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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  Nice car, with a few shortcomings - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Carsten S - July 12 - 9:43 pm

  Overall, I am satisfied with the car. On many levels it compares well with other imported SUVs, and is more reasonably priced than many of them. The cargo room it provides is quite good. 2nd row seating is tight front and aft when the third row option is installed. Volvo has a very skimpy maintenance plan, comp. to others, just the first is free. Gas mileage: try as I might, never more than 17mpg. A BMW X3 is much quicker and with beter mileage. Reliability: the shift lever will not leave park on cold days for up to 1min. Even a "fix" didnt help. Traction: Problems with 4wd engagement led to recall, but mine still spins through in FWD on even just slightly wet surfaces. Very annoying

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  Love my Volvo - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Paula - July 11 - 6:40 pm

  When I bought this car it needed a new timing belt, which also means a new water pump. Other than that it is so much fun to drive, lots of pep,easy to haul my 100 pound dog and cat in, and easy for them to get inand out. It gets better mileage than our 2003 Cadillac, and looks great doing it. The cup holders are the only problem, and theyre horrible.

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  V50 Problems - 2007 Volvo V50
  By jroberts - July 8 - 9:13 pm

  I have driven Volvo for twenty years. I traded my 1994 940 in 2007 for the V50, Big Mistake! Within the first 45 days problems began.I was told that the computer didnt find any problems. After monthly visits and 1.5 years the dealership took me seriously & VOLVO created a download to correct the car computer,things seemed better. Then 6 months later the horn began to honk for periods of 5 miles. Once again I was told that the computer didnt show a problem. Unable to deal with the monthly trips to the dealership I traded for a Mercedes. I feel like a traitor, but apparently there are problems that exist that the computer doesnt show.

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  Great car at great expense - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By buzz127 - July 8 - 1:23 pm

  I have had my XC90 for 39 months now. It has been a pleasure to drive, but very expensive to run and maintain. Using high test gas today makes it even more expensive. The car eats tires--OEM got 14,000. 2nd pair of Michelins got 20,000. But it is secure, safe and comfortable. You have to decide if the $$s are worth the tradeoff.

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  Volvo blew enginge turbo at 54 k - 2005 Volvo S40
  By glenn - July 6 - 6:53 pm

  My engine blew up when the turbo/intercooler literally blew up dumping all oil and coolant out without warning at 54k miles. I am sick. Volvo says tough luck.

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  S80 T6 after four years: Still happy - 2000 Volvo S80
  By jarchdeacon - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Our 2000 S80 T6 has over 70,000 miles and still feels and drives like a new car. Im very pleased with this car. Note that I did purchase the extended warranty (up to 100K miles) from Volvo which turned out to be a good idea (it has paid for itself). After the 50,000 mile warranty expired, Ive had to replace some DSTC parts, NAV system parts, and so on) all of which were adequately covered by the Volvo VIP plan. I will consider another S80 purchase in the future.

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  Bought it new...still love it! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Leslie - July 3 - 12:06 am

  I am thrilled that we did not get the T6. The only con I have is that the tires (originally Pirelli)have been replaced twice - not unusually with an AWD SUV. The 2 things that I had a problem were was the front brakes making a bizzare sound -they put something on the brakes...fixed. The only other thing that happened was I got into the car and the engine would not turn over...dead. Something with the key. Had to have it towed to the dealer. I was hit by a mini cooper on my side door and the car did not move. I have two small children and feel very safe. Was thinking of trading it in for a newer VOLVO XC90 but after reading the other reviews(I have only 52K miles) I think Ill keep it.

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  so far so good - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By brirags - July 2 - 7:43 pm

  I just picked up an 05 T6 with 40k miles from auction. The car is nearly flawless and appears to run beautifully. I found out Im the 2nd owner, and the car has been meticulously maintained by a local Volvo dealer. My concern is that its had 2 transmissions replaced, the latest 18 months ago along with the radiator. Not sure if I need to purchase a warantee. Dealers told me the problem is most likely cured, but if anyone has a comment, Im all ears as Im a bit concerned.

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  Neverending - 1999 Volvo V70
  By Ryan - June 27 - 11:26 pm

  Everywhere I turn, its not a huge repair, but its many little things that go all at once. The dash lights died altogether, and after doing that, the radio and climate control wouldnt light up (individually burnt bulbs). Lots of rattles, that you eventually learn to live with (welcome to the Volvo Family). Electronic seat stopped a few times.

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  Not so good - 2005 Volvo S40
  By no good - June 26 - 8:06 am

  Was alright in the beginning. Then started having problems after a year or so. We have had multiple problems with the A/C and the heater. At least once a year we have had to deal with these issues. Just recently broke down 3 times in the past month. Definitely doesnt live up to all the hype of Volvos. Wouldnt recommend this car after the past month.