have done before buying the car) I found out that faulty transmissions are common for them. Although aside from that and the buggy electrical system, its a pretty good car. Its extremely comfortable, the power steering it has makes turning a breeze, and its a nice car to drive. However I wouldnt recommend this car to a friend.

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  Great in class, but not best Volvo - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Paul in Seattle - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The C70 is best in class. Its competitors are BMW 3 series and Mercedes CLK. For the money, you get more engine and features with the C70, by far. That said, we love our 98 Cross Country wagon and dont think the C70 convertible is close in terms of quality, esp for the price. But, if you want a 4-seater, Euro convertible, the c70 is a blast and affordable.

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  no more - 1999 Volvo S80
  By randolph - June 26 - 10:00 am

  car is great when running. but the electronics suck big time. theyve replaced more sensors than exist in any other car i think. dealership is terrible. cant wait for lease to end. too bad though, because when the car is running right - its a pleasure to drive

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  Fantastic Volvo - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By Rawfish - June 20 - 6:30 am

  Bought mine new and have had absolutely no issues at all. As for power, its a bit weak and my 2001 XC70 with the turbo was much faster, but all in all its enough. Super safe...that is the main reason I got it. No ONE beats Volvo on that so Ill trade speed (I also had a S60R) for safety.

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  Trannie is a mess! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By MaPage - June 17 - 6:43 am

  I too have had transmission issues. I never thought it was right from the beginning. Bought it used off lease with 65K. Motor mount issues, bad radio, cruise control problems, at 130,00 the transmisson is a mess, two motor mounts shot and with a 30K tune up and new tires needed Im folding! This is my 5th and last Volvo. Ford really screwed these cars up! Im buying a Saab. My sons is 13 yrs old and handles better than my Volvo. Too bad I was a huge fan and loved my old cars. This one too but cant afford it!

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  my first Volvo - 2009 Volvo C30
  By Marq - June 15 - 5:53 pm

  I now have 860 miles on my new C30, and I am beginning to enjoy it and feel I made the right choice. Yes, there were cheaper cars I was considering, such as a VW Rabbit, but I am now beginning to appreciate the upscale craftsmanship that makes my Volvo a really fine car. I am also beginning to appreciate that as a Volvo owner, I am now part of a demographic of more conservative and mature drivers.

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  Still a Volvo. - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By glddmr - June 8 - 10:00 am

  NE region Volvo rep said my door rattle, caused by the prem stereo, is ok by Volvo standards. Told it wouldn’t be ok in my BMW or a Mercedes, he said Volvo is neither of those companies. Mystery failures in the power door locks and windows. SECOR VOLVO said its my fault since I park outside half the time, saying "WE have seen some problems with condensation like that." Two power door locks failed under warranty. Drive train fine over 24000 miles. In rear ender, the front of the Toyota was destroyed but the Volvo only needed a bumper. Great in the snow, I can park it anywhere. Remember, it is a Volvo. Near-luxury, not luxury.

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  Maintenance Headache - 2001 Volvo S40
  By JPP - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I leased this car for my wife. Was looking for something that wouldnt be a headache. Since weve had it the interior lights, headlights and fuses constantly blow out on a rotating schedule. My wife drives like a grandma so we didnt have to replace the brakes until 20k. The tires are worn out now at 24k. We had it in the shop three times to get the horn to work correctly. And the two right rims are bent without any major bumps. I thought we had a lemon until I read all these other reviews. Cant wait for the lease to be over...