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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  Concerned with initial quality - 2007 Volvo S40
  By nconatser - September 1 - 1:43 pm

  Just picked up my new S40 yesterday and there is already a problem, albeit a minor one. The drivers side visor is falling out of its socket when you turn it to shield your face from the sun coming in from the drivers side window. Not something I would expect to find on a brand new entry-level luxury car. Still, the car is great and the 170 hp on the base engine is plenty. Features are well thought out and functional and ride is secure and supple. There could still be more/larger storage bins, which I hear they are taking care of with the 2008 models. Other craftmanship appears good to great. Hopefully the visor will be the only issue in a long, carefree life of the car

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  Great Choice for the family - 2001 Volvo V70
  By humantorch - August 29 - 6:23 am

  I had heard a lot about Volvos but never driven one. We saw this V7-T5 today in the lot and knew that second..this is the car we need. We test drove ...it was great...the leather, gps, sunroof...the works. The car feels quality..inside/out..and when we got the Carfax report...and it says..the car was imported directly from Sweden..that sold us... Great buy...we traded my 2001 Intrepid...with 140k miles..

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  S60R Worthy opponet - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Barry N - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Having owned BMWs, Saabs, and driven the latest Audi A4s I must say that Volvo has come up with a worthy competitor in this lux sport sedan class. It offers decent handling with optional modes depending on your mood and has enough power to earn respect of the best. AWD is a great asset and overall the car offers great value for money to the enthusiast.

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  Great Family Hauler 4 the Sports Car Dad - 1998 Volvo V70
  By mikefn - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Great alternative to the mini van, especially for those who want sports car performance.

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  Unhappy Volvo V70 - 2006 Volvo V70
  By JMK - August 26 - 1:23 am

  An ok car. Minor rattle from dash vent, should not be in a car costing over 40K. Also lacks some comfort features and storage spaces. Rear leg room is poor. If you buy this car be prepared to give up some nifty stuff .

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  Why Europeans tend to get it right - 2003 Volvo V40
  By Adam Lausch - August 25 - 5:56 am

  I must say that this is truly a unique car. Ive rated it as unbiased as tough as I can. I simply love to drive it, and Ive owned some pretty nice vehicles. I think one of its major downfalls is that Volvo didnt offer a manual transmission, that would be a blast. I love the V50s, but we were able to find a very nice V40 with low miles for $6K. I couldnt pass it up. So far Ive have the check engine light come on once, and I think the ignition timing may have been off a bit. So I changed out a set of new high-performance plugs, and its running superbly. Good performance, not great. Its so comfortable as well. Why buy a SUV for a small family when there are fun and economic wagons like this

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  2001 S40 Review - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Mike and Erin - August 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought a Volvo S40 late 2001. At 12,000 miles, the steering wheel started shaking when braking. Since then the Volvo dealer has replaced the entire braking system 4 times. They even escalated the problem to Volvo headquarters. It was really frustrating for both us and the dealership. I have to admit, the dealership gets an A+ through all of this. They are buying the car back from me, and putting me into a new S60 for my troubles. I have never seen a dealership show concerned with making us happy. Nonetheless, we paid $30k for a car that was in the shop once a month. Which is why they were quick to get me out of the car.

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  It needs more work on the brakes - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Dr Wolverine - August 17 - 10:00 am

  It was fun to drive the car, but after 12months of driving, I start to feel pain/uncomfortable with my knee while driving it daily. I dont think its my phyical problem, but due to the design of the car.

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  Love hate relationship - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Vish - August 16 - 3:16 pm

  I have owned dozens of European cars, sometimes real quirky ones that I know I am buying for the style over the dependability. I have always sworn by Volvo and kept one as a second car because they are traditionally extremely reliable. In the past I owned a Volvo 240 that hit 400K before I sold it off! My Volvo S70 is comfortable, VERY comfy to ride in and very comfortable to drive. It is plagued with electrical problems, engine problems as well as interior quality issues such as poor quality leather that just cracks and fades like no other. The car has a misfire in the engine that we cant get rid of. $2.5K in mechanical bills within the first few months! Great style and character!

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  Quick for a brick - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Marcel van Dijk - August 11 - 8:50 pm

  This is the best car that I ever owned. It has the room for a family to visit the inlaws, but when you are alone, "it is a blast". 150 Mph and it is nailed to the ground. Love it! I have the Geartonic, next time it will be a manual.