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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  2008 C30 2.0 - 2008 Volvo C30
  By JT79 - August 1 - 1:50 pm

  Great all-around sporty car. I was particularly impressed by the build quality and ride of the vehicle. From my research I knew that it was a going to be a quick and versatile little car, but I was blown away by just how well it was put together and how well it rode on the highway. The suspension is a perfect blend between performance and luxury. Its not quite as nimble as a Mini Cooper or GTI but it doesnt beat you up nearly as much either and it blows either of those cars away in terms of power and power delivery.

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  great car to drive - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Oleander - July 30 - 9:10 am

  This car hits the sweet spot for me: powerful due to 5 cylinder turbo (plus I have stick shift), fuel efficient, reliable and good looking. Now my issue is to keep it running forever because they are no longer selling the stick shift. I also have 4WD which is helfpul when it snows.

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  Solid & Reliable - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Brian - July 30 - 5:03 am

  Solid, reliable car with no perks. Its never quit on me, but that darn check engine light has been on nearly the whole time Ive had the car. Apparently Im not the only one this happens to. Timeless, classic style holds up well, and the 10yr old interior still looks like new. Nice trunk space and good room for 4 Americans(I think you know what I mean). Its not called "The Brick" for nothing.

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  Steamn in STL - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By susan - July 29 - 1:44 am

  I bought My 2015.5 Volvo xc60 January of 2015, July 2015 transmission goes out completely........no accidents or rough terrain or mishandling of the vehicle in any way. Computer has had several glitches generating problem messages regarding functions in the vehicle. Cars in the shop at present. I have traditionally kept my vehicles and maintained them for years after purchase. I dont see that happening with my Volvo. Instead I am looking into lemon laws for my state. we shall see how warranty/dealer takes care of this and future potential problems In any case I would " steer clear " of this Volvo for sure.

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  Love my XC90 - 2009 Volvo XC90
  By Heather - July 27 - 11:06 pm

  I have been looking at this car since it came out and finally took the plunge and purchased new 09 model. Love everything about it. Handles really wheel and very fun to drive. Bought this truck over alot of others for the trunk space for my ridgeback dog/family member and he has plenty of room and his own AC vents. Only downside i have seen is that the rear vents dont work unless the a/c is on.

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  160,000 and counting! - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By Jason - July 27 - 6:22 pm

  Bought new-ish in 2004 with 2600miles, normal up keep and maintenance. No real issues till about 94,000miles; some electrical bug hit and took 3 trip to Volvo to get it right. People, change your fluids and do the recommended maintenance on your vehicle and you should have no real issues. I have 164,382 miles as I write this. My wife & I will be getting another XC70 after tax returns, we will keep this one for our daughters first car.

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  Not worth it!!!! - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By dblassc - July 26 - 8:26 pm

  I’m leasing this new car $620 a month 39 lease term, momentum plus package, 12k miles. To be honest after have other great brands, this is by far the worst SUV I ever had, all the technology involved (for which I purchased) is really hard to take advance of it, I mean the safety features might be great but inside the car the way they felt is another history. Control Panel: Zero intuitive, very difficult to use them. With 2nd largest display in the market (after Tesla) you really really expect to work just fine. I consider my self a tech person and I use all the features and they are definitely not friendly, you can only use one at the time, cant mix audio with air condition for example, because there is all integrated. Voice navigation: is by far the worst on the market, better not to have at all, 5 or 5 times is unresponsive and failed, after 2 system upgrades directly from Volvo is definitely something with the way it was designed, the only way I found to make it work is to send the address directly from the Volvo on-call app to the car directly, which never let you ask for an address directly. FYI (I updated maps from Florida in full). Seating: Front row seating are another failure by far the hard as a rock, and impossible to set up, basic lumbar features for a 55K SUV. Climate: Very poor in terms of vent power, and again difficult to get to the controls directly. (Included in screen panel only) Volvo on call: This system allowed you to start your car from the phone, service is included in the 39 lease term, but you can only use 2 times per day (???) Gas Consumption: In terms of engine seems to be powerful (mine a 2.0 turbo, 4 cylinders) but consumption is very high for a small engine like that , in my case city commuter , less than 18 per gallon. Service on Dealer: Service people very diligent and pro costumer service, I can not say the same from General Sales Manager, Carlos Sacasas (Volvo Carsf North Miami), that will treat you in the worst way, like you are not worth it as a client for them STAY AWAY!! I already have it for 200 miles enough to know that this car won’t last in my hands for the full lease term (already searching for options to change)

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  Solid Car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Nikki - July 25 - 11:33 pm

  I am on my third volvo and they have maintained their high level of quality. I continue to be impressed with the comfort and useability of the interior. The performance is lacking the oomph that many newer cars have. Great highway gas mileage (I get around 36 MPG highway). The backseat is lacking leg room, but is comfortable with two adults, three is a squeeze. I recommend Volvo to those looking for a comfortable, reliable car.

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  Volvo for life! - BUT...... - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Will Johnson - July 24 - 5:43 pm

  I really wish it had better gas mileage. Avg. 20 mpg in the city (Ugh!) Overall, this car ROCKS! In Germany these are everywhere, but here in the U.S., I get compliments at red lights all the time. Looks sharp with sporty 18"s on them. The interior is awesome. Im 63" and have plenty of leg room. Good trunk space. Somehow, the Swedes packed all that interior room in this little car! (very deceptive lol) Dolby II Sound system.

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  It has served me well. - 2005 Volvo V50
  By PD - July 24 - 11:50 am

  I have driven the car 58,000 miles now. Initially, I did have a cold start issue when new. But since that problem was fixed in the 1st year (software update), the car has worked perfectly for me. I own the turbo (T5 AWD) and it is a blast to drive. Handling is superb. Great acceleration and pick-up. I opted for the upgraded stereo which is truly spectacular - great crisp highs and deep lows. Edmunds also rated it very highly. Car/road/wind noise suppression is good. But higher end luxury cars will do better.