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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  Wonderful Car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Lauren Waitkus - July 26 - 7:26 am

  My Volvo S40 is the most comfortable car that I have ever driven in. I am very glad that I purchased this vehicle. It is rated as one of the safest cars, and I always feel safe when I am driving in it.

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  Be careful - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Bud - July 25 - 10:13 am

  The XC-90 that I have is a piece of junk! Fortunately, when I purchased the car used with 22k on it, the dealership offered, at no additional charge, a 100k warranty. Thank goodness! At last count, they have done over $10,000 in repairs! If you are looking for an upscale SUV, you may want to look elsewhere! The dealer has been great. It is just that Volvo was asleep when they built mine!

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  Jury is Still Out - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By aniemyer - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have driven SUVs since buying an Explorer in June, 1990, one of the first. In the first two weeks I put 2100 miles and significant off-road duty on our 2004, where it kept up with a Chevy Silverado 2500. Two days after that trip the engine surged a few times, steadied out, then died after one more in-town trip. 5 days and a 360 mile round trip to the dealer, its back after having the plastic air induction shroud replaced for cracking along the seam. (and a hassel over a loaner from the dealership, which was resolved). We are worried that we now have a lemon on our hands and a 2+ hour drive one-way to and from the dealership.

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  A great and comfortable family hauler - 1997 Volvo 960
  By ivorytickler - July 23 - 6:08 pm

  Weve owned Volvo for years, and traded a 1988 740 Turbo for our current 1997 960 in September 2001. Our current mileage is 169,000, and other than routine maintenance, our car has been reliable, comfortable and trouble-free. Yes, the plastic interior bits do tend to fall off and the sunroof leaks, but the cars long-distance comfort, safety, and high spec make it an ideal purchase for those on a budget who desire a safe, solid and agile vehicle. The key is to find a good mechanic who specializes and let him look after the maintenance. Running costs are much less than a Mercedes or BMW. We average 20mpg city/26 hwy. The 98 V70 is the same car, and the last year for this body style.

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  Heres a little history - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By chriswhiston - July 23 - 2:50 pm

  I should have seen the sign. When I went to buy the car back in 2004, I had picked out the exact model I wanted, then while I was filling out paperwork, I was notified one of the doors did not open. After another Identical model was found, I took it home. 8500 miles later it needed brakes. Seats showed wear at 10000 miles. Then soon after, the passenger door started popping open. There have been numerous leaks, including a cracked power steering reservoir. Many noises started popping up, a transmission leak appeared, the Volvo dealership rarely fixed problems the first time. Now, because of this, at 47000 miles, the car is in need of a new transmission. Volvo now must replace the radiator.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Volvo V40
  By mridenou - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had a most agreable experiencve thus far owning this car. It comes very well equiped and is built to last.

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  Happy Driver - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Happy Driver - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been an incredible car to drive. Fun, fast and great handling...who would of thought that Volvo could produce a "sporty" car. Two thumbs up for this car, i got an awesome deal...only cost me 8,000. I had someone offer me 12,000 the day after i bought it. Great ride, love it!!!

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  great 2nd car - 2002 Volvo S40
  By majand3gals - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My Husband needed a reliable sedan to replace an aging Honda Civic. We were originally looking at the VW jetta and the Accord. Nothing compared to the features and price of the s40. Our ONLY gripe about it is the small size of the back seat.Fine for kids, small for adults. safe, reliable, fast, fun affordable- AND its a volvo, so I am counting on my 10 yr old is taking this car to college!!

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  CHUMPMOBILE - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Master - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I was loaned an 2002 S80 T6 (loaded) while my older Volvo 900 series car is in the shop. The S80 goes when you step on the gas, but so what? A car in this price range should have ample power. Take some friends out for a round of golf? See what happens when its time to put the bags in the trunk. The seats are so inferior to the 900 series seats, its as if its not a Volvo (definitely unacceptable for tall drivers, the seat bottom is to small for long legs). The plastics used in the engine bay are totally inferior when compared to older Volvos. The glove box lever, the hood release lever, door handles, and dashboard knobs are unacceptable for any Volvo.

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  Setting the record straight on 2.4T - 2002 Volvo S60
  By esp63 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My previous review somehow calculated a bizarre overall rating. This is a wonderful,well-balanced vehicle. Comfort, quality, convenience, styling- has it all. Handling is good(not a 10/10ths car, more of a 9/10ths) and rewards subtle input with responsiveness and precision. The cabin is a comfy cocoon that imparts a feeling of stability and security that has to be felt to be appreciated. 2.4t with premium, touring, tethys 17" wheels, geartronic