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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  too technical for its own good - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By rubinnyc - May 24 - 3:56 pm

  After years of drivng suvs I decided to try the xc70. considering i drive nearly 30k a year, reliabilty is an issue to me. i have to say i am somewhat disappointed so far. car is 2 yrs old and have replaced a/c unit, a rear whell hub bearing, etc etc

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  S60R 6spd - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Turboguru - May 24 - 9:20 am

  I bought this car in December of 08, only 4 months later and the car has been in the shop more than Ive had it. Countless little problems, and several Major problems, costing over $3000. Im afraid to drive the car cause I never know when its gonna break next. The turning radius stinks, and it makes random noises. But its leather is top notch, sound system is great when it works, it looks amazing, accelerates great.

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  GOOD CAR - 2002 Volvo S40
  By samuroy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Satisfied

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  Just too many problems... - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Craig1024 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I got mine in November 1999. I have not had 6 months of trouble free motoring since then. The electrical problems simply wont quit. The check engine light has a mind of its own; you never know whether its going to be on or off. I have also had power steering, washer and turn signal problems.

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  236 hp on highways; 36 otherwise - 2000 Volvo S70
  By Alibaba - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Car is very luxurious. The interior cannot be more than that. Bugs me that it is slow on picking up in town. Mostly due to its sport suspension which slows it down. Great on saving money; gas and insurance.

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  comfort - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By saad - May 22 - 2:00 am

  nice to drive it had 63,000.00 mile. since i drove another 50,000.00 mile lovlely at snow . small miner repair here and there. they never more than $400.00 ayear. well if the car more than 5 yr. thats is normal. I will keep the car another 5yr untill is 200,000.00

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  2001 V70 t5 - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Pete Mickelson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car. The seats are very comfortable. The car is so quiet, you can actually hear the car stereo, which is excellent. The car is very quick, it is like a Porsche wagon.

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  The S60, it grows on you - 2002 Volvo S60
  By viran12 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I had never bought a car of this caliber but I looked at others in this range and style and felt that the Volvo S60 was an awesome buy. After buying it I expected EVERYTHING to be perfect. It was after all a $30,000+ automobile and a Volvo. I soon found out there there were several little things to get use to. One was the edvanced A/C controls. They are really out there and ahead of the times. Well after almost four months, I continue to love my car more and more.

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  Great highline luxury sedan! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By H Wright - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I am in the business, and for the money hands down this is the best vehicle in its class. Skip the BMW or Mercedes nameplate and get a well rounded sport sedan. Fun to drive, quality vehicle and the factory warranty covers the lease program timeline also.

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  Fun for Mom - 2006 Volvo V70
  By CentIndy - May 20 - 12:00 pm

  Fun to drive for those who dont want the boring ride of a mini-van. Has plenty of space for everything you need. Can drive on long trips and not get so fatigued.