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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  Fun and safe to drive - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Henry Rosen - April 21 - 9:43 pm

  I have been a loyal Volvo customer (3 Cross Countrys) for almost 10 years and did not feel comfortable driving SUVs. After test driving the 2007 XC90 and enjoying the drive I was hooked. I am very happy with this car as it has more space than our family of four needs and it comfortably can take three of my childrens friends. If you are looking for an SUV with good gas mileage 19 MPG, all the safety and luxury features you will ever need, this is the car for you.

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  Recently purchased 2012 XC60 R-Design - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By laker4life - April 21 - 6:12 pm

  I picked my xc60, 05/19/12 and its one heck of a car. A true beast. Stomp on it and it responds. I had a 10 xc60 with 281hp, it was alright, but this is driving an entirely different vehicle. I absolutely love the way this car rides.

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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Gary Howard - April 20 - 4:40 pm

  From the delivery from Neftin Volvo ( awesome dealership) the XC90 has been my favorite car ever. Rides like a magic carpet and off roads like rhino. I LOVE IT!

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  Wouldnt trade it for the world.... - 2004 Volvo V70
  By XCowner - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Had the Saab, and the Land Rover, this by far gives me seven seats and power, but outstanding turning radius, get-up, and comfort. Will always be a Volvo owner now. Easy on the pocket for gas and insurance too.--Lots to offer

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  Shockingly great - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By better than Lexus - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We own a 2002 Lexus SC430 and love it. We recently decided to get an SUV, too. This was the one we chose. We love it. The navigation system is different from the Lexus and has some pros it just takes learning the difference (like computers). Really sharp, well designed, comfortable and enjoyable. Got everything but securty. Love DVD, etc. Will buy this brand again, although we never had one before now. It is a different type of fun car (big car fun versus little convertible fun).

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  A mistake - 2007 Volvo S40
  By TallahasseeVolvo - April 18 - 7:43 am

  The problems since Ive owned the car: the light under the driver side mirror has fallen out 3 times, stereo stops working and has been replaced twice, leather seats are cracking, brakes squeal in reverse, headlights gone bad, interior rattles that cannot be found/fixed by dealer, random interior parts falling off, and I just was informed today by the dealer that my front right axle has to be replaced. This is the second S40 Ive owned, the first being a 2004. Never again will I buy a Volvo. The car has been in the shop 18 times. I strongly urge anyone considering this car to think twice. Volvos safety reputation doesnt matter these days when a Honda gets 5 stars also, buy a reliable car.

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  A little noisey for a European car - 2002 Volvo V40
  By tkreimes - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I find it overall a descent car. I like the way it looks. I had an Audi A4 in the past so I am a bit spoiled. My next car will be another A4. Dont be discouraged, if you like American cars, you will love the V40. When driving on dirt roads, the DSA system works great.

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  Expensive to Own, Expensive to Repair - 1996 Volvo 850
  By brokebyvolvo - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Has only 62000 miles, but AC cost $2200 to fix, including $1500 to replace an evaporator buried in the dashboard,& the ENTIRE dash must be removed to get to this part. Plus ABS sensor $600; new rotors, $1000; starter relay $200 motor mounts $350; rear stabilizer bar $500; power antenna $450. Add in $750 every 10,000 miles for required maintenance, & your insurance plus car payments are zilch compared to the special payments you have to make to a bank account dedicated solely to the 1996 Volvo 850 Repair Fund.

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  Satisfied Driver - 2001 Volvo S60
  By s60driver - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Went from a 1999 Lexus ES300 to the Volvo S60. Was surprised to find that the ride is actually better. Have been extremely impressed with the quality and design of the S60. After nearly 15000 miles, the car drives as it did the day I bought it. Would definately consider another.

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  Reliability Nightmare - 2000 Volvo S80
  By silver02m5 - April 17 - 1:23 am

  Pretty much everything that can break on this car did break. In a single 18 month period we replaced an oxygen sensor, a mass air flow sensor, a motor mount, both lower control arms (under recall), an ignition switch, an ABS control unit, two upper strut assemblies, a piece of door trim, the computer thumb wheel stalk, the dash display, and an oil return line. The last straw was Volvos refusal to replace a turbo that was blowing oil through the engine. Also, the transmission was slipping at 50,000 miles. A terribly made car from a company that has no interest in keeping long-term customers.