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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  V70 instead of SUV - 2003 Volvo V70
  By volvohip - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I am a first time Volvo owner- previously I have had Acuras and been very satisfied. I was in the market for an SUV..but after looking at the V70 decided it really had everything I was looking for-versatility, styling, safety, and cargo space! Mine has the integrated booster seats-great idea. This car has the most comfortable seats Ive ever known in a car-plus heated!! I cant wait to take it on vacation and camping!

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  Unique class, sporty & affordable. - 2000 Volvo C70
  By Imamechanic - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I thought I would buy a wagon but fell in love with the C70. Outstanding value as a used car, and sheer silky pleasure to drive anytime, anywhere. It does everything well and has the Volvo safety and reliability to back it up. Note: I had a small problem with the electronic throttle, but the dealer has been unbelieveably fast and great to deal with - even for warranty work. Putnam Volvo, Burlingame CA. Ask for Raphael.

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  My First New Car - 2007 Volvo V50
  By jeff - January 28 - 8:00 am

  This is my first new car, but second Volvo. As you can see, i have put many miles in the comfortable drivers seat. I dread the end of the warranty period. I have traveled to Florida with my two children in car seats, Vermont with my three children in car seats. Plenty of room for a family with reasonable needs. Turbo is a must. I really wanted a sport wagon, having quit the SUV era before it even became popular. Familiar with Volvos saftey and reliability and overall this car has perfomed. Euro styling, roof rails, turbo, interior cargo space, all were items that I wanted and received in a vehicle.

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  Dont Purchase - Look at Competition - 2005 Volvo V50
  By PBW - January 27 - 7:43 pm

  Wifes car. Bought to replace V40. OK power. Expensive maintenance after warranty. Inside cramped for adults. Better cars out there unless you are looking for the Volvo brand and think it is still the safest - which it is not- good marketing campaign...

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  First time Volvo owner. - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Dave - January 26 - 7:02 pm

  Full disclosure, Ive only owned my 2018 XC90 Denim Blue Momentum for less than a week, so I can not speak to long term durability issues. So far so good, but fingers crossed. My initial reaction as a former diehard Grand Cherokee owner (5 in a row) is that a I am very happy with my purchase. The looks of the XC90 really caught my eye, but the interior quality sealed the deal for me. I had reservations about the 4 cylinder, but a test drive alleviated my concerns that it would b sufficient for th size. While it is by no means going to be mistaken for an 8 cylinder, I am impressed by the 316hp output especially at highway speeds and would describe the output as a solid v6 caliber. My Summer daily driver is a Z06 Corvette so, the road noise, and ride comfort are fine for my tastes. I sincerely wrestled with the idea of owning a Volvo, but the exterior looks and interior quality rival other luxury SUVs going for 10s of thousands more. I wanted a car with better fit and finish, more 2nd row legroom, roof rack and the third row was a bonus. I looked at the Cayenne and Q7. Performance wise, the XC90 is subpar, but for the money I could not beat everything this had to offer. The dash tech is fantastic and Im just starting to get to know the lane assist, adaptive cruise, and pilot assist features, and they are impressive. While the 316hp output is impressive, the 4 cylinder is a bit "tinny" sounding...with an almost Diesel engine exhaust note. The base suspension is a tad rough, and the cockpit is not what I would call quiet. Road and engine noise does come through. Again, with all that Im very pleased in large part to the deal I got. I had the benefit of getting $2500 Volvo "conquest" cash and $750 from Costco, on top of an insanely good trade in value on my Jeep (month end, slow night). I parted with a v8, adjustable ride height, quieter cockpit and Id argue smoother ride, but gained increased driver / passenger space, better interior quality, stunning exterior, smooth tech interface, 4 years of VolvoOncall (Onstar like), increased safety features and amenities. Im looking forward to a road trip to get to know it a little better. The only complaints I have trouble justifying at this price point is no cooled seats and no where to put your sunglasses...other than in the armrest. But far from deal breakers.

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  Terrible Reliability - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By rdhoss - January 26 - 12:20 pm

  I cant even recount all of the service trips weve had - new transmission, new steering rack, new turbos, new computer board... it goes on and on. Extended Warranty has covered these repairs but Im sick of seeing my Volvo dealers service center!!!

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  Nice car but it has some issues - 2005 Volvo S40
  By John - January 25 - 6:00 am

  I like this car quite a bit but it is not without issues. The mileage I get is terrible. Nothing close to what I expected. Around 16-17 mpg. I live in Germany and drive somewhat faster than I might in the U.S. but Im still no speed demon. The stereo gets caught in some sort of computer glitch when I start the car about 50% of the time. If I turn it off and remove the key it usually resets and works fine. Overall, I really like the car. It just needs the bugs worked out.

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  I feel Safe - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Steve Rasik - January 25 - 3:16 am

  The first time I had to make an evasive move, I knew I had made the right choice in buying the XC90. The antiroll and Stability Traction Control is flawless. The interior is so thought out that it took me less than a day to "fell" where everyting was.

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  Review 2005 S60 - 2005 Volvo S60
  By zawinul - January 24 - 10:44 pm

  Best car I have owned...the car is smooth no wobble from the front end tracks very good, it is a pleasure to drive.... would I buy another Volvo... yes. I do take very good care of my vehicles I pride myself on that... if the car breaks down it wont be from neglect. when you want to sell your vehicle show the service records... cant argue about price with a maintained vehicle.

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  Those dog gone Swedes :) - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By Jim Miller - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I now have 6000 miles on the car and other than an intial problem with an axle flange I have been one happy camper. I have had an opportunity to drive it a bit in a farmers field and although it is not my wifes Grand Cherokee, it is more than adequate for minor off road use. The A/C system is one of the best I have ever used. The only short coming that I have had with the car is handling. I traded in a sports sedan and although the cross country is no slouch, it definitely is not a sports sedan!