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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  Love hate relationship - 1996 Volvo 850
  By dglassm - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car when its not in the the repair shop. Fortunately, I have found a tire shop to do my repairs. The volvo dealer repair shops are a major league ripoff. Shim kit 10 dollars online , dealership 120.00 . Rear pads and rotors 600.00 (tire shop 280)The brakes have been my major problem. Somthing is always wrong. When the check engine light comes on be sure to check the master hose , a leak here will create erroneous data on the 02 sensor. I have become used to all the sqeaks , creaks and rattles. Next time I will buy toyota/lexus or honda/acura.

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  Volvo S80 Performance - 2003 Volvo S80
  By Brandosdad - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The VOlvo S80 is the finest car I have ever driven. Thle styling was new, starting with the 2002 model year. Car is roomy inside and holds 4 to 5 people. Steering, power, acceleration, placement of instruments etc. is great. Seating is extremely comfortable and is posture friendly. Well designed. Thlley thought of evereything.

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  Excellent Choice! - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Leon3322 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent choice in a vehicle for a company that is known for safety and reliability.

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  At 138,000 miles,Ive put it to the test - 1999 Volvo S80
  By KenFuller - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Okay, heres the scoop, this car is great! I use my S80 for business and I generally run about 30,000 miles per year. I bought my T6 new and I now have about 138,000 miles. This has been my favorite of any car Ive owned. The first year I did have some reliability troubles. Volvo released the new software which the dealer loaded in for free. Ever since then, the car has been remarkable. Only repair after that was a light bulb and regular maintenance (oil changes,filters,etc.) Maintenance has been very low priced. Without a doubt, I would certainly buy another 1999 S80 T6. Its been the best car Ive owned!

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  Best car Ive ever owned, minor problems - 2000 Volvo S80
  By swsteckly - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is, bar none, the most fun car Ive ever driven. The combination of the good handling, lots of power, and immense interior comfort all add up the the best driving experience ever. Ive had a few issues, with this car I purchased at 44000 miles (with Certified warranty plan). The radiator fan controller stopped working, the sunroof mechanism needed minor repairs, and the front brakes needed repair. There were all kinds of sundry items that needed to be repaired (trim panels, stuff like that), but that is true with any used car. The problems were solved quickly and efficently by my dealer. I would wholeheartedly reccomend this car.

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  Three shortcomings on 2004 Volvo V70 - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Florida tennisplayer - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My Volvo V70s worst, and potentially dangerous feature, is the tilt of the windshield. The top of the windshield is reflected in the window, making it very, very difficult to see the road when the sun hits the windshield at a certain angle. Second worst feature is the curve of the hood which does not permit the driver to see where the car ends. The hood just disappears and you have no idea how much room there is between the front of the car (or the right hand side of the car) and a wall or other object. These two items represent very poor design. Thirdly, on several occasions the car doors locked accidentally while driving.

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  4th Volvo-Favorite By Far - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Fred and Linda - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. Bought it to replace 1994 Volvo 850 wagon. Very quite, looks great (ruby red) and fun to drive. We have owned Volvos for 20 some years and they just keep getting better. If you are in the Seattle area, dont be afraid to check out Topping Volvo in Olympia. We paid thousands less than Seattle area Dealers wanted.

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  Nothing but driving pleasure - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By jaker - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Paid sticker/waited 3 mos. for delivery of a 2004 crystal green T6 in June 03. After driving three months, simply love it. Get lots of compliments. Functionality and build quality excellent. Interior quality beats MDX hands down. Mileage only 17- 18 but youre pulling 4600 lbs. so what can you reasonably expect. Third row theatre style seats with separate air conditioning are a hit with the kids. Heard complaints of lack of legroom in the third row but that missing two inches is instead provided for a crumple zone to protect third row craniums. Soo how close your kids heads are to the tailgate in an MDX.

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  Jack of All Trades - 2006 Volvo S60
  By spinner - July 30 - 3:13 am

  I wanted a performance car, but my wife said I had to get a sedan. I initially looked at an STI, but figured Id need a kidney transplant after a long trip. Id never heard of the S60R, but when I learned about it, I found it fit my lifestyle to a "T". Its a sports car when I want it to be, and a people hauler when it needs to be. The trunk is surprisingly large. Passengers cant stop commenting on how supple the leather is. I cant wait to go to work in the morning because I get to drive my car there. I bet itd be a kick on the racetrack...on/off ramps are a hoot. This is the best car Ive ever owned. Almost as fast an S4 for 10-15 grand less.

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  Great feel for the money - 2007 Volvo S40
  By joe - July 28 - 3:40 pm

  This car has been a pleasure since driving out of the dealership. Feel of quality inside and out. My last car was a bmw 325 and this has more comfort and room not to mention a better price. I have the 2.4 Which has adequate acceleration but if your looking for a little more getup go with the higher hp engine. Feels similar to the audi a4 as far as handling and inside space, with also a much better price tag. Controls were simple to use and everything has elegant simplicity about it. Go with the premium sound system.