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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  Great Car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By holmgren - June 24 - 9:13 pm

  This car has been reliable and trouble-free for the first 8000 miles. The base with the 5-spd has plenty of get up and go for most driving situations. Car handles great in the snow and rain, especially with Stability Traction Control. A great car for the money if you take it easy on options. Highly recommend the Volvo Overseas Delivery program unless you can get a great deal off the lot.

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  Great Car - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Chris Furman - June 18 - 11:20 pm

  So Far Ive put on over 10,000 miles on car without any troubles at all. Very comfortable, fast, reliable, and enjoyable. The European Technology in 1999 is beyond compare to Domestic cars today. Very affordable when looking for luxury and reliability. Great fuel economy as well. Im averaging around 27 mixing the city and highway travel. Non-stop highway Im averaging about 32mpg. I didnt think that was to bad for a 3600 pound car. I hope this helps if youre thinking about buying this model car.

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  volvo s40 review - 2000 Volvo S40
  By luv my volvo - June 15 - 2:03 pm

  I was so sad to read all the bad reviews of the volvo s40s. My 2000 s40 has been wonderful! I have changed the oil, brakes, tires and battery and that is it!! This car has been great to me! My car has 95,000 miles and still runs great!

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  mostly positive - 2000 Volvo S40
  By prlady1 - June 14 - 12:43 am

  I really like the car; its relatively fun to drive, cute and comfortable. However, two things really bug me: 1. The light bulbs are always burning out. 2. The openings of the trunk and the rear doors are too small to fit large items inside, even though the storage capacity is adequate.

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  Pretty good, but not great. - 2005 Volvo V50
  By misliss - June 13 - 12:16 am

  I am on my second V50. The first I had for a month, and it was in the shop 3 weeks of that month. After much complaining, I got Volvo to give me a new one, with more features. I have leased my car for 3 years and am about to buy it. It works pretty well for my life as a busy mom of one. But, the sunroof leaks, the interior lights sometimes work, and I have gone through more tires than I would like to admit. The car gets great gas mileage, drives nicely, has enough zip to keep me going, and is great on turns.

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  Tire Problem - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Don - June 9 - 11:30 am

  This is our third Volvo and the best. Ordered this car on the overseas delivery program in May 09;accepted it in Sweden in June and picked up at our local dealer in July 09. We currently have 18,000 miles of enjoyable and safe driving with this car. Weve had some minor problems with the BLIS; replaced the unit and reloaded the software a couple of times. Problem remain with a lot of driver side false warnings. -TIRES- came with the Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 235/60R18 tires. After the 15,000 mile service I noticed a rapidly increasing tire noise. Took it to the dealer who did an alignment (not out much). Severe wearing and cupping on the inside. Volvo denies problem exists.

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  Beautiful Car...Improve Reliability - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Beautiful Car - June 8 - 1:16 am

  I have had the car about 1 year. It is a beautiful car in Passion Red and well equipped. It is fun to drive with plenty of power, excellent handling, comfortable ride and is quiet. The biggest issue is an intermittent electrical problem. It has been in for repair over 4 times for more than 20 days with issues with the airbag sensor, door locks, windows, A/C, etc. We have another Volvo (2006 S40 T5) that has been problem free. Weve also owned a Volvo XC90 (2004) that was very reliable. We will continue to own Volvos as we like the cars but this particular car (V50)has been a little disappointing. I will say, however, that the dealer has been very diligent in trying to find the problem.

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  Better than expected - 2002 Volvo S80
  By cb - June 7 - 6:50 pm

  I was familiar with the bad rap the early S80s received and bought a 2002 anyway for my wife. It was under warranty and I figured the bugs should be worked out by now. So far the car has been wonderful to drive and own. Weve had zero problems and my wife absolutely loves it. The 2.9 NA motor has decent power but is by no means a hot rod. Fuel economy is superb for such a large car and it is extremely smooth and quiet.

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  Better than expected - 2002 Volvo S80
  By cb - June 7 - 5:10 pm

  I was familiar with the bad rap the early S80s received and bought a 2002 anyway for my wife. It was under warranty and I figured the bugs should be worked out by now. So far the car has been wonderful to drive and own. Weve had zero problems and my wife absolutely loves it. The 2.9 NA motor has decent power but is by no means a hot rod. Fuel economy is superb for such a large car and it is extremely smooth and quiet.

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  Fun To Drive If Not In Shop - 2000 Volvo S40
  By tak - June 7 - 10:00 am

  The car is definitely fun to drive but the minor problems that require it to be in the shop so often is a real nuisance. Examples are fading volume in radio (replaced once but problem is still there), faulty brake and check engine lights, AC makes funny noise, rattling of sideview mirrors at 65mph, replaced all four brakes @20,000 miles, replaced headlights @15,000 miles, etc. This car has only 32K miles and has been in the shop more often than my Geo Prism, which has 160K miles.