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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  Classic and Sporty Car - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Anjali - October 16 - 2:40 pm

  S40 is simply fantastic. Very classy and yet very sporty. The newly re- designed 2005 model looks much better than the 2004. The 2.4i has 168 HP, which is enough to leave behind many cars at intersections. Brakes are excellent. The ride is very comfortable and smooth. The seats have lumbar support which is great. Overall, a very sturdy car which looks great on the outside and beautiful on the inside. Steering is not as easy as the Infinity or some of the more expensive cars but the manual says it gives you controlled back which is the perfect term to use. Youll get used to the steering and like it. The 2005 model feels a little better than the 2004 model. A great buy...worth very penny!

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  Who Needs an SUV - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Gary K - October 16 - 2:10 am

  I bought my 2004 V70 to replace an Explorer which was a second car, when after a bad accident in another car I realized I would have suffered serious injury or worse in my SUV. What a great car! Very stylish, very fast (my other cars are Jag and BMW coupes) and this no sacrifice in the performance department, especially for a wagon. But, its so comfortable to drive and gets great gas mileage 17/28 compared to 9/14 for my Explorer. I cant imagine why anyone who doesnt absolutely NEED the extreme size of an SUV (hear that all you soccer moms?) wouldnt get a Volvo wagon instead. Fit, finish, build quality and materials are on par with my BMW. Love this car! Id never have another SUV

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  Best car Ive owned!!! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Irvine - October 15 - 12:33 pm

  After over 3 years of test driving new cars (yes, I realize thats a bit much) I finally decided on the new S40. I drove the Acura TL (it gave me whiplash between every gear in the AUTOMATIC!), Infiniti G35 (performed well, but looks like plastic on the inside), Nissan Mazima (cornered like the car was on stilts), Honda Accord (GREAT car, but not as classy as I wanted), and many many more. Out of all these, the Volvo had the best performance, and best interior/exterior design, without giving into the BMWs poor reputation for reliability. Im focused on reliability and quality while still getting soemthing I ENJOY driving. Ive had the Volvo S40 for 6 months and no signs of problems.

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  Great Luxo Cruiser - 1997 Volvo 960
  By Volvo4Live - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Volvo. My husband and I bought our first ones in 1984 and 1985. Both used 744 sedans. We got them mainly because of the safety Volvo is known for. They were such great cars, that in 1991 we bought a Volvo 945 wagon. And then another Volvo 940 in 94. My 945 was dying after 184k miles. This is the most comfortable one we have owned. We like it so much my husband plans to get one instead of a new Mini Cooper. We are lucky and havent had any problems. The cupholders are a poor design though. Other than that it is a wonderful car. Tailored for those who want to drive in style and luxary.

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  Volvo XC mets expectations - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Al97 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this car for a year and half. It is a competent car. The extended Volvo warrenty seems useless though as nothing seems to be covered under it when you really get into it. There have been seveal small electrical problems that seem surprising and unecessary like the emergency flasher reley failing (not covered and $75 ) replacement. The cabin lights only work sparadically when you opent he door. Our 10 year old Mercedes wagon has had far fewer problems, and has been all over the world with us. Our 1986 240 wagon was more reliable than the XC but neither ever stranded us by the roadside.

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  Positive Experience - 2000 Volvo S40
  By KHoffman - October 15 - 2:00 am

  My car was a dealer loaner, so it was a year used when I bought it. This has been a great car for me, and I drive alot. I love the pick up of the turbo and I find the car comfortable to drive. I have replaced a few light bulbs, I have not had any major problems. My dealer has superior service which makes me like the car even more.

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  Quality is disappointing - 2002 Volvo V70
  By virginia_dad - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this car for nearly two years and would not buy another. Have had a series of electrical problems -- bulbs constantly shorting out, headlights failing -- and other assorted problems. Service has been mediocre and overpriced. Sport tires are expensive and loud -- not a quiet ride at all. Weve owned Volvos for 10 years now and recently bought an Acura MDX as our "family car" and have been much happier with the quality and performance

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  Fun Car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Maureen Chuga - October 14 - 6:26 pm

  I have found this car fun to drive. Ive gotten 26 mpg highway. Im able to easily zip in and out of traffic when entering highway and changing lanes. Easy to park. Has trunk space for 1 large and 2 small suitcases with extra space for shopping bags.

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  I cant believe I bought a Volvo - 2014 Volvo XC70
  By jim6090 - October 13 - 12:59 pm

  My wife drives an 2010 XC60. I have always enjoyed it. Shopping for a car for me took me down a wide variety of paths. BMW and MBs Audi, Lexus and more. I wanted a fun, economical and safe car being a grandfather of 4. My old wagon was a 2010 chipped Passat. Enjoyed it, but just didnt feel safe and secure. After much research I ordered a 2014 T6 with the platinum package. Again more research. Had the Polestar installed. Can you say WOW. If you want a fun car that gets low 20s on the highway. You just wont believe how well this car drives. It will surprise you. Seats are most comfortable of any car period. Any price and brand. I tried them all! I am 6 ft 2. 250

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  Tough times in the last 2 yrs - 1996 Volvo 850
  By turbodude99 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, but expensive to keep on the road. It has high mileage, but Volvos are expected to be solid. Replacements over the last couple of years - ABS unit, turbo (expected at 150K), AC compressor, both O2 sensors, shocks and complete brakes (rears twice) water pump, fuel pump,2 ABS sensors, + minor items. It currently is burning / losing oil. Source not found yet. I did a lot of research on this vehicle prior to buying it and unfortunately, was very disapointed in the reliability.