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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  Stealthy Pocket Rocket - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Dave - January 28 - 5:06 am

  My wife wanted this car because its low profile, but great looking. I think its super quick with the automatic; feels a lot quicker than an 05 demo I drove last year and faster than the spec. Great seats, and the adjustable suspension really works. So far, its been problem free for 5 months. Good price: $37K for automatic with some packsges(amounted to $300 over invoice AND less $2250 incentive.) We may have gotten the last one for while, since it doesnt look like Volvo will make an 07 R and theres talk of dropping the S60 altogether. Looked at TL (too common and FWD), G35 (didnt feel as confident to drive or as quick), Mustang GT, (too banal), Maxima (FWD, etc, etc.), Audi...

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  2008 XC70 - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By Bob Kane - January 27 - 11:06 pm

  This is a great car and my first Volvo; we traded in our 2004 Acura MDX. After shopping for all the luxury SUVs from Acura to Mercedes, we decide on the Volvo XC70. The XC70 is more cars like and delivers great responsiveness. Safety, build quality and interior appointments are first rate. We have downsized in the past from a Lincoln Navigator to an Acura MDX to the Volvo XC70. This is the perfect size with the most comfortable ride and interior. Acceleration and handling is more than adequate and better than rated by the experts.

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  C70 - 2001 Volvo C70
  By 2001-C70 - January 27 - 8:33 am

  I bought my C70 used with about 50K miles on it about 5 years ago. I love the way it looks, and love the way it drives even better. It is surprisingly quick for a Volvo. I had to replace the throttle body twice, but Volvo has covered it as a recall item, so it was on their nickel. I have had it in the shop for only one other significant issue. The mass airflow sensor went out while I was on a road trip and rendered the car not driveable, which was not at all convenient, but at least an easy fix. Overall, the reilability has been great. It definitely has been a great car for me.

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  Too many problems. - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Sally - January 26 - 11:23 pm

  Our V50 has been in the shop a lot. Problems with the radio, the auto rear view mirror, the alignment, the radio, the outside temp indicator, engine cutting out. Cant remember how many computer upgrades have been done. The electronics on this car are terrible. Just got it out of the shop again--engine light on and the engine would cut out. Cost me over $500 to repair--this time it was the fuel pressure sensor which surprise needed to have another computer upgrade. Expensive to repair.

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  2003 Volvo S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By spin65 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  beautiful interior for the price, 5 speed auto, whiplash protection system, CD , cassette and free cappuccino from the dealer. who could ask for anything more?

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  wow - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By marktt - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven both the 2.5T and T6 and was totally blown away. Incredibly comfortable with more leg and elbow room than my 6foot frame could ever use. T6 has sports car like zoom at highway speeds while the 2.5T is like a rocket ship off the line. At about 30mph the T6 dominates and runs away, but the 2.5 feels more sporty. Ride was smooth as silk in both vehicles. Its amazing- the car is huge inside and it drives and responds almost like its a sports sedan.

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  First Volvo - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Tony B - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the XC90 on Dec. 31. Its my familys first Volvo. Weve driven more than 200 miles already and continue to love the vehicle each time we step inside. In the short span that weve owned it, weve already encountered heavy rain, fog, snow, ice, and slush. The XC90 has performed well in each condition.

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  Awsome - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By hornmusic 1120 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my car

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  ok - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Sasha 1 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Nice car for normal driving. Not enough power in 5 cyl. Dealer service sucks in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn! Parts expansive so get extanded warranty.

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  Expensive to fix - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Carrie - January 25 - 3:20 pm

  I love how this car drives, and that it feels safe. However, just like the other reviews I have had several issues with this car. Several recalls, after 3 years the A/C broke and will cost an astronomical amount to fix. It blows hot air in summer, but it doesnt need a recharge. Engine blew at 88K, since it was past its warranty Volvo said too bad. It was their fault as they missed the oil leak that wore out the timing belt and thus broke the pistons in the engine. Word to the wise, save all of your maintenance records if you buy this car, as Volvo will surely look at it if you try to dispute a malfunction and they keep horrible records. Good Luck if you buy this one!