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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  i love my Volvo XC60 - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By LA - July 21 - 2:56 pm

  i love everything even nav if you think its hard then play with it then it will be easy after you familiarize yourself

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  Interior Engine Damage = $3-4,000 - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Floridanita - July 21 - 8:06 am

  I absolutely love my car. Except the air conditioner went out after about 3 years and just now on my way to work, my car just quit. I found out there is interior engine damage and will cost thousands to fix plus the 1,000 to fix the a/c. It is not the cost of the Volvo - it is the maintenance and upkeep - windshield wipers are $80 for example.

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  Love my car... but. - 2008 Volvo V50
  By SueZQ - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my V50 over 2 years now. No repairs, no problems, some minor issues (buzz in a speaker, vibration here & there) but for the most part, amazing reliability. Tires totally worn at 45,000 miles. Great fuel economy (over 32 mpg on long drives below 70 mph with a/c off). Cargo space limited for a wagon, but fits a lot of stuff. My problem is the seats. No lumbar support, and headrest tilts forward forcing me to push my head forward. Long drives leave me with hip and lower back pain, and now neck pain and headaches. I am having to give up my wonderful car because no amount of padding or support has fixed this. So be very sure the seat supports you fully before you buy.

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  V70R Revelation - 2007 Volvo V70
  By Affecionato - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had numerous Volvo wagons, including a 740, 850 and V70T5. Ive also owned from Acuras to VWs but nothing comes close to the R. Turbocharged engines have been used by the Swedes for decades, and are now more and more in vogue with certain German makers. They offer the low-end torque appreciated in our driving environment. The R has the ability to go from a high speed cruiser to a fun car that can be easily tossed around. It is the ultimate sleeper wagon with all the traditional Volvo attributes. The leather is beautiful and the interior is understated and built to last for decades.

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  RRRRRR - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Muzics - July 19 - 9:26 pm

  Although the car is new with 1250 miles on it, its definately a good deal. Not only is the car most comfortable, but a good performer for the money. So far no problems with the vehicle it drives great and has a lovely style and interior. Turbo lag is non existant and it makes you want to drive it the more you drive it. So far im very happy with my purchase its understated,fast and a good alternative to much higher priced vehicles. For the performance, style and all the safety I was sold before I actually bought it.

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  2000 Volvo GLT SE Turbo - 2000 Volvo S70
  By Amy - July 19 - 9:56 am

  I bought this car used at 136k miles. This car handles like a dream and the turbo gets you out of situations like people you like to box you in on the highway. The A/C however is intermitant and dont know why. Going to bring it in to get that looked at. I want to feel safe with my new son and dont want a minivan and look like a soccer mom. There is plenty of space in the trunk for the stroller and groceries. I would recommend this car.

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  Great - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Praveen - July 19 - 3:36 am

  Its a nice car. the interior is great and i always feel it as i am in a new car. But comparatively with other cars engine sounds more.

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  So far so good... - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Ybba - July 18 - 4:23 am

  Just got into this vehicle after much research (1 yr). It came down to S60 vs. TL. S60 won because of cabin comfort (incredible!), fold flat rear seats, 8-way passenger seating, hand-brake location (driver side), Regular fuel & Trunk capacity. Overall Im very satisfied with the ride. Makes you feel like driving all day... Its been 14 years since Ive driven a new car (came from a 93 Integra which is the best car in the world!!!). Its going to take some time getting use to all this new technology. Will keep you posted...

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  A fun ride, almost a sportscar ! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Jumpin_George - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I like the power of the 2.5T, but as Edmunds describes you have to deal with turbo lag. It is excellent in the snow and ice, the AWD system combined with a good set of snowtires allows me great control and feeling of security. Nice leather interior, decent sound system, well engineered features and looks great !

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  Volvo XC70 - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By DMR - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. We chose Volvo because of their reputation for being so safe. I especially love the XC70 because I am only 52" and most SUVs are too big for me to handle. This car is the perfect match for me. I sit up higher than I do in a regular car, I have the back room of an SUV, and I dont have to worry about rollover issues. Plus the AWD is great!