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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  Shame on Volvo makers - 2000 Volvo S40
  By displeased - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the worse vehicle purchase of my entire life. the constant visits to the shop, brakes replacement, engine light comes on, noises in the dash. Constant replacment of the seals for oil problems, headlight replacements. being impressed with volvos reputation made me purchase this car, but Volvo has really let consumers down on this model. Save yourself time and money, and move on to a better car purchase. The only great thing is the dealership is very kind they give you a loaner to drive until your vehicle is finish.

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  Really Nice Ride - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Run_Forest_Run - February 18 - 4:49 pm

  I traded in my VW Touareg Executive, which I loved, for the Volvo. I looked at the Audi Q7, Jag F Pace, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Lexus dont like the look. BWM, Range Rover, and Benz are not client friendly. I have had 2 X5s and a Super Charged Range Rover (the big boy) so I have driven them extensively. Volvo really out did themselves with the XC 90. The car is super quiet, has a nice ride, the 4 cylinder engine is surprisingly good, and the XC is loaded with technology. Mine has the stock sound system, which frankly is excellent, I wouldnt blow the $2,600 on the upgrade unless you really are a hardcore audiophile. The HUD option, which I would not have ordered, was in the stock vehicle they had, it is okay, but you cant see it with polarized sunglasses! So that seems stupid to me. The self drive mode cool, but likely wont use much, the lane departure nudging constantly is a bit of an annoyance, but I will give it time to get used to. Headlights are insanely bright. The Ipadish controls are a nice clean look, easy to use, and overall seems like a nice option compared to say the Audis control system and their ridicules pop up screen. This is a high end Crossover. If it is not on the list to test drive and check out youre leaving out a great vehicle.

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  stylish - 2017 Volvo XC60
  By floyd III - February 16 - 9:15 pm

  Ive own my 2017 xc60 about 3months, I really enjoy the safety and comfort. The ride is firm but not obtrusive, I enjoy the bluetooth for my music. im still getting use to the size of the vehicle as I came out of a Volvo s40. a long road trip is in the future. I just finished a 1000, mile trip gas mileage avg 24mpg and it runs on regular a plus. I love the great visibility and road handling. I now would recommend a Volvo XC60 to anyone looking for a great Suv this truck swallowed up all my luggage and great plus three additional adults in comfort.

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  Not at bad car at all - 2006 Volvo S60
  By cobradriver - February 16 - 3:23 pm

  This is my first Volvo and was purchased as a second vehicle to my 2006 BMW 530. I am pleased with all of the safety features of this car although stability control is an option unless you purchase the T5 or R variant. Volvo has come a long way from the traditional "box" styling and is easy on the eyes. Financing/leasing deals are very attractive right now on the S60...more so than any other car that Volvo is selling currently. This is a lot of bang for the buck for what you get. The turning radius could be a lot better and the radio could use a little attention but all in all this is a very competent, safe, and in a Volvo kind of way a satisfying car to drive...Coming from a BMW loyalyist

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  2008 S40 easy choice after accident - 2008 Volvo S40
  By Jeff - February 16 - 3:40 am

  Last year a huge chunk of steel fell off a truck and bounced into my lane while I was traveling about 60mph on an interstate. My 2006 S40 was totaled but I only had a sore back for a couple of weeks. Having been an auto appraiser for 6 years I consider myself an expert on assessing damage. I am sure I would have had a major injury in most other cars of any size. I was so impressed with the way the car took the accident that my first choice was a 2008 S40. I have had my 2008 about a year now and love it!

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  2005 Volvo S40 T5 FWD Great and fun car! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By khyelton - February 14 - 12:46 am

  I just turned 16 and my parents bought me this car for my first car. I have had it almost a year now, and it has almost 100,000 miles on it and it is just as great as the day I drove it off the lot. It handles great on country roads, and even better on interstates which is where I usually drive. It gets a combined average 25 MPG. I use 93 octane (premium) fuel and it seems to get better gas milage. I havent had any problems out of this car! It has been a great car, and look forward to driving it for another 10 years. Just had an oil chage, new brakes, tires, and detailed, and it is good as new! I have never had any trouble out of this car! Its an amazing car!

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  Quirky transmission - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Ted - February 13 - 4:10 am

  We have owned the vehicle for about 10 months (15k miles)and the only money we spent was on front end work which is typical for this car for 100k. Every once in a while when we step on the gas pedal the RPMS jump from about 2000 to 4-5000 (30-40mph). We have the latest software updates and the Volvo mechanic could not find anything wrong. Does anybody have this problem and what did you find out about it? Overall, a good vehicle. Thanks.

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  Fun to drive! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Britian - February 13 - 2:10 am

  Im loving my volvo! Ive had it for almost a year and 3 STRANGERS have asked me if they can hop in the front seat while I was pumping gas! What a car. It definitely turns heads and did I mention it was FUN TO DRIVE?!

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  This is a great car! - 2003 Volvo V40
  By isabelle - February 13 - 2:00 am

  What a great car. We recently went to look at the XC70 and didnt really like it as much. The V40 is comfortable, practical, and so fun to drive.

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  Awesome design; time will tell - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By dkpmd - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a well designed vehicle. It has seating for seven(in a pinch; small third row seat), acceptable performance for an SUV and near car like handling. A very nice package. One small problem is my inability to find a snow tire/wheel package for the vehicle. Tirerack.com does not yet have a package listed on its web site.