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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  Nothing more than problems. - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Carlos - February 13 - 2:20 am

  In the first 24 hour, the car had to be towed back to the dealer. Problems with the cars software. Two months afterwards, problesm with the key, could not start the car. Terrible service, no one is responsible for the car. Not the dealer, nor Volvo, nor Ford. If I could sell it right away, I would. The car is now parked in the dealer station. Complaining for about two moths with local authorities. No commitment at all.

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  2017 Volvo S90: I Do Not Recommend - 2017 Volvo S90
  By David Coker - December 8 - 4:25 am

  Period of Ownership: October 7, 2016 through April 8, 2017 (6 months) Mileage: Approximately 3900 U.S. Miles Total Loss Incurred: $9000 +/- Approximately with TTL I had endless electrical and computer related problems with this vehicle and the vehicle eventually just left me stranded due to the battery dying at 3800 miles. Turned into one of those nightmare “I bought a lemon” experiences you seem to always hear about at cocktail parties but never actually go through yourself. Having now gone through the experience of owning a lemon I can tell you: It will bring the worst out in a person and it is quite astonishing just how much of an impact owning a crap luxury car has on your day to day life. This review is to replace a previous review posted during the middle of my “I bought a lemon” experience. I do not recommend this make and model of car.

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  A little disappointing - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Mr. Phillips - October 31 - 10:47 am

  Thought the newly redesigned SC-90 would come out as a classy car. Unfortunately, the Chinese influence has taken over. Too much cost cutting in poor quality materials. In the past the quality of steel used in Volvos were second to none. Today, can not say the same. Ride is comfortable, yet quality better in other equivalents. Hopefully, once they begin assemble in Charleston SC, overall quality will improve to compete against BMW. Not yet there. However, in this case looks are deceiving. As for performance, a gas guzzler for the size and type. Do not waste your money or patiently wait.

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  Volvo converted me to Audi - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Robert Stuart - October 20 - 9:26 pm

  Over 1/2 the cars weve owned have been Volvo...This one will change that. This has had constant noise in the form of clunks, squeals and rattles. There is always an error light or message on and weve spent a small fortune on parts. Im a certified ASE mechanic and do all my own work but this has been a challenge. New rack and pinion, new exhaust, new struts, new springs, new tie rod ends, new radiator, new pulleys and new tires every 15K. This thing cant keep tires or brakes! The gas mileage is great, the power wonderful but everything else failed. The stereo is substandard and no one will touch it for aftermarket because of Volvos proprietary computers. The mirror trim has fallen off, the light dimmer/turn signal indicator fell off, windows get stuck. In short, this has left my wife stranded more then any vehicle shes owned. Tried to talk with dealership about issues but they create even more...worst dealer weve ever worked with. Tried to talk with Volvo and they didnt care. You can get a lemon but when the dealer and the manufacture wont help and in fact, exasperate the situation, it tells you its time to move on. Were shopping for two new vehicles and wouldnt consider owning another Volvo. At this time, Audi looks best and seems to have the best customer support.

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  Steamn in STL - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By susan - July 29 - 1:44 am

  I bought My 2015.5 Volvo xc60 January of 2015, July 2015 transmission goes out completely........no accidents or rough terrain or mishandling of the vehicle in any way. Computer has had several glitches generating problem messages regarding functions in the vehicle. Cars in the shop at present. I have traditionally kept my vehicles and maintained them for years after purchase. I dont see that happening with my Volvo. Instead I am looking into lemon laws for my state. we shall see how warranty/dealer takes care of this and future potential problems In any case I would " steer clear " of this Volvo for sure.

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  Worst SUV I have ever purchased - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Janeen - December 6 - 10:00 am

  So many problems with my XC90. Volvo sent this SUV out and did not finish putting it together. The carpet fell down in the front seat, outside window trim was not attached, numerous problems with the braking system-very loud noise, exhaust was entering car, Anti skid warning light kept coming on, When unlocking the front door the trim around the lock came off, made repeated trips to dealership and they said they fixed it and they did not. Cant wait to get rid of this SUV!

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  worst car ever! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By paul collica - October 10 - 1:30 pm

  I will never buy another VOLVO. This car has had the engine replaced, new brakes, roof squeaks and master computer went. The car in 2 years old and has ony 10,000 miles The biggest waste of $49,000!!! Stay clear of this car

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  Piece of Swedish Junk - 2015 Volvo V60
  By Gary - June 25 - 1:15 pm

  Car has been in 6 times for an issue with loss of power. They rebuilt the engine at 29k miles. Still exhibits intermittent power loss due to pre-detonation of spark plugs which retards the timing causing the loss of power. Happens without warning which makes it very unsafe to drive when merging. Volvo has acknowledge the issue yet states it will happen under certain conditions. They have been completely and utterly useless and are unwilling to resolve the issue. Do a search under Volvo Drive E Clicking and you will find the info. 3rd and last Volvo.

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  I hate this car - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By mbj1227@gmail.com - May 10 - 5:44 pm

  I ordered this car last May and took delivery in January. Since then it has been in the shop 12 days for a myriad of ailments. "Hybrid System Failure" warning had it in the shop 8 days. Parking brake failure and alarm had it in the shop 4 days. The touch screen cuts in and out while driving, sometimes the windows wont roll down, it wouldnt shut off once. Lots of electrical glitches. The battery charge never charges more than 18 miles on the screen, but in reality the battery range is about 7-10 miles if that. The gas tank is too small so I have to fill the tank each week even with the battery. The interior is not well laid out - no storage space and the glove compartment barely holds my bottle of Advil. I bought this car for a family vehicle but it is far from being family friendly. It is not easy to move the seats up and down, not enough cup holders... DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  unreliable - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By John James - January 22 - 7:53 pm

  We purchased this vehicle new and it has been towed twice, once because the powersteering went out and the other due to severe violent vibration. The vehicle has 28,000 miles on it and has had sporadic vibration problems since 8 months after purchase(has been evaluated 6 times and vibration returns).The electrical system has caused the doors and rear hatch to lock up.The engine was repaired because of a malfunction.The luggage rack vibrated loudly when driven on highways until 3 repairs alleviated the problem.