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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  4 Months Driving Experience with XC90 - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By AusTXGK - July 17 - 7:13 am

  We purchased the Volvo XC90 in November 2009. We replaced a 2004 Ford Expedition in order to downsize and gain a little better fuel economy. Pros: The interior and exterior quality and styling of the vehicle is excellent. The leather seats are the best quality/most comfortable of any vehicle I have owned. The vehicle is exceptionally quiet and drives very smoothly at cruising speeds. Cons: The acceleration of the vehicle is a little jerky from start to about 30 mph. It is very noticeable as the vehicles automatic transmission shifts gears. I think the 6 cyl standard engine is a little undersized for this vehicle. Also the gas mileage is disappointing at average 20 MPG (17 MPG city).

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  bucket of bolts - 1998 Volvo V70
  By tom - July 17 - 6:16 am

  we have carefully serviced this car from the start. while it is reliable (starts every time) its fit and finish from the very first day showed a lack of workmanship and good design. It is very costly to replace ordinary parts such as oxygen sensors, mufflers and pipes and to repair interior problems like interior lights, shoddy plastic interior molding, etc. I will not buy another Volvo.

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  "R" stands for rocket - 2005 Volvo S60
  By JFG - July 17 - 4:03 am

  A sports car enthusiest since childhood i chose to buy something practical after 8 years of F150 Ford 4x4 ownership. I got tired of the $100 + a week gas habit. The "R" was my choice above any other consideration. A more than worthy competitor against its rivals this car is a the best bang for the buck. AWD combined with superb interior design(except the rear leg rm) and power it is a purely exhilerating car to drive. In its most sporty and agressive mode (advanced) its hard for the gas pedal to find the floor before one finds himself at 100 mph. Handeling is responsive with a very firm ride. In comfort mode it is like a luxury car with balls. Great sound system, great looks, as well!

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  Beautiful Car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Steve G - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had my S60 for about a month now and I absolutely love it. I went from a Lincoln LS to the S60 and was afraid that going to a much smaller car would be an issue but its not. True it is much smaller in the back seat, however I have not had any complaints (and if I do, they can get out an walk). The lines are nice and the interior is well laid out and very comfortable. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  OIL PRESSURE ISSUE - 2004 Volvo V70
  By cyclist57 - July 16 - 6:02 pm

  There is a problem with the oil pan seals that requires attention! My 2004 v70 with 67k flashed the oil warning light twice for a second at a time and then a warning messge NO OIL PRESSURE STOP. 300 feet later I parked the car and then had it towed to the shop...started to place on tow and then to move into the garage....Result was the engine was gone! Oil level was checked after first warning light flash...full! Not real happy as I just bought the car....result is a replacement motor and the oil seals replaced before it was installed....My 2000 v70 never had seals replaced...still does not drip or burn oil at 200k....

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  Volvo for life.... never - 2000 Volvo S40
  By JLba - July 16 - 4:13 pm

  I had dreamed of owning a Volvo for years and when I finally got my Volvo the nightmare began. In only owning my car for one in a half years I have easily put over $3000 in repairs. The check engine light turned on every other week it seemed like. Even Volvo repaired it and only 500 miles later it was on again. Volvo uses the cheapest plastic and it breaks just by touching it. The only thing I really liked was how it handled and the trunk and glove box space. Besides that Volvo should think about starting from scratch because this car is a waste.

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  Just keeps going - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Volvonate - July 16 - 3:43 pm

  This car just continues to run, i bought it really cheap with problems on the dash, but the car refuses to quit! i turn it over every time and it just keeps driving. i first made the switch to volvo a few years ago and it was a s70 and they both have been top notch cars!

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  My Rating - 2005 Volvo S80
  By pom36jim - July 16 - 7:53 am

  This is my 2nd Volvo. it meets all my expectations.

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  06 Black on Black C70 - 2007 Volvo C70
  By doubletap - July 16 - 7:53 am

  Its my wifes car, but I get to play with it on weekends. Wow what a car, for the price we paid its worth it. We have a 97 Maxima which has great acceleration, but the C70 takes off like a bat out of hell. The feel is great, have to watch from ending up in someones rearend. The car surprises you as you press on the gas. The car seems to be therapeutic, just get in the car and start driving, and you feel the problems just get left behind. The car is so enjoyable to drive.

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  Disappointed With Car - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Lynne - July 16 - 6:06 am

  I purchased this care when I gave my Nissan Altima to my daughter due to her car being totaled. I am totally disappointed with the care and am trading it in after only having it for less than two years. The turning radius is bad and the main problem is the alignment. I have had to buy two complete new sets of tires during that period. Last time was because I had a blowout on the highway. The alignment has to be redesigned so it isnt so sensitive to any bumps. Car definitely didnt live up to my expectations.