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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  Safety, Reliability, and Quality - V70 2WD - 2000 Volvo V70
  By michivolvo - March 25 - 12:47 am

  2000 V70 Wagon. 180,000 miles. The Volvo safety features are its trademark. I never felt uneasy about my family being on the road with any Volvo weve owned. Our non-turbo is no hot-rod, so that reduces some of the parental "worry factor". Besides regular maintenance, most repairs are what one might expect - tie rod ends, brakes, the odd sensor. Theres been a surprise or two, but few. Our mechanic says, "These things go forever". It runs like a top. No leaks, no oil burning. Just a solid car, with nice appointments. The build quality is great. 12 salty Michigan winters and no rust, at all. Its no four-wheel drive, but it gets through Michigan winters, just fine.

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  VOLVO MADE ME CRY! - 1998 Volvo S70
  By TCR - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Excited during purchase, however, this Volvo was very disappointing. It was a matter of just a few weeks before the service department workers new me by name. The interior check engine line appeared every month. Numerous electrical problems: antenna motor, windshield wiper motor, blown headlights and tail lights. Great ride and fast, but the ride often took me back to the dealership.

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  99 Volvo S80 - 2000 Volvo S80
  By mac99 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Cost $3000 @ 59,000 miles for a new transmission. Warning ligts on constantly, nusaince items breaking, and over all poor quality. I would recommend any other car but the S80

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  Test drive - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By mla - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Just recently took one for a spin at the Volvo test drive event. Was impressed by all the safety features. Drove like a sedan. Great roll control. Integrated child booster seats. Wonderful handling and control.

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  Awesome - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Brandon - March 22 - 3:23 am

  My 2nd car, was driving a 99" Saab 9-5 before. I love this car, the "Sporty- S40" as I call it. The day I brought it home my sister fell in love with it and got 1 also. They have great colors and the T-tec is sweet, everything comes right off it. Not flashy interior, very classy and simple. Get the sound package!!! 12 speakers its insane!!! great clarity as well. Although the 2.4i (my model) has 168hp 5 spd it is very quick (but if u have the extra 6 grand get the T5! 220hp 6 spd turbo). I have the Mysterial Green it looks very nice with the tinted windows. Great value as well, the only car that is comparable is the Acura TSX, a friend has it (he enjoys my car better) well worth it!

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  VOLVO S40 happy owner - 2000 Volvo S40
  By mathias - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car has an excellent response when speed and acceleration is needed. I have put this car at 137 MPH on Alligator Alley and it could have still kept going a tad more had I not cought up with traffic. Getting to 130 MPH is a breeze. Need a stretch to get to the 137 I put it to. Acceleration is very good. I have left more than 1 BMW 325 asking for a second chance. Response from mid speeds is also superb. The interior is suprisingly comfortable. It looks smaller outside but feels large inside, even in the backseets.It is more roomy than the A4 by far. The trunk is very generous as well. The car has had no problems, just regular service and it has 56,000 miles. Best car in its league.

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  Love My Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By EMVanRiper - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I chose the XC70 because of its versatility, reliability, and safety. It has met my expectations and then some. It has lots of room, all the amenities I want (but not those I do not want), has decent gas mileage, and is fun to drive for a wagon, especiall with the Geartronic transmission. My 3- year old son and our three Labs are the reasons why we need this type of vehicle. I used to drive an SUV, but prefer my AWD Volvo.

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  Best used value S-40ASR turbo - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Volvo for Life - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I do agree with some people here.If you buy a fully loaded model topping $27800 with all the options you dont want to have any problems and glitches like burning lights or brakes.It is still a best deal in the used sport luxury european sedan category.You have to drive normal and dont abuse it.I love this car,but you have to lubricate brakes ,especially if you drive in salty,cold weather.Handling is superb.Once again you have to buy them used for $9700-11500 range to really enjoy it.It worth this money all the way.Luxury European small sports sedan.

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  GERMAN GONE SWEDE - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By NATURAL JOCK - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Weve been looking for a good-looking SUVs but without the unnecessary bulk of most major SUVs. We traded one of our cars (AUDI A4 Quattro) for this new XC70 Volvo. We also considered the Lexus R330 and Volvo XC90. We found these latter two SUVs to be too tall/high for our "rescued" South Russian Sheepdog to jump in and out of the vehicle. We chose the XC70 because he is able to recline comfortably while in the car. The XC70s safety features also made us choose it over the Lexus R330. We would have chosen the XC90 but besides the "height" situation, we also found it a little "too feminine" looking :) Although Ive seen quite a few women driving the XC70 here in the LA area.

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  MY Volvo - 2004 Volvo S80
  By LogMarine - March 21 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! Easy to drive, quiet, smooth and elegant interior. When I get in MY S80 I feel like a million dollars. This is my first Volvo and I doubt I will ever buy from any other manufacturer again. I had a terrific buying experience (can you believe that..a terrific buying experience for a car?!?!?) and could not be happier with the vehicle.