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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  Our 2002 S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Davit - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Noticed wind noise from sunroof, brought it in. Dealer of course said theres nothing wrong with it. A few months later the headliner had a water stain on it from a water leak. The dealer fixed the roof properly, but got greasy fingerprints all over the new headliner. Also the new headliner was installed improperly, now have at least 3 rattles we didnt have before. Had problem with the intermittent wipers not working and cruise control. All total weve had 6 dealer visits in the first 9 months of ownership, not what we expected in terms of Volvo reliability. Other than these problems the car has been very good.

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  A Blast To Drive - 2013 Volvo S60
  By jeffm5 - September 23 - 7:30 pm

  My S60 T5 is the FWD model. Ive had it for about 6 wks. and have 2,000 mis. on it. Its loaded with NAV and safety options. Front seat comfort is outstanding. All of the controls are on the steering wheel or within easy reach. Handling is outstanding,, power and acceleration are very good. The car has a solid feel. No rattles. Good visibility. The ride is a little choppy on rough roads, very good otherwise. Im getting 30+ on the highway at about 65 MPH and around 24 in mixed driving with regular gas.

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  Very happy @ 200,000 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By in_a_hurry - September 22 - 1:40 pm

  Ive read the recent reviews and it appears most folks are pretty miffed with their XC-90s. I couldnt be happier with mine. A couple car pool trips shy of 200,000 miles (I bought it new) and no major issues - never a tranny, motor, A/C or electrical problem. I get about 45,000 miles on tires - not great but a willing compromise knowing Im driving a stout porker thats as safe as anything on the road. I have an honest, reliable mechanic who has taken care of a couple cars for me - a bonus. Other than scheduled maintenance items, there hasnt been much to repair on the car that would not be expected, given the mileage. Ball joints and motor mounts are the only things that come to mind

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  This SUV is the next step in the future of driving - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Y Morgan - September 20 - 5:20 am

  At least get the Convenience and Momentum Plus packages with this Luxury vehicle.The vehicle is built on proven technology. I realized that a lot of the gadgets and feature were already in some of the other Volvos, but the XC90 just take them to higher level. The XC90 drives sweet, I just have to get use to the engine turning off at every dead stop, and restarting when the brakes are released. The inside is somewhat captivating, and there is more than enough room for everyone. Power outlets placed in strategic areas around the vehicle, and air vents are right in your face. Update - After six months of driving the vehicle, some of the issues I have had has been software related. We had to visit the dealership at least five times during that period to get software issues fixed, some of these issues were serious, while others were not so serious. Also the pickup/acceleration is slow in every drive mode except "dynamic", then it kicks assets.

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  No complaints! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Shinichi - September 9 - 4:20 pm

  This car has been very reliable. It is a great highway car and four people can truly travel in comfort and style. It could have more power, but what car couldnt. Better than expected gas mileage at 80mph. Engine is just as smooth at 100,000miles as when new. excellent.

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  Solid as a rock - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Brady - September 9 - 10:30 am

  Weve had the XC90 since Dec. 05 and have only performed scheduled maintenance. Comfort, safety, and reliability have been excellent.

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  S60 AWD - 2002 Volvo S60
  By J L - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my S60AWD 7 months ago with 10000 on it Ive put 8000 miles on it so far, and it has been perfect. I lowered it and it transformed the car into a handling fool. The ride is as good or better than before and it handles like a slot car. Comfortable, roomy in front. No complaints whatsoever. Could have a better (standard) stereo and speakers. I wish it had the optional Volvo radio as that is a wonderful piece J L

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  This car can save your life - 2004 Volvo S40
  By John - September 2 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this car for my teenage daughter, in part because of its safety features. Within months she was involved in a serious rollover accident (swerved to avoid a deer) and the car came to rest on its roof. The car was totaled. Looking at the car afterward I would have believed it was a fatal accident, but she did not have a scratch! If safety is paramount to you, you can count on this car - it saved my daughters life.

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  not enough room for kids - 2001 Volvo V40
  By red1 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this auto used. I thought it would be great to have with my 2 kids, but it is way too small. My husband and I are tall 58" and 64" and when all 4 of us are in the car it is very uncomfortable. The back doesnt hold near enough. If you have a baby get the larger wagon (or an SUV) - wish I had. We couldnt even get to the airport for a trip because our (4) suitcases couldnt fit in it.

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  Last Volvo for Me - 2000 Volvo S80
  By readytotrade - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Many, many problems with this car. Fan,throttle,suspension,electronics,oil leaks,cd player,emission control system,squeaks & rattles. Overall very poor quality. Fortunately I bought extended warranty--has returned money threefold.