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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  XC90 Ocean Race Edition - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Bill - May 4 - 5:06 pm

  I replaced a BMW X3 with this car. As I wanted a little more room, I compared it to the 2006 BMW X5. The ORE is a better value. Hesitant about the V-8, but average mileage is 20.0 mpg in mixed driving. My 2.5L X3 averaged 22 mpg. I gave up 2 mpg for an extra 125 h.p., a smoother ride and more room -an excellent trade off. Excellent storage and cargo space. Very quiet ride.

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  volvo - 1996 Volvo 850
  By robarakira - May 4 - 10:00 am

  way better quality than american equivalents - also for resale

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  Avoid this Car! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Burnt once.... - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I had trouble with this car from the moment I drove it off the lot. Selling dealer was coy, and made no mention of the poor reliability of this car, even when presented with poor reviews. Ive had it towed three times. Warning lights blink on and off. Ive replaced more bulbs in that car than in all my previous cars combined. I wouldnt buy another Volvo if it were half price.

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  great car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By bayof3 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  fun safe car to drive. test drove the mercedes c-class and it was junk compared to the volvo. It looks like bmw 5 series from the side but without the price tag

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  About the same as others, apparently - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Tom - May 3 - 3:06 pm

  After reading most of the other reviews, I guess Im not any different. Very expensive to fix, and that happens way too often. The Emissions service light is a way too common problem, Ive given up trying to find out what it is. Had to replace the ABS module, Volvo warranty wouldnt cover their product, even under warranty. Power steering leaks, or doesnt, whenever it feels like it. The front end makes funny cracking and creaking noises and I cant find any reason for it either. I thought I was buying a quality, safe car (at least the price I paid for it). Ive had my first and LAST Volvo.

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  T5 Power - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Dave - May 1 - 5:13 pm

  I bought this car as my first car. It has 174K on the odometer. Performance- wise, once the turbo gets spooled up, youd better hold on to something. It has the rare 5 speed manual and this car really moves. Buried the speedometer in 5th gear just after shifting from 4th and she still had more to go. The stock sport suspension is harder than the GLT, GT, or Base, and is beautiful around tight corners, but is treacherous for leisure driving. Very bumpy. The cars seats are absolutely amazing. The leather seats in my dads 04 Passat feel like hard plastic chairs compared to mine. Gas mileage could be a little better. Definitely a good car once its broken in.

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  Best of 4 Volvos - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Twilightlvr - May 1 - 5:10 pm

  This is the 4th Volvo weve owned and its the best one yet. Weve had the car for over a month and love it. The fit and finish is very good, The sunroof is HUGE, the ride is perfect for a crossover SUV, and the optional AWD is not as intrusive as it was on the XC70. A nice feature is the fact that there are not many on the road, makes it feel exclusive.

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  2000 Volvo S70 4 Dr GLT Sedan - 2000 Volvo S70
  By Myprettyawfulcar - May 1 - 3:53 pm

  This is my dream car. Bought it certified pre-owned. When I purchased it the check engine light was on. The dealership said come back in and we will turn it off for you. No problems passed 125 point inspection--mint condition. I have taken that car for service and one recall after the other and its even shut down on the highway once. I have had a service bill of $1600, on several occasions and nothing under $700 for the 7 times its needed service in the last 5 years. I love my car and it is pretty to look at but it is a lemon. I just cannot afford the service anymore...which seems to happen every year without fail right around inspection time because that check engine light is on.

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  Wouldnt ever buy a Volvo again. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By KWall - May 1 - 10:06 am

  Ive had my Volvo for almost 5 years now (purchased it when it was 2 yrs. old). Have had many problems with the check engine light coming on. Had to replace an oxygen sensor a total of 8 times! Recently the electric components of the headlight broke, and it cost $1550 to repair! Volvo parts are extremely expensive, and the electric components of the car are too sensitive. The upkeep of this car is so expensive that I will never buy a Volvo again.

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  Volvo SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Mullen - April 30 - 12:23 pm

  Ive had a van since 1983, I didnt want to go "low" I liked driving a car/van/suv that was higher up. So when it was time to turn in the vans we looked at all the SUVs out there. The Volvo is the first car I ever loved- -every aspect. I feel safe in it, and it meets all my needs for a car. I tell everyone how wonderful it is.