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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  My favorite car - 2010 Volvo S80
  By jm1955 - September 23 - 5:57 am

  My first Volvo was an XC90. While being serviced I was given a 2010 S80 loaner. I purchased one 3 months later. I had wanted the V8, but they were in short supply and being discontinued. The turbo was a great second choice. I have the sport suspension and most bells and whistles. Most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. All my passengers comment on the comfort, ride and appearance of the car. Great simple design cabin with easy controls. This car is fast! I rarely get beat off the line by all the higher end sports sedans. This car is a well kept secret. Ssshh! Dont tell many others, I like being different.

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  Pretty Nice Sedan - 2006 Volvo S60
  By kurt - September 22 - 9:50 am

  Bought this used through a dealership specializing in low mileage/one owner cars. The car is one owner- a leasee in a suburb of Chicago. As to low miles, the CarFax said 16,200 when I bought it so unless it was tampered with, that is what it was. This car excels on the highway; plenty of power, quiet, comfortable. In town it is a little less agreeable, mostly because the suspension is a bit more stiff than it should be. Mileage has been excellent for a car with this power- 24 in all-purpose driving, over 30mph strictly highway. Leather seats very comfortable, the radio is nice, auto climate control works great. No major complaints but overall the car is less luxurious than I desired.

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  Please keep running - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By Costly repair - September 22 - 5:36 am

  I thought that I had found the right car and for all its good qualities, I find that it eats front end parts, tires, head light bulbs and is too complicated for the servicing dealer(not the point of purchase dealer). So far the car starts everytime, but with angle gear replacement, brake booster failure, and miscelleanous odds and sods, I have enjoyed the $8,000+ repairs covered by the extended warranty ZI bought. The fit & finish however are superb, the ride is the best barco lounger for the long haul.. nobody makes a better seat. Funny though, for all I was told about "Boron" steel when I bought the car, a recent hail storm has told me its not as strong as was suggested by the salesman

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  great car - 2004 Volvo S40
  By ZETA - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THE CAR. VERY FUN TO DRIVE. SMALL BUT COMFORTABLE. HOWEVER, NOT RECOMENDED FOR PEOPLE OVER 6 FOOT 4.

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  Take a test drive u wont be sorry - 2004 Volvo V70
  By JLZ - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my old A6 Avant. This is an excellent car, Always makes you feel confindent to step on the gas. In bumper to bumper traffic you are pampered by one of the best sound systems on the market and a comfort set suspension. On the open road you can gun it, the suspension and stearing are flawless. And best of all very few people know what you got under the hood. GREAT CAR!!!!!

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  S 80 - 2004 Volvo S80
  By Mike M. - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love how the s80 handels, It quick response and great exceleration is one of the many features that I like. It also gets great gas millage. hwy.30.5 city27. THe comfort of the drive on long trips is great I had no drive fatigue after driving 8 hours straight. I recomand the volvo to all my friends. I look forward to buying another one soon for my wife. The volvo also has great leather seats.

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  The best SUV Ive ever owned - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Myrtle Beach Momma - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Since we bought this car, Ive been in heaven! It handles so well and it is an extremely safe vehicle. Everwhere we go , people turn heads to look at my car! I usually find someone staring into it at least once a week. After test driving many new American SUVs this ones the cream de la cream! I dont even mind making car payments again!

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  It fits four Kids - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Jill Lara - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had good experience with this car. I have had to have it in for service about 2 times. The people have trouble fixing it. It takes about 2 days for the service. Only problem.

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  Mostly Happy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By mostly happy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I totally enjoy driving my new Volvo. I feel that it is extremely solid and safe for my family. Many people comment on the good exterior look. Extremely happy to be out of the mini van.

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  a good performance wagon - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Peter - September 22 - 12:26 am

  I have to replace a Volvo 240DL wagon and BMW328i. V50 has a nice combination of the virtues of both. It is big enough as a family wagon and is sporty enough to be fun to drive (the 240DL drives like a truck). It has all the electronic and computer gadgets of my 1999 328i, although its acceleration and handling are not as good. I have always driven a manual transmission so I was a bit skeptical about the Geartronics. It turns out to be quite acceptable. I can use it to slow down the car. When going up to Lake Tahoe I can down-shift to gain more power. The mileage after 6K miles is a decent 25 mpg, better than the BMW. I will be quite happy if it turns out to be more reliable than the BMW.