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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  Not as nice as the price - 2009 Volvo S80
  By dino k. - March 17 - 10:23 pm

  I compared this Volvo to a Buick Lucerne w/a Northstar V-8 & found its mileage substantially less & ride much harsher. Trim is very stately & exterior is very stylish. Good trunk room & overall quality very good but the vehicle is a step below the Buick in ride & performance, especially the lower mileage was a surprise.

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  Volvo S80 2.9 A Pleasure! - 2003 Volvo S80
  By Volvo Again - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This car was an upgrade from my 2000 s40 (which I also loved). My husband and I based our decision to lease another Volvo based on its excellent safety features, its comfort and its unique style. We were not let down. This car is a pleasure to drive even without the T6 engine. The design is so different from the other cars out there, that people often stop to look or ask us what it is. I am very satisfied with our choice.

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  Most Disappointed - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Disappointed in MI - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but trouble since day one. Both brakes had to be replaced after one year. Struts were replaced, windows dont work, squeaky roof/sunroof. Im in for repairs once per month. Volvo refused to admit there is a problem and will NOT assist me in getting me out of this lease. I have been loyal Ford consumer until I got this Volvo, but I had never had my Ford products in the shop other than for oil changes. Volvo expects the consumer to pay $350 to have a maintenance check after every 10,000 miles. NEVER AGAIN

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  Pleased, but need excitement - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Jan - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the title fool you, I have had a very good experience with this car. It is a bit sluggish of the mark. Handles very well, a good sport tire is critical. Its styling is "old" for me. I also see many older women driving these cars. Not that there is anything wrong with older women, I prefer a more stylish car that is more aggressive. Improve the cup holders in the front seats.

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  Good Buy - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Me - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Best car I owned. Had the car for three years, only rutine maintenance performed. Wish radio was more user friendly, small complaint for an excellent car.

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  Fun and Comfort - 2000 Volvo S80
  By bellvista - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I love it! It is very comfortable and has a quite and smooth ride. The Volvo S80 handles very well. No complaints from my long legged friends who sit in the back. The back seats are comfortable too,

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  Buyer Beware! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By BravoPapa - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Weve had constant trouble with our V70 T5, including electrical problems, brake problems, transmission software issues, speakers, rattling glovebox, malfunctioning cup holder, and weve had to replace 10 tires on the car. At 15 - 18 average MPG, the 247 HP of this car comes at a pretty steep price. The depreciation on the car in terms of dollars per month or year is VERY HIGH too. Our family has been delighted with Volvo products, (740s, 240s before that) until now. As of this writing, my advise would be to consider an alternative car/ brand.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Billd0no - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The S60 is my every day driver. I also drive a 98 Corvette convertible. The S60 isnt as much fun, but only a nut drives a Vette in Midwest Winter weather. I especially like the way it has handled this crummy weather weve had. Its sure-footed. My wife keeps commenting on how comfortable the seating is. I have to agree. I had read a review about some minor annoyances others have experienced with this model. So far I cant see what the complaining is about. Would there be some things Id like to see changed? Of course, since no car gets everything right. But for my monthly lease payment Im very satisfied.

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  Drives likes a truck - 2001 Volvo S40
  By juanag - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Handling: choppy, bumpy ride. Have to hang onto the wheel in curves to keep it tracking. Reliability: one check engine incident. Rear brakes needed relining after 8,000 miles. Stopping distance is not that great, either. Dealer took 2 years to fix malfunctioning drivers window!

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  Great ride but one repair after another - 2001 Volvo V70
  By ksmith905 - March 15 - 7:40 am

  I do love the feel, looks, and power of this car. It is ergonomically the best car Ive yet owned. I am, however, completely fed up with the many repairs (expensive ones at that) that Ive needed for the last 3 years (since the warranty expired). I replaced emission sensors twice, replaced strut top caps, replaced the drive shaft. I have lost confidence in this car... intermittent "emissions system service required" & ABS service required" messages, one blinker bulb or another blowing out every 4 months or so. A month ago a hissing by the brake pedal. Diagnosis: time to replace the brake booster - $800. Tonight a new message: "transmission service required". Argh!