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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  Station Wagon Fever - 2003 Volvo V70
  By Nicole - April 15 - 9:13 am

  Great car! I wanted a car that would provide me comfort, safety, space, and so much more. This car does everything! When I go shop, I actually have a place to put my items. The leather seats are A+ I couldnt ask for a better made car. The craftsmanship is excellent for the price. We bought our V70 used, so we didnt lose a lot of money. We also paid like 11k in the end and had equity in the car. Just shop around!

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  Love Car, No So Dealer - 2004 Volvo S60
  By MAE - April 12 - 12:46 am

  I adore this car, its comfortable and sporty and I got all the bells & whistles under dealer invoice because I bought a fleet model off the floor. My only complaint is my "sneaky" dealership in Summit NJ and added fee for the extended warranty which I thought was included w/a certified pre- owned. I didnt catch it until too late - anyone else have this experience???

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  Pretty Good - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Knac - April 10 - 4:46 pm

  Im a teen driver and this car has been a joy to drive. I have really no problems other than the back lightbulbs not working but it doesnt bother me at all. The S button is really a thrill, my car seems faster than some of the newer cars today.

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  S40 2.4i - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Jason - April 10 - 11:36 am

  Awesome little car, fun for 2 people, 4 is definitely a crowd though, unless your friends are small. the performance of the 2.4i just isnt there, but the T5 which I test drove is a blast, the 2.4i is great fun, but if youre a serious driver, get the T5 S40 or an S60R

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  S40 2004.5 - 2004 Volvo S40
  By VLUVNIT - April 10 - 2:00 am

  EXELENT DRIVE AND QUALITY PARTS

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  Volvo V70R Wagon - 2004 Volvo V70
  By glkohlen - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great, fun car to drive. Especially good on the road on a trip. Excellent navigation system. Four wheel drive is handy in inclement weather.

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  I got the 1st one! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Paul F - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I waited 6 months to get this baby. Dark grey with Atacama. No nav, 6-speed, integrated boosters sunroof, etc. At 220 miles the rear diff exploded and had to be taken out and shipped back to Sweden. Had bad front wheelspin (and wheelhop) for a few weeks before I had the guts to ask what the deal was. By that time the front tires were gone. Ugly. 3 weeks on the rack. Only R with that problem to date. Powers great, seen 130MPH. Traded in my 1999.5 Audi S6 Avant.

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  Volvo 4 Life in Atlanta - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Stephen, Atlanta - April 9 - 8:53 pm

  I always wanted a convertible but steered clear of soft tops - loved the old C70 but only would have purchased a hard top. When I saw online Volvo building a new hardtop convertible I had to have it (though I also steer clear of new models their first year or two due to the manufacturer working out the bugs). Having had two BMWs prior I struggled with not getting another one but am thrilled with my decision. This car even got a round of applause at a local eatery when I put the top down for the drive home. I also own an XC90 SUV - both cars are white so a neighbor asked me if I work for Volvo now. I would highly recommend a Volvo!!

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  Love it! - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Love it! - April 9 - 2:00 pm

  I just bought my (2007) R last week, but I can tell you I love it! The car is super powerful and extremely comfortable. It is a pleasure to drive and the Dolby Pro-Logic II stereo sounds great! So far, fuel mileage is much better than expected at about 22- 24mpg around town and 28-30mpg on the highway. My only complaint is the most common one amongst R owners: turning radius.

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  Very pleased - 2002 Volvo S80
  By pete - April 9 - 10:00 am

  excellent vehicle - comfortable interior and fantastic off the line