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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  Dont waste your money! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Soured on Volvo - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been in and out of the shop for the past 5 weeks. For some reason a lot of sensors keep going BAD. The last one to go bad was the gas pedal sensor while I was pulling out into traffic! I have put one set of new tires on at 10,000 miles-Volvo says this is normal. New brakes at 16,000. Now at 26,000 miles-600 extra miles traveling back and forth to the dealership for repairs and then back home I need another set of new tires! I have had it with this vehicle and will never own another Volvo. Volvo is willing to give me some kind of assitence with getting a new Volvo, but will not admit there is anything wrong with this particular xc 90

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  Luxury, Comfort, Safety - 2004 Volvo S80
  By S80_T6_2004 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  The S80 is truly an underrated family sedan. For those who look beyond the sometimes biased reviews and the glitz bestowed upon sportier alternatives, one will discover that the S80 rewards its occupants with a comfortable and supple ride. Theres power when needed, courtesy of the twin turbo engines, and advance safety features all around, both externally and internally, to provide that extra comfort that in the event you may need it, youre in one of the safest car on the road today.

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  Great, But Need to Stow Cargo Cover - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Happyascanbe - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car following a horrific side-impact accident in a 2002 Jeep Gr Cherokee (I got T-boned). Stereo great, Nav useful, super comfortable & quiet with solid ride. Road feedback is good without being harsh. Steering could be tighter, but easy to get used to. Freeway power is great, but increase the response at takeoff from a standing stop.

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  Less -than -Chrysler quality - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Montain Oyster - June 5 - 1:06 am

  Most aggravating vehicle Ive ever owned...even less reliable than the two MGBs I had. Thank God for the strong tow point, extended warranties and loaner cars.

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  Simply Irresistable! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By JP - June 4 - 7:23 am

  My Volvo is now 6 years old with 97,000 miles, so I decided it was time to trade for a new car. I have been car shopping for over a week, looking at Audi, Saab, Cadillac, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus etc. I have test driven over a dozen cars, each time hoping I have found "the one". But based on features, performance, MPG and most every measure I can think of, I just cant find any car that can compare with my V70R. I am really stumped, but have concluded that I already have the best vehicle for the money. It still runs great and has no rattles. So instead I just bought a new set of tires and a fresh oil change. I really do want a new car, but cant find anything that qualifies as a "move up".

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  Great snow car, solid, fairly reliable - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Seattle Driver - June 3 - 10:36 am

  Bought my car about 4 months ago. Had an ABS issue which dealer replaced ($1,600), shortly after that, Catalytic converter went out ($1,300), havent fixed yet since it isnt a major issue. Car is GREAT in the snow, TONS of room, peppy, comfortable, etc. Would have liked some of these issues NOT to have happened but with the handling of the AWD in the snow, rain, etc., and the safety features, this car is great!

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  Van to XC90 - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By Tatunka - June 2 - 11:50 pm

  Owned for a few months now and no problems. As noted I would like to see better technology in this car like a modern nav and stereo. The safe and sound warranty is great. All service including oil,brakes rotors, wear and tear etc (except tires) are covered for 5yr/60k 91 octane is recommended but hard to find so I use 93. You can use 87 but I notice a lack of power with the 3.2 engine. Overall, I love this SUV. It is sharp looking and safe. No new design appears in the works until 2012.

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  XC70 SUV ESTATE - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By Andrew Bancroft - June 1 - 10:53 am

  I like the V70 but I need an SUV and a car to carry the motorcycles and Heavy equipment for work. Cant have the XC90 too BIG. Just in between the XC70. Come with Glorius ride comfort brilliant handling and is a luxurious car. so good I have already ordered my 2007 model XC70.

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  GREAT LITTLE CAR - 2004 Volvo S40
  By CHARLES RICHARDS - June 1 - 10:00 am

  A FUN CAR TO DRIVE....SURPRISING POWER ESPECIALLY ON THE INTERSTATE...DRIVER SIDE A LITTLE SNUG FOR A BIG FELLOW OR GAL....I MISS THE TILT STERRING RANGE...SHORT RANGE DOES NOT ALLOV EASY ENTRY TO DRIVERS SIDE

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  anticipate high cost of ownership - 2004 Volvo S60
  By John - June 1 - 2:13 am

  I am at 85K miles now. Repairs to date: all valves replaced, power steering pump replaced, multiple hoses replaced; etc. Far higher cost of ownership than prior cars; S60 was supposed to be a field proven model. I cant tell if my dealership is exploiting me or if the car is just built to fall apart. My other vehicle, a 97 Honda Civic, is bombproof - no major repairs, >> 100K miles. I will not buy another Volvo; for the price and maintenance, the math is not compelling.