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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  Wont do that again - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By JohnK - March 1 - 11:43 pm

  We bought the vehicle as a CPO and its a good thing we did. Steering rack replaced at 40K. Audio system failed at 48K. Steering wheel began to come loose at 52K. The vehicle is quirky. Seat memory linked to key fob seems to have mind of its own. There is no power to the pass. seat with ignition off. Lumbar adjusted by a difficult to turn, knuckle scraping knob. Refrigerant can be heard running through the lines as the A/C compressor cycles on and off. Very good sound from the audio system but menus navigation / display leave a lot to be desired.

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  What a blast - 2002 Volvo S60
  By kevingh - March 1 - 5:36 am

  This car is absolutely FUN to drive. Very plush and elegant interior. Too many safety and convenience features to mention. This car really hugs the track as well. I was disappointed with the 2.4 (not enough "get up and go") but the 2.4T is perfect around town or out on the interstate. The 17" wheelse really sets this vehicle off. I cant wait to have to drive places now.

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  Well pleased - 2008 Volvo V70
  By Mike - March 1 - 1:20 am

  This car is what you would expect from Volvo. Understated performance, design with good handling. This is my second Volvo wagon, previous 240. I love the wagon for the car ride with the hauling of a suv. Pleased with fuel economy. I commute 70 miles round trip daily on interstates and average 26 mpg.

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  Bad Brakes - 2003 Volvo S40
  By jamminjay - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Brakes should NOT fail at 15,000 miles! On a regular maintenance trip to the dealer they informed us that the rear brakes had less than 10% life life and needed to be replaced. WHAT???? Other than that a peppy little car, pretty solid.

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  Repair and replace - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Edwin - February 28 - 10:00 am

  It is unbelievable how many times I have had to return to the dealership. To date I have had to replace the vacuum pump, steering wheel, rear seat, trunk latch, rear brakes, front tires, turbo, repaint, arm rest, cup holder, and umpteen headlights. I saw the service manager Richard more than my wife.

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  Dont Buy Volvo S60 - 2003 Volvo S60
  By cward13 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I have made several trips to the Service Department to repair the STC system. Overall the quality of the car is extremely poor, performance is very average. The only attribute this car has is comfortable front seats. Interior engine sound is very noisy. Nothing quite like a car that audibly lets you know that it hates bumps in the road. Transmission doesnt shift right. Any favorable rating on this site must of come from the dealerships.

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  The very best and safe to boot - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By mta - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Only bad feature is radio. It would be nice if the car had the option of a high pressure turbo.

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  Love It! - 2004 Volvo S80
  By blaschke - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Shifts for automatic to manual smoothly, very intelligent car -- will adjust to multiple drivers to get the max mileage, air sensing is a God-send for those traveling near dairies, presently 23.4 combined gas mileage -- primarily city driving, responsive steering, corners well, does not have a small turning radius like my 245, on-call speaker in driver headrest,

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  Disappointed - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Louise - February 27 - 2:53 pm

  Very disappointed with the reliability of this car. Have owned 4 Hondas - never a problem. Splurged on this used Volvo (same price as a new Accrord). I have had numerous bulbs go out, lic plate still out - too expensive to fix. Throttle body, sensor, trip computer switch, electric window and remote for key. THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on repairs in one year. Brakes pulsate sometimes when braking and I have had to stand on them twice to stop. SCARY. My next trip to service to deal with. But...I feel safe and that is why I put up with this expense. I commute 60 miles a day down "Blood Alley." It has not left me stranded, Ive been able to limp to the shop.

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  Rust Proofing - 2007 Volvo V50
  By Kathy - February 27 - 3:36 am

  My Second Volvo New , My Forth New Car ! Insurance Rep , Claims Safe , Safe, Safe That says It all ! Easy to get into and out of Traffic !