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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  Most disappointing car ever - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Marco - April 9 - 4:03 am

  When I was shopping for a car back in 02, I chose the Volvo S40 after looking at the Acura RSX, Saab 93, and Audi A4. Ultimately, I picked the Volvo because it seemed luxurious, the dealer promised that this was a performance car, and I had the Ford Aplan discount, which made it the cheapest of the bunch. Oops. What a disaster of a car. To be fair, I think that Volvo just has no idea how to make a small car. The performance is a joke. The handling is ponderous and, at highway speeds, can be a little scary. When passing at high speeds, the car wobbles -- literally. The braking is AWFUL. The nose dips and the car takes too long to stop. Would not recommend this car.

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  Hold on to it - 2000 Volvo S70
  By jmmcev - April 7 - 10:06 am

  I bought the S70 almost 5 years ago and the only problem I have had with it is the battery going dead which I replaced. It has been an extremely good car for me and I plan to keep it and try for 200-300K mileage barring major unforeseen problems. I presently have 70K in to and from work driving.

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  Solid, responsive SUV - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Gaylord - April 6 - 6:13 am

  After I ordered an 07 3.2, I spent a week in Germany driving a 07 V8 at high speeds. I was afraid the 3.2 might be a let-down, but it has not been. The six is completely adequate; quick enough off the line and the passing lane. Shift points match the engine well at all speeds. The XC90 is nimble for a two ton vehicle. Very comfortable seats, well designed interior, quality materials throughout. A very satisfying purchase.

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  Love my T-5 - 1998 Volvo S70
  By conway - April 5 - 1:30 pm

  I absolutely love this car. Tons of set you back in your seat power. If youre looking for a car to take your family on a trip and blow the doors off most cars out there, get one of these.

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  Value! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By peglegger - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Great value for a high-performance, fun-to-drive car with an awesome interior. The Atacama leather is an option that I wasnt going to do, then decided to get it at the last minute...awesome. Stereo is incredible. Big step up from my previous car, Audi A6 (that was only the 2.8 liter, however). Interior and variable chassis would be the two biggest plusses over the A6.

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  Have your checkbook ready - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Dolce - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I was excited when buying my Volvo, but 5.3 yrs. later at only 55000 miles, with 20 trips to the dealer: its on its 3rd battery, front rotors replaced at low mileage, rear engine oil seal leakage, interior door panel coverings "bubbled", numerous headlamp replacements and turn signal bulbs (prior to recall), windshield is pitted (!!), and it eats tires. Except for one battery, it was all after the warranty expired. Your Volvo will last a long time...provided you replace every part at least once. Drive it for 3 years and then go to Toyota, Nissan, or Honda.

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  Go Volvo - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Ora May Harrell - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Over all as a owner and avid driver. I look forward to staying in the volvo family. For I am eyeing the S60 R. Volvo, you keep up the good work. I checked out the S40 2005, It sounds pretty good. I can not wait to see them on the road. By the way, If you guys realy read these notes, hit me back. Sincerly, Peace,speed, and safty.

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  I love this car - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Eric Nelson - April 5 - 10:00 am

  If you can only have a single car, this is the best one to get. The only significant fault is the large turning radius, which you can learn to deal with.It is just as fast as the 540 and S6, but with the following advantages: vs 540 wagon: 540 has no manual tranny, and the V70R has a nicer/larger interior. The 540 is also miserable in the snow due to rear wheel drive, and is 20K more. vs Audi S6: no manual, smaller interior, 20K more, lousy stereo, lousy crash tests, lousy dealers/service.

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  S80 - THE CAR FOR THE 21ST CENTURY - 2004 Volvo S80
  By FAITH - April 5 - 10:00 am

  EXCEPTIONAL VEHICLE. SURPASSED MY EXPECTATIONS. THIS CAR HAS EXCELLENT VEHICLES ALONG WITH AN OUTSTANDING VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEM. EVERYONE SHOULD OWN ONE.

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  Beautiful but shaky car - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Todd - April 4 - 10:13 am

  The C70 is a classically beautiful long hood/short deck design that looks great top up or down. The back seat room and rear visibility is very good for a convertible. This is my 3rd different 4-seat convertible, and the Volvo easily tops the others in that area. On the down side, repairs have been more frequent than I had expected given Volvos reputation, and much more expensive than Id like. The cowl shake and suspension crashing over railroads and potholes is frighteningly bad. But when the sun is out, the top is down, and the road is smooth, the C70 is a great joy to drive. Its no sports car, but a grand touring vehicle of the first rank.