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:

• 

  Ahhh Volvo - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Bizcocxito - April 3 - 2:00 am

  You really cant argue with one of the safest and most stylish cars on the road. The mass (esp. in comparison to my previous car - petite lil Toyota Corolla) takes some getting used to, but every safe and reliable minute in the S80 has been fabulous.

• 

  axle glue - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By VULCAN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  both front axles had to be repaired by adding cement grease(thats what dealer called it). This stopped vibration of axle in both front wheels. Also a spring had to be applied to emergency brake to keep it from rubbing.

• 

  2000 S40 Review - 2000 Volvo S40
  By DJP - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Poor location for the cup holder and window controls. Outside noise louder than Im use to for a car in this price range and class.

• 

  My favorite so far - 2009 Volvo S60
  By Wes - April 1 - 10:06 pm

  Finally being financially able to purchase my first brand new car, i looked at everything- I decided with the rebate that I wanted the new S60 because it was a great value for the money. I traded in my IS300 and havent looked back since! Super comfy, and i will keep it till it hits at least 100k.

• 

  Good but not great - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By mark - March 31 - 5:00 am

  There is nothing wrong with the XC90. But then again, theres nothing great. Acceleration has a lag but is OK. Third row is a great concept, but very difficult to get into. Dont even ask about third row leg room! Gas mileage is good for a 2 1/2 ton vehicle. Build feels rugged and well constructed. Features like rear audio controls is good. Its an OK vehicle. The question is whether it is worth $40K+?

• 

  Dissapointed - 1998 Volvo S70
  By ficho - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a certified used from the dealer in 9/1999. The car had 35000 miles. The car has had many problems from day one. Dealer support has been terrible. I have had to fight with them to get them to cover the problems under warranty. Many switches/lights probelms, as well as cruise control, steering column and engine mounts. I have taken the car in for intermittent AC problems 7 times. The dealer cannot trouble shoot the system correclty. They changed all kinds of sensors and switches. The AC works for a while and then its dead again.

• 

  GREAT DRIVE, REPAIR FREQUENT - 2001 Volvo S40
  By ANGRY/NOW IM MAD - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the car handles, but disappointed with inferior parts. Headlights BRAKES (last 15,000 mi), no auto trunk, window motors, air conditioner leaks on inside, recalls. Had several repairs, some my fault, other have been under warranty, Im at 30,000 mi, what happens at 48,000 mi when warranty expires, I stuck, right?I purchased a volvo for longevity, reliability and safety, instead I got a car I can only sell at a loss and fear of expensive repairs after the warranty expires

• 

  Great SUV Crossover - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By new15 - March 26 - 8:19 pm

  I purchased the Volvo XC 60 in May of 2011 for my wife. She has been the primary driver of the car and has put over 23,000 miles on the car in nearly one year. We have been very pleased and could not be happier with our purchase decision. The car rides great and the front seats are exceptional for overall comfort. The car is equipped with the 3.2 engine with AWD.

• 

  Surprisingly FUN! - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Kenneth Bunch - March 26 - 6:26 pm

  Initially, I got the car b/c I could not pass up the great lease deal. This car has great pickup for a 200 HP engine, is very roomy and comfortable. It has a firm drive and is has very responsive handling. Interior lags behing Lexus but is respectable. 6 airbags in the car is a plus.

• 

  volvo s60 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By snoopy29 - March 23 - 5:56 pm

  Fun car to drive in the city