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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  Fine, but needs fine-tune - 2001 Volvo C70
  By J. Nodding - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a fine car to see and to drive. It feels very safe and steady on the road, and gets attention. There are some minor, but frustrating things, however, that need change. 1. make the drivers side sunshade movable to protect against side sun; 2. change the stupid gas cap system that triggers a "check engine" symbol when it is not screwed on just right - there is no notice of this in the manual; 3. fix the front seats to move forward more quickly to get access to the back. Otherwise, it is a great car and the most comfortable we have ever had. JN

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  Who ARE these people? - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Ron B - June 7 - 9:30 pm

  I have a 2001 Volvo S80 2.9 L (non turbo mind you). I have had TROUBLE FREE driving, people. I have replaced VERY LITTLE (sway bar link, tires, rotors, not much else). Yes it has a TIGHT suspension, Volvo did that ON PURPOSE! They totally changed their look from the ol square box and kept the infamous 2.9 L but turned it on its side and made it FWD (felt no different than my previous 960 which was RWD). Love the car, now I go on Edmunds and see estimated rating of 8.0 of 10.0 but much negative press from some of the owners. For the people crying about interior quality, know that the more a car weighs the lower the MPG, so when I see I can get 28 MPG in the safest sedan on the road, I AM OK!!

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  Owned since Nov. of 2003 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By L Maraschin - June 2 - 3:53 am

  This is our first Volvo... we are very happy ! This has been one the best car makers that we have dealt with. We attended two different "pre-sale" Volvo events and the Volvo Owners half-day drive event at Laguna Seca racetrack in CA. This car is so much fun to drive and the safety features are great. I have read here that some have had problems with the "turbo lag"... I took ours in to the dealer and they re- programed something and it is much better now, more peppy. However, that has made the gas mileage go south a bit... I guess you cant have it all ??? It is still better than our old Suburban was. We would like to check out the V8 engine and maybe trade up at a later date.

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  great car - 1996 Volvo 850
  By brombonz - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I was involved in a serious accident in this car. I attribute survivorship to the excellent safety of the GLT volvo sedan. While other cars involved in the accident (mercedes, infiniti, lexus) were literally demolished, mine performed very well and maintained the safety of the passenger cabin. I have owned about a dozen volvos and will never drive another car. The 850 GLT is my favorite because I think the design is unique and attractive, and the car is a lot of fun to drive.

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  C70 Convertible -- great car, great fun - 2002 Volvo C70
  By gfl - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Although not the ideal car for carrying stuff around town -- the C70 convertible is great at what it was designed for -- touring around in style. This car rides great top up or down and has more than enough performance to get yourself into trouble easily. In its class, this is the only usable 4 seat convertible out there - the Saab and MB have less room in back (and front)

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  Nice Needs Improvement - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Vics VOLVO - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The car looks wonderful. Feels strong, and has lots of power. The suspencion is definatley not enough to handle the t6 power. Interio is wongerful and spacious, and looks great. interior needs better designed cup holders. A Suggested all wheel drive versin would be exelent.

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  Volvo S60 2003 $value - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Ronmozart - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Too small in back seat. Excellent handling. Front passenger side not much leg room. Wonderful riding. Big disappointment: NO FOG LIGHTS!

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  Better than hoped for - 2003 Volvo S60
  By wcamp - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The combination of performance and great driving fun and luxury is unique in a car of this price. The interior feels rich more like cars in the 40K and up level. The 197HP engine is misleading. Cant explain it but as a previous owner of a modified 1999 Mustang GT...I do know what performance feels like. This car combines a strong engine with European drive feel and luxury (no cheap plastic parts like...Lexus, Acura, Infinity. This car is an affordable alternative to Mercedes and Jaguar.

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  Can I get Better Gas Mileage? - 2000 Volvo S70
  By 1st Volvo Owner - May 26 - 8:43 am

  Love this car. Roomy inside,wish it had heaed seats since it has leather. Our volvo is sturdy around corners and handles like a dream minus when you hit a bump. I am used to having an suv and miss having the room in the back for my work supplies, but I had to park my Escalade due to crazy gas prices. That baby gets 17mpg. I ge 23mpg in town and would like to see if I can get alittle better gas mileage out of it. If anyone has any ideas send me and e-mail.

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  Great car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Marcie - May 25 - 6:06 pm

  Its a good looking car that handles great and so far is very reliable. Interior is nice, comfortable, nice seats and stereo system.