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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  Volvo converted me to Audi - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Robert Stuart - October 20 - 9:26 pm

  Over 1/2 the cars weve owned have been Volvo...This one will change that. This has had constant noise in the form of clunks, squeals and rattles. There is always an error light or message on and weve spent a small fortune on parts. Im a certified ASE mechanic and do all my own work but this has been a challenge. New rack and pinion, new exhaust, new struts, new springs, new tie rod ends, new radiator, new pulleys and new tires every 15K. This thing cant keep tires or brakes! The gas mileage is great, the power wonderful but everything else failed. The stereo is substandard and no one will touch it for aftermarket because of Volvos proprietary computers. The mirror trim has fallen off, the light dimmer/turn signal indicator fell off, windows get stuck. In short, this has left my wife stranded more then any vehicle shes owned. Tried to talk with dealership about issues but they create even more...worst dealer weve ever worked with. Tried to talk with Volvo and they didnt care. You can get a lemon but when the dealer and the manufacture wont help and in fact, exasperate the situation, it tells you its time to move on. Were shopping for two new vehicles and wouldnt consider owning another Volvo. At this time, Audi looks best and seems to have the best customer support.

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  Love my S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By bbqbandit - October 20 - 8:36 pm

  I bought the car two years ago and it has been a dream. Incredible power and fuel economy. Body is in amazing condition with no rust and its so much fun to drive.

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  2002 Volvo C70 - 2002 Volvo C70
  By F T Riekhof - October 20 - 1:16 pm

  The car has numerous rattles and squeaks. It needed a complete replacement of the radiator and transmission cooler at 42,000 miles. The turning radius is way to wide and one would hardly know it has power steering. Gear indicator on dash is totally inadequate and stupid. The drivers seat has worn unacceptably given the milage. It has poor visibility when backing up. On the bright side: it handles wonderfully on the open road, and it is fun to drive with the top down in town. Overall it is a poor value, and I likely will never buy another Volvo as a result of owning this car.

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  Great for the mountains - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Brian in Colorado - October 20 - 8:03 am

  I have owned my 2010 XC60 for just over a year; it was one of the first delivered in Colorado. With the T6 it has plenty of power and great winter handling. Easily and safely gets to the ski resorts in the winter. Actually fun to drive on snowy roads! Gas mileage leaves something to be desired, as it averages only about 19 mpg. My terra cotta bronze model with the exterior/interior appearance packages and two-tone interior styling looks great, too.

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  Great Car for a fraction of a price - 2002 Volvo V40
  By bokakhat - October 17 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car. So many safety features and yet not a high price.Milage is great and i love the seats and comfort

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  EXTREMELY high maintenance - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Ext HIGH Maintenance - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Maybe they have worked the kinks out by now, but after my experience with my S80 I will NEVER own another Volvo again. It has been EXTREMELY high maintenance, in the shop for warranty repairs over 30 times in 4 years and drives poorly. It does not "hold the road" and over-sensitive steering makes it almost dangerous in hairy situations. I would sell it but the resale value is NOTHING!!! $16K for a low mileage car I paid $42K for... I bought it because I loved the way it looked and I have been regretting it ever since it went to the shop for the first time with only 800 miles on it.

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  New XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By David Vener - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Picked it up last week. Very, very comfortable to drive and wonderful headroom (Im 64"). Feels a little sluggish with the T6; probably should have gotten the T5 for a sportier feel and better mileage. Overall thrilled with car.

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  Awesome Ride!! - 2002 Volvo C70
  By RDog - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I could not be happier with this car. I was deciding between a BMW 3 series coupe and the C70. I was drawn to the C70 primarily because of its looks. Although the BMW is more of a performance car, they are far too common, too commercialized. The C70 coupe is a relatively rare siting. It is definitely a head turner. I get compliments and questions about it all the time. Drives, handles well. Plus, I feel safe. 6 air bags!

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  Bad Stereo - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By xc90owner - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a loaded XC90 T6, W/NAV, 12 speaker premium stereo and 3rd row. THE STEREO IS FLAT OUT - FLAT. There is absolutely no bass (except for a bit from the door speakers. I was told that the optional subwoofer is not a possible option with a 3rd row. After spending $48,000, it is very disappointing.

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  XC 60 3.2 AWD/Premium + Climate Package - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Anand - October 17 - 2:00 am

  AThis car replaced a 2004 V70 2.5T. The XC60 has about the same interior space as my V70 with easier step in height and better ground clearance. The ride is smooth with less NVH than the V70 and the transmission shifts without hesitation. However, acceleration is a little sluggish compared to the 2.5T engine and fuel economy is significantly worse at 22-24 on the highway. Front seats are extremely comfortable but the back seat is cramped. Fit and finish is very good with no squeaks or rattles. Rear visibility is quite good and the headlights are strong. My car is equipped with BLIS which works reasonably well. Overall, My XC60 is a very comfortable,all weather car with mediocre fuel economy.