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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  Mardis C-70 HPT - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Mardi - September 28 - 7:53 am

  C-70HPT offers a fun drive in a comfortable 4-passenger vehicle. I agree with a review I read, that it has a tendency to torque steer when you REALLY rip on it, but you quickly learn to accomodate. The UP side is that when you shower down, it responds admirably. I traded to it from a BMW Roadster and even though my C-70 isnt quite as much fun, its a superior road car. My husband says, it offers a very civilized convertible experience especially with the optional wind screen. Internal noise is minimal with the top up or down allowing you to enjoy the awesome optional stereo system. 17" allow wheels and low profile tires are sleek, but the soft wheels damage easily and the trunk is small.

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  Electrical problems frequent - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Rossthewrench - September 28 - 12:00 am

  We bought this wagon used, it was always serviced by Volvo, and highway driven by female doctor. The condition was showroom. One week after purchasing, the information centre packed it in. Dealer said it was out of warranty. Cost to replace roughly 1200. So we said to forget it. Next month the instrument panel shut down, no guages at all, no speedometer either. Had the local garage change battery. Was OK, now it is back again. Nothing on instrument panel again. Now we just guess how fast we are going, fill the gas tank often, and hope we are right. Oh, the airbag info light came on just after we got it, neighbour Volvo same problem No warranty. Mechanically is good car,electrics terrible.

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  Love my new car! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Jenny - September 25 - 9:53 am

  This has to be one of the best compact cars on the market. The handling is precise, and the interior comfort is the best that I have driven.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By mikel - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Have been driving the XC90 since May 03. It is a great ride. The handling is superb along with the comfort. Third row seat easy to use. Pleanty of cargo when needed.

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  Done with minivans - 2007 Volvo V50
  By Empty Nesters - September 24 - 12:00 am

  We sent the last of three kids off to college this year and were so happy to be done with the big, automatic transmission minivans. Had noticed the aerodynamic design of the v50 on the road--more appealing than many other sport cars-- and also the added flexibility of a small wagon for storage. Bought the v50 t5 awd with a standard transmission. What a great car! great acceleration, handling, and responsiveness. No problem in snowy or icy conditions. The seats are the best- - even for long trips. Mixed driving in the mid twenties/gallon. Highway on cruise control is over 30. Any negatives? the trim on the inside door handle is a little soft and has couple of dings from my ring.

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  Best companion for 9 and a half years - 2005 Volvo V50
  By kostasg - September 23 - 12:13 pm

  Mine is a 1.8lt, 125HP Momentum model, 9 and a half years old. It has already 220.100km. It is a seriously reliable car. Only few minor problems not worth mentioning at all! Always enjoyable, comfortable, premium-feel, and safe ride, even at high speeds (160-180 km/h). I feel very lucky to own this car. Would definitely buy new Volvo, although, I quite like its plain aesthetic compared to the newer models. I intend to keep it in the best possible condition for as many years as possible, cause I like it, honestly!! Also, all people that happen to ride in the car, always comment highly positively about its GOOD feel, from the first day till now. Honestly, ALL.

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  My favorite car ever! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Gabriela - September 22 - 11:06 am

  I love the style, comfort, ride and safety of this vehicle. It hugs the road on a turn, is responsive, and has great pickup entering the freeway or passing.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Janie Doe - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car about a year and a half ago. Since that time, it has been in the shop on no less than 5 occasions for major electrical/computer malfunctions: total shutdown of all electronic read-out; power window,locks and sunroof not working; and brake lights that stay on despite the fact that the car is turned off. I thought I was upgrading from my Honda Civic when I purchased this car, however, the Civic was not in the shop once in the six years I owned it. I would NEVER buy this car again.

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Pleased Volvo Owner - September 22 - 8:31 am

  I bought a Volvo s60 T5 for the its safety rating, and it delivered. I was recently in a horrific car accident whilst driving this vehicle and my son and I were able to walk out of the car. The front end was completely smashed in. This car was so reliable, and it performed as if it came off the lot that day. The seats are hands down the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. When Volvo says, "Volvo for Life," they arent kidding. This car saved my life, and I will always choose Volvo. I cannot wait to get another one.

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  45K Mile Disappointment - 2007 Volvo S40
  By jamiefg - September 21 - 3:58 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Volvo S40 for safety and design. Ive been very happy since! I just picked up my car 2 weeks after a 45K mile checkup at Volvo and was devastated to learn that I had nearly $3,000 of repairs needed. I take great care of my car and was not expecting anything other than the basic oil change and repairs at such low mileage. I am extremely disappointed at this point, and afraid of the thousands of dollars I may need to sink into my car in time. Beyond, the Volvo service team was charging me twice as much as my family mechanic - and quickly met his pricing once I brought it up. I loved my car, but I also want a company I can rely on and trust for 100K miles!