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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  So little needed to make much better - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By rrscott - October 5 - 10:00 am

  A good practical car with much improved exterior design from earlier models. The lack of standard transmission is a serious mistake. The geartronic works but the lag in shifting and the difficulty in knowing what gear you are in is disorienting and limits performance. Driving is very civilized and secure, but suffers from lack of feedback to driver. The feeling is of a refined car being driven in accord with your commands by someone else, rather than a sense of the car being an extension of oneself.

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  Good Ride/Bad Mileage - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Bob Scruggs - October 4 - 11:08 pm

  My 2006 xc90 is my fourth Volvo, all bought used. They have all been excellent cars. The gas mileage of the first three has been acceptable. I was not prepared for the disastrous mileage of my xc90. It has a T-5 engine (five cylinder). My average mileage is 12.5 miles per gallon. It is obvious to me that I cannot keep this car. The comfort, style, and performance are outstanding, but I cant afford the mileage. I have done everything to put the car in tip-top shape, even the sparkplugs which cost $25 each. The motor performs well, and is extremely smooth. My only hope is that the software can be updated to give me better mileage. And this is more of a wish than a hope. No, I didnt do due diligence when I bought this car, because of the great experience of my prior Volvos. I know Ill lose money trading, but Ill lose more money keeping this particular car. My wife and I are up in the years, and this was to be our last car; but it will be, I hope, our next to lat car. I cant wait to trade. I can get a luxury car with better mileage. But I will inquire about the software which might help the mileage before trading. A sad story ....

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By JMc - October 2 - 8:56 am

  I purchased this car with every bell and whistle available. I got the 6- speed manual transmission, and the car drives very sporty. With the exception of the initial smell from the vents, I love everything about this car! The car handles great and is comfortable. I average about 23 mpg. With the rear split seat folded down, I can fit 3 people and 3 sets of golf clubs. Other than routine maintenance and a few recalls, the vehicle has not been to the shop.

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  Review of Volvo V50 T5 AWD automatic - 2005 Volvo V50
  By firsttimevolvoowner - October 2 - 8:40 am

  Overall, I am pleased with this car and would recommend it to others. However, there are both pros and cons. Let me list them and you can decide for yourself. 1) The sports-tuned suspension on the T5 AWD is a bit harsh/jarring over bumps. I test drove the FWD version and did not notice this. 2) mild vibration from passenger side seat over bumps. Not noticed when someone is sitting in the seat. 3) narrow/deep glove box and small door pockets.

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  I was Robbed! - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Biggirl7 - October 2 - 7:00 am

  I had alway want a Volvo. Well I bought this Volvo XC-90, Jan 2008. I was robbed. This car has been in the service dept ten times in one month. Plus still not fixed right yet! Maintenance plan is not worth the money if dealership cant fix my Volvo. My parking assist has not worked right yet! It comes up after I am finish parking. Plus side bar on SUV are too high for ladies. I thought I wanted this Volvo, but now I would gave it away for a good BMW. Other bad things with this car is too tight up front, very uncomfortable. After paying 50k for it, gas is about high as the car! This car is not worth the money. I wish I had BMW! Dont believe Volvo.

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  Id love it if my back werent killing me! - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By nelsoncm - October 1 - 9:07 am

  I was opting for something different from the series of wagons Id been in over the past 12 years. Saab, the maker of my past two wagons, was out of business, so I looked to the other Swede. The looks of the XC60 got me curious and all I had to do was put my foot to the floor on the test drive, and I was hooked on the performance of this car. Its solid feeling, gorgeous inside and out and the warranty was impressive. Plus I got $1000 off for staying with a Swede. But my back and leg are killing me every time I drive it and for a few hours after. Methinks its going to be a very expensive trade-in for either a Volvo or Audi wagon.

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  Oh my god repairs. No love after 120k. - 1998 Volvo V70
  By dennisonn - October 1 - 8:30 am

  First of all, I love this car, and the Volvo brand. This wagon is excellent, and the engine is to die for! Seriously, just stomp on the gas, that makes a believer out of anyone who laughs at the wagon =). That is if your car is working. When my family purchased this car at 80k, no problems at all! Now at 180k Heres an abbreviated list of repairs I have done/paid for in the past 2 years alone. One faulty computer. Three faulty O2 sensors. Two distributor caps (its fun when the cars stalls while its raining) Front& Rear Axel, Brake pads, and rotors. Sunroof. Timing belt, radiator, heater core. AC system, various electrical issues, Now a new turbo? No thanks. Massive oil leak. ugh.

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  2007 Volvo XC90 - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Kelsea - September 29 - 2:16 pm

  I first drove this SUV with my dad, and I fell in love with it. I was so amazed by its performance and all the features. Its my third new car and the Volvo SUV by far is the best. If you arent looking for fantastic gas mileage then this is the car for you. Its almost like being in a day spa, I have heated seats in mine and its so nice in the winter time.

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  First time volvo owner - 2004 Volvo S60
  By popec - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Very impressed with the smoothness of the ride. Has great pick up and really moves when you step on the gas. Turbo lag is something that I had to get used to, but does not affect the driving experience.

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  You call this a safe car??? - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Lowie - September 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Volvo. I bought this car for safety and in both models I barely escaped injury due to malfuntions of the car. This car at 20000 miles died in the high speed lane on a major highway. I coasted across three lanes of traffic! A faulty air valve was suposedly to blame.Last winter my ABS went at 51,000..right after the warranty expired!! That was a $900 repair. I just spent $500 on a Mass air filter sensor. Bulb replacement has been constant.I am ready to dump this car. My next one will not be a VOLVO!