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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  Nice look, poor execution - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Sarrrrraahhhh - December 3 - 6:49 pm

  I wanted to like this SUV. I did all the research online and the dealership was busy with everyone wanting to drive the XC90. Our first test drive was the T6 Momentum. It was AWFUL! There was a horrible burning smell and a wicked vibration that made my husband feel carsick in the back seat. I changed with him and I started to feel carsick in the back too. The shifting was really rough, the acceleration was poor, the seats were not comfortable at all. The salesman ask if we would be willing to try another. I wanted to like this car so we agreed. We drove the R design. What a different experience, the contour seats are very comfortable, we drove it in dynamic mode which made a difference in acceleration, there was not a vibration. But we were still woozy from the first one so we have to drive it again. The biggest con for us is that there is no strap on the back of the 3rd row. It seems petty, but if you are going to have a car that can almost drive itself, why dont you put a strap on that back of the 3rd row so a shorter person can pull the 3rd row up and not have to climb in the back to push it up?

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2000 Volvo S70
  By Merle - December 3 - 5:00 pm

  We have been extremely satisfied with our Volvo. It has always performed up to standard for us. The controls are in good positions despite what the "Cons" for this car state. Required intervals are 7500 mi and it has not given us any major problems. The car is completely loaded with all that Volvo had to offer. Smooth yet responsive ride. Volvo has been nothing more than a pleasure to deal with. The AWD is excellent in the snow as are the Anti-lock brakes.

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  Excellent family SUV - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By X.Z. - December 2 - 9:20 pm

  As a biomechanics and human-machine system engineering expert, I applaud Volvo for this new XC90. We were ready to buy a GL450, and the XC90 caught our attention and the attention was never returned! I can appreciate the safety and injury-protection features better than a lay person. I also understand its not the more the merrier in terms of gadgets and add-ons. Volvo did this the right way. Now, when I am driving this XC90 with my family members in it in a snowy slippery day, I feel much better.

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  The New Volvo XC90....wow!! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Pat - December 2 - 5:48 pm

  Hurry!

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  Love my 2003 S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Sheri Ann Johnson - December 2 - 8:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 S40 in 07 with only 4600 miles on it. Ultimately a new car! I couldnt be happier with it. Its quick to get out the way & handles nicely, especially in the Florida rains. I do wish the back seat had more room for passengers, but its a great excuse to get out of driving! I feel safe driving, especially at night. Ive had no major issues, replaced a headlight & put on a new set of Michelins. Ill definitely replace it with another Volvo.

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  C30 rocks - 2009 Volvo C30
  By vicki walker - December 2 - 3:06 am

  This is my first Volvo. I wanted something sporty, sexy and safe. The C30 is all of these. This unique vehicle looks and drives like a sports car; yet, there is still room for kids or pets. My car came loaded with features I really did not think I needed, but now I have discovered that the bluetooth is heaven; the moon roof lights up my ride; the heated seats are cool and the stereo makes for a sweet commute. I love my new C30!

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  Wow Wow Wee Wow - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Mike - December 2 - 1:26 am

  This is a fun vehicle and very fun to drive! What originally caught my eye was the sleeker design in contrast to the other Volvo models. The hard top convertable is also an excellent plus! Like Mc Donalds "dah dup dah dah daaaaaah Im lovin it!"

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  I WOULD NOT purchase another XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Beckett - December 1 - 2:23 pm

  Our lease on the XC90 is up and we wont be leasing a Volvo again. The factory Pirellis lasted 12,000 miles and the replacements are going bald with about 18,000 on them. Thats expensive; especially when you add a brake job at 20,000 miles which the warranty fails to cover. Other annoyances are a totally inadequate A/C, a stereo that picks up 1/2 the local stations and seats that dont fold up/down dependably. When compared to the Lexus and Acura automobiles we have owned, the Volvo is equal in price, but NOT EVEN CLOSE in quality. If you are looking at buying an XC90 make sure you get it CHEAP so you can afford the repairs.

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  Nice hauler and 21 mpg! - 2009 Volvo XC70
  By Pete in Golden - December 1 - 7:53 am

  We bought a demo T6 (4600 miles) to replace our well-used 98 XC (145,000 mi). After shopping the Audi A6, BMW 530xi and Passat 4Motion, we came back to the Volvo due to its edge on cargo size (and utility) and our previous experience with the XC in the snow. We drive the Colo. mountains every weekend in the winter and the Volvo (with snows) is impossible to beat: goes where you point it and stops when you want it to -- inspires a great deal of confidence in bad conditions. The reviews I read about the cars mileage gave me pause, but Im happy to report that were getting 21 mpg in mixed driving (with a cargo pod always on the roof). (Same mpg more or less as the smaller 98 XC)

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  2004 Volvo XC70 review - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By jplym49 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my XC70 2 months, & the more I drive it, the more I enjoy it. Excellent fit and finish. Great visibility, and very comfortable seating. I am surprised that there are not more of these on the road. This car is a keeper!