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 little car - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Scott Johnson - September 15 - 2:00 am

  So far the car has been everything we have hoped and expected. Design is typical Volvo, safety is better than most cars on the road and the drive is smooth, quiet and luxurious for a mid- size vehicle.

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  Bring on the snow! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By jamm66 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  3rd Volvo, very happy so far. Interior takes a little getting used to, much different than older wagons. Stereo is wonderful, instrumentation plain but perfect, great ergonomic positioning. I have sport seats and highly recommend them, super comfortable, but arent all Volvo seats? Wagon is as versatile as ever, superb room and hauling capacity. 2.5T engine is a torque monster! Big improvement over the 2.4 in every area but fuel economy. GREAT ENGINE! The Haldex system is best in class. Effortless handling of snow and muck here in VT.

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  XC70 Fun to Drive - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By ErinMick11 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I recently gave in and bought the car that I have always admired from afar....the Volvo XC 70. I can say without a doubt buying this car was the best car-buying decision I have ever made, I could not possibly be any more happier. Volvo thought of everything when they designed this vehicle from safety, comfort, and pure driving pleasure! I will definitely be a Volvo driver for life....

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  LOVE IT! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By dcardblue - September 14 - 2:20 am

  If you are looking for an SUV that is fun to drive and is tops in safety, you have to get a Volvo XC-90. It is also luxurious, comfortable and I just love mine!

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  Completely Satisfied - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By shulmands131 - September 12 - 3:35 am

  I bought a 2011 (With Sensus) XC60 last month, and so far have been very satisfied. I got the base model with Premium Pkg and Multimedia Pkg. Only problem so far is the center channel speaker in the dash (only in multimedia pkg) rattles a bit at certain volumes/frequencies, but the dealership said theyd see if they can pad it some when I get time to drive over there. This is my 3rd Volvo and I love it!

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  Awesome Wagon! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By jumpnup22 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I was quite surprised with how great this automobile is! I have a Saleen mustang, so I know what some performance is! My wife wanted this car, so we traded the 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser for the V70R. I am overwhelmed with how much fun this car is to drive. It is easy to load, accelerates great, stops even better, and rides like a luxury car. All this, and it gets great gas mileage. I have a feeling this one will be in the family for quite a long time! If you can find one, BUY IT!

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By VolvoDriver - September 9 - 1:06 am

  Enjoy every bit of this car. Handles better than the 2003 S60 we owned prior to this purchase.

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  A Sporty Volvo - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Steven - September 7 - 6:00 pm

  We love this car! It is our first Volvo so cant compare with previous models but compared to other cars Ive owned this is the best. Handles like a sports car, lots of power and really cool interior.

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  Have NOT Experienced Any Negatives - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Jack - September 6 - 4:23 am

  My wife and I ordered our XC-90 through a local dealership then went over to Sweden to test drive it for a week. Volvo shipped it back for us 10 days later. The vehicle has been perfect for the past 6 years. I am however, quite concerned with all the negative reviews here. Of all the vehicles Ive owned throughout my life, I must admit that this XC-90 beats them all by far.

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  Two years and still a winner - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By BEST WAGON - September 5 - 3:33 am

  Bought the XC70 in June of 08. Has not had one problem. Only been in for regular maintenance. I drive highway miles to work and average 28 mpg. Would buy the car again.