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, Worth every penny - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Andria - February 14 - 5:00 am

  Mine was previously leased Volvo that I purchased from dealer. The car rides beautifully. It came with winter package, so it drives fantastic in snow. Wish it would take corners a little better, but I used to drive a sportscar before this one. When I purchased the car it had 47K miles on it. Within 3 years it now has 109K. No issues. The "check engine" light came on. It turned out it was the gas cap wasnt on tight enough. Hit a huge deer while driving the Oregon coast hwy doing 60MPH. The deer walked away and the car had some damage ($7k), but I was still able to drive it all the way to Las Vegas with no problems. Could barely feel the impact in the interior cabin. Volvo fan for life.

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  Pleasantly suprised - 2008 Volvo S80
  By Smith - February 13 - 3:33 pm

  We also own an 04 XC 70 and I do not like driving it so I was pleasantly suprised by the S80 and the different feel it had in comparison. It has great styling and it is nice to drive. The interior is quiet and the sound system is good. The engine could use a little more go, as we never test drove the 8 cyl or turbo but would recommend doing so. It is economical for gas (why we chose the 6 cyl) and love the AWD.

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  Mikey Likes It - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Jerry Blum - February 12 - 11:53 pm

  This is a conv. not a sports car. Owned with this in mind, it is a nice vehicle--no cowl shake, peppy, comfortable seats, great exhaust note, gets lot of positive comments from bystanders, fuctional interior & controls.

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  Love Volvo, dont love XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Volvoowner4life - February 12 - 2:26 pm

  Bought my 2005 XC90 new in November 2004. Overall, I am happy with it, but also frustrated w/the number of the same problems over and over. Love 3rd row seats & integrated child booster. Hate that I have had to replace my tires 2x in the past 4.5 yrs. I have had continuing issues with the ball joints and tie rods that actually caused me to fail inspection. They have been replaced at least 2x & I am hearing the same noises again. There is not a ton of power or pick up with this vehicle. Also, I have had several fuses blow for the power outlets even though nothing is plugged into the very often. I would like to try the XC70 or the XC60 to see if I have better luck.

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  Great Alternative to Oversized SUV - 1999 Volvo V70
  By newVolvoLVR - February 12 - 12:43 am

  Great alternative to Hefty SUV, this car provides reasoning to buying a car for hauling purposes. Design is classic. If you are in the market for safety, look no further. A wonderful starter car if you have never owned a Volvo. Volvo for life.

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  S-40 2.4i - 2005 Volvo S40
  By fred ehmann - February 11 - 12:06 pm

  This is a solid car that will please those looking more for quiet, comfort, and reliability rather than punchy performance. The motor is willing--just not exciting. However, 30 mpg is the payoff for what you give up in thrills. In 2+ years and 35,000 miles Ive not had a single repair and am on original tires and brakes. Not bad!

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  Class Action Lawsuit on ETM problems - 2001 Volvo V70
  By dont_buy_Volvo - February 10 - 3:56 am

  Volvo has a class action lawsuit on models with Electronic Thottle Module (ETM) (V70, S80, S40, late model cars). This was filed in 2002 and is pending. The engine shuts down with no gas pedal response. This is very dangerous. ETM gets carbon deposit buildup. I tried to get Volvo North America customer care to replace this unit because it is a MAJOR design flaw, but they would not. Im waiting on a decision. It would cost me over $1100 because it is out of warranty. Yet they never sent me any communication while I was under warranty and they knew about this problem. I would never buy Volvo again because their slogan, "Volvo for Life" is far from the truth.

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  Happy after 4 years/70K miles - 2007 Volvo V50
  By sheltonsheltie - February 10 - 2:50 am

  This car has been fantastic! Its a lease and Im seriously considering keeping it. Have had NO problems with this car. Its been great in snow (AWD T5 Automatic is the version I have). It is sturdy, solid, and still has decent pick-up considering. The MPG is as stated. I drive in a lot of bumper to bumper / slow highway commuting traffic and get about 20 MPG.

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  S60 AWD - Slightly Sopoforic - 2003 Volvo S60
  By beau - February 9 - 11:33 am

  A sturdy car without a whole lot in the character department. I always felt safe. However, there wasnt much soul to the ride. AWD worked great in snow/ice. However, be warned that if you get a flat tire and there is slight wear on the tires, you must purchase 4 new tires. This increases the cost of ownership in my opinion.

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  Backbreaker - 2004 Volvo V40
  By Trunciman - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I wished I had taken a longer test drive. The seats are a killer. After about 30 minutes in the front seats the back spasms start, and the back seats are almost useless, not big enough for children even. The front end suspension started falling apart months after purchase and had to be rebuilt. It is a nice looking vehicle but I will certainly be glad when the lease is up.