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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  2014 S60 R-Design with Platinum Package, BLIS, Climate package - 2014 Volvo S60
  By mps_ - February 2 - 4:03 pm

  So far I like this car and it is fun to drive. It works very well as a daily driver and has some good kick, although it is still far from a sports car. I have one major issue with this car. Volvo has built heating elements into the windshield (small wires every few millimeters). At night all lights reflect off of these wires and makes the lights blurry. It is a huge safety issue and is extremely annoying. Due to this issue alone, I am not sure if I will keep this car very long. Although it is nice to have a heated steering wheel, skip the Climate Package if you buy this car.

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  My Second Volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By chancellor - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Volvo, going from a 2000 S70 to a 2004 S60 2.5T. The turbo makes this a fast, fun to drive, sporty car. The premium and sport packages provide a high-end feel and a solid drive. Its admittedly not as roomy or comfortable as the S70, but the ride is substantially improved. The stereo is also excellent. While its probably not the fastest car on the road (I test drove an Infiniti G35 that was superior in speed and handling), its fast enough and has enough of a luxury feel to rate the car highly.

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  terrific car - 2000 Volvo V40
  By betty boop - February 2 - 10:00 am

  this has been one of 5 volvos i have owned. It drives great and i feel very safe. Ill keep buying volvos!!!

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  Worth More Than the Sticker Price! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By ExBeamer - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Wow! What a great car this has been! Our first Volvo and definately not our last. We love this car! The performance is simply incredible. Its such a comfortable car as well. The reliability is top notch. We have owned several boring BMWs but well never go back. The S80 T6 is such a joy! Volvo gives you so much in this car for the price. This car stickers for under $50,000. For all the comparisons we did, we really feel this car should have been priced well over $60,000. No dissapointments at all!

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  Not too pleased with my S60 2.4T - 2003 Volvo S60
  By mikey1atl - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been to the dealer several times about the following issues. 1. Transmission jerks when shifting between lower gears. Your head jerks against the headrests at slower speeds, like between stop lights. Also, hesitates off the line 2. When the a/c compressor kicks in it makes a rattling sound that is loud enough to be heard over talk radio! 3. Creaking sounds in the cabin. 4. Steering off center, have to hold it at start. All repeated problems over my 5800 miles.

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  04 XC70 - OK so far - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By mpurc - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Traded in Pathfinder for more quiet and something easier to get in and out of. Surprised to find XC wider and longer than PF when going into garage for the first time. Steering takes getting used to. Tranny rough at slow speeds in neighborhood (auto and manual). Excellent hiway car. Adequate power. Still playing with driving position - comfortable/heated seats a boon to a bad back. Getting 21 to 23 mpg.

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  Volvo S-80 Turbo Outstanding - 2004 Volvo S80
  By cochran - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is finally what I wanted. I tried the earlier versions, they didnt quite have it. The new S-80 T6 relaly has the power and acceleration needed in this car. They somehow tinkered with the transmission and gave it more life. The interior is very nice, and comfortable. Lumbar supolrt adkjustments are standard (as is thle moon roof, special transmission, and excellent stereo). Im buying another one this year.

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  dont waste your money $$$ on it! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By xsnirvana - February 2 - 10:00 am

  even for an entry level luxury sedan, one has high hopes. this car fell short even with the $$$. there are fit and trim problems. a re-ocurring issue with the front suspension, poor service from Volvo dealers who basically treat you no better than going to a Ford outfit! perhaps Ford made too many changes when they bought them???

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  convertible volvo - 2001 Volvo C70
  By myorchd - January 31 - 1:26 pm

  its a very fun car to drive with lots of options. it is very reliable and comfortable car as well.

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  Excellent Used Car, Safe, Fast, Reliable - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Chris - January 29 - 1:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 86k 11- 06. It is currently 4-08 and 108k. The ABS Module was replaced for $110 at the used car dealer, as was the thermostat shortly after purchasing. Factory rotors lasted 95k. AC Condensor was replaced in 2004. Hit a dear going 60, bent the hood and broke the glass headlight lenses, nothing more, definitely a solid car. Handles extremely well, 0-60 in 6 seconds is a blast. Not a car for your teenager, get the non-turbo or GLT for them. Zero rust!