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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  perfect car - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Paul_pl - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best, can not be compared to japan or german cars....

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  OK but not good for $38000 - 2001 Volvo S80
  By johnbull - August 11 - 2:00 am

  51000mi replace rear shock not warr. sun roof raddles at 75mph to 80mph not warr door locks broke at 22000mi. This car has the worst AM radio reception I have ever had in a car with a factory installed radio, and the dealer will not fix it! Normal service is too expensive. Every 30000mi. it requires more than a Cadi does at 100000mi.

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  It - 2000 Volvo S80
  By shakeitup - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned more than 4 new Volvos I purchase my 2000 S80 used becaused the S80 new seemed a bit over priced. The 2000 S80 seems a bit noisy (excessive wind noise) at highway speed), not to sure about the transmission it behave "quirky". I am concerned about the longivity of this car. All my other Volvos I was able put at least 250000 miles without any problems

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  A Convertible For Adults - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Steve - August 10 - 2:13 pm

  If top-down driving inspires you but safety, build quality and seating for 4 motivate you, then this is your convertible. A head-turner with the top up or down, the converting process is guaranteed to stop traffic. Actual adults can fit in the rear seat, and if you drive like an adult (i.e. - dont need to prove your manhood by speeding, snaking through traffic or excessive horsepower) the C70 will keep you smiling for years to come.

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  Im enjoying my new Volvo - 2005 Volvo S60
  By RLevy32 - August 9 - 3:16 am

  Ive had my Volvo for six months now and I enjoy every minute that I have driven. Its comfortable and very classy looking. It performs surprising well for a 5 cylinder auto. I got about 28 mpg on a trip from L.A. area to Phoenix area. It was a little more than I wanted to spend but I think its worth it. Also the navigation system is great.

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  great ride, expensive maintenace - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Robbie - August 8 - 9:30 am

  Bought this car used with 79,000 miles on it. My wife and I love this car at first. The ride was far above other sedans we had driven. Even the standard 5 cyl. has good pickup and can really go at high speeds. We love the look and design as well. The maintenance has been a different story. When I bought the car it only had one owner before me and the service manual was beautiful all stamped by cert. volvo. I felt good when I left the lot. Not 1 week went by and window switch went out ($200). Next it was a vacuum thing ($200). We kept up with the maintenance as well which is average $400 a pop. 2 oxy sensors ($500) and a/c evap. ($1000). Sold vehicle in 2006. great drive not reliable

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  Great European car! - 2007 Volvo S40
  By Sasha - August 7 - 12:36 pm

  Volvo delivers what it promises...it drives great, it looks great and it is built to last. Its a great choice for people concernet abour reliablility, style and fuel economy.

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  So far so Good - 2004 Volvo S60
  By my first new car - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car just over a month ago, extremely happy. Smoothe ride, great lighting, great standard features, awesome sound system. Handles very well. Feels like a solid, heavy, safe car. Havent had experience with service yet, thank god, so cant report on that.

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  Best Volvo yet! - 2003 Volvo S80
  By Nick in PA - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Besides the class-leading safety in this model, Volvo has perfectly balanced performance and comfort in the T6. This car is roomier than the BMW 5- series cars...both cabin and trunk. This is my 4th Turbocharged Volvo, and is the best one yet! I was surprised at how reasonable the cost was after all incentives were applied

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  Wont Go Back! (To other makes of cars) - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Volvo Family - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought car after driving a Volvo rental. Just loved it. The car just wants to be driven! Its been in for service for minor things and did get the software updated which solved alot of computer messages. This was first year for this new body style/model and there were some bugs to get out. Ive been driving it over a year and have taken it halfway across the country and back (among other, shorter trips) and have never been so comfortable as I have in this car.