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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  nice car but a few headaches - 2000 Volvo S80
  By arnold becker - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Its a nice design but alot of quality problems. For example; The sun roof rattled. I had the hardware replaced .It still rattles. The steering wheel had some play in it after 10,000 miles. Took it to the dealer and had it tightened. Sometimes it is hard to start (extended cranking). I took it to the dealer.They couldnt find the problem. Still gives us problems. The little sliding door in the dash snapped in two. Dealer charged us $50 to replace it. Car is sluggish, feels like a sitting duck on the expressway.Plus poor rear window visiblity. I feel safer in our smaller BMW 325xi.

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  Good - 2000 Volvo S40
  By volvodriver - June 8 - 12:50 pm

  Good

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  Brillant Wagon - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By TM - June 8 - 6:13 am

  This is by far, the best car Ive ever owned. Great performance, great utilization for a family of four and great style. My family is big in water sports - surf, kayak, etc - the Volvo XC70 is PERFECT.

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  Ultimate Balance of Luxury & Sport - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Terri Powers - June 6 - 5:40 am

  This is a phenomenal car. Fun to drive, safest car available, spacious backseat and trunk. The whole experience was pleasurable.

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  Love This Car !!! - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Fisher - June 5 - 8:43 pm

  Traded in my 01 XC70 with 80k miles (always ran perfectly) for a 06 S60R. I absolutely love this car. Handles amazingly well in the snow as well.

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  Prepare Yourself :-( - 2000 Volvo S80
  By shouldveboughtahonda - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Had Hondas my whole life and wanted to move up. Mistake. Great car if you can get it cheap and know a Volvo technician. Currently at 68K miles. Transmission replaced at 52K. Battery died during that time. Needs new rotors ($$$) each 40K miles. Replaced throttle control unit and sensor. Countless new lightbulbs. Replaced ignition antenna. Volvo Service at Dealerships are great......they have to be! READ EDMUNDS MAINTENANCE GUIDE for TSBs!!! Next car will be a Honda.

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  XC90 Review - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By derek135 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The all-new Volvo XC90 is a combination of a station wagon, SUV, and a sedan. The price is O.K with the options included. The engine makes some noise but is barable. Even though it claims to be all-wheel drive, it uses different types of devices to control the wheels which helps the fuel economy and improves the safety of the car. I give this car an 8.5/10.

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  Would I buy another Volvo? - 1998 Volvo S70
  By bkt - June 4 - 8:56 pm

  I bought this car because I wanted a sturdy car and one that would last. I have had good luck with this car and as long as Ive performed the maintenance I havent had any problems. Maintenance can be expensive at the dealership. I have a certified mechanic that only works on Vovlvo. I have no doubt I will drive this car for 3 more years and then pass it on to my 16 year old son. I wold buy another Vovlo in a minute if I wanted to shell out that kind of money.

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  Love this SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By DougT - June 4 - 4:16 am

  I wanted to buy this SUV and was told to only buy the V8. Im happy I did. The car has some zip. The driving position and front seats are extremely comfortable. Ive driven it in the snow and rain and its handled beautifully. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a high end SUV. The gas mileage has been fine. I keep it steady at 60-85 and get 16-18 on the highway. If you are erratic and punch it all the time, youll get less.

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  Absolutely valued luxury car - 2009 Volvo S80
  By Alex Z - June 4 - 1:46 am

  This is my 2nd S80 in leasing. The package is really competitive and impressive. The service in Volvo of Princeton, NJ is very good. The absolutely valued luxury car! Better than BMW 5 and Audi A6 in overall. Why pay more $10k for the same level car. I recommend to purchase or lease Volvo S80. Excellent in all of interior & exterior appearance, Handling & Safety. The drive is very smooth & quilt. great performance. Seats are very comfortable.