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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  Only one engine option? - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By tayste8 - January 9 - 12:29 am

  I currently own a 2006 Volvo XC90 V8 and Im in the market for a new SUV. My Volvo dealer gave me a loaner 2016 XC90 Inscription to drive for the day. I was impressed with the comfortable seating, cabin layout and conservative exterior design. I WAS SOLD.....until I actually drove it. The 4 cyl engine is the only option and right away I noticed the lack of performance off the line, on hills and especially passing at low speeds. Mid range performance is decent and there were moments when I felt it all come together but I couldnt get past the under sized engine.

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  Great Car!!!! - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By Jake - January 8 - 9:53 pm

  The XC 70 is one of the best cars that I ever bought. It is amazing on snow/ice. Its just as good as a Subaru on bad condition or if not better. It handles like crazy. I feel very safe in it also. Volvo makes some of the most safest cars. I just love it!!!

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  The Real Swagger Wagon - 2011 Volvo XC70
  By jrod1790 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough good things about this car. Its fun to drive and has the most comfortable seats Ive ever been in. I wasnt in love with the idea of getting a wagon/crossover but with an expanding family it was necessary. However, once I drove the car with the T6 engine all my apprehension went away. It really makes the car fun to drive as there is power on demand at all rev ranges! I test drove the 3.2 twice and the difference in performance was significant. Also like all Volvos, the XC70 is loaded with safety, convenience, and technology. Ive driven about 1000 miles so far, close to 50/50 local and highway, and Im averaging a touch over 22 MPG on 91 Octane.

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  Best SUV Ive Owned - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Dan - January 6 - 10:30 pm

  I just purchased a 2007 Volvo XC90 3.2. I was thinking about the V8 however I wanted better fuel economy. I was concerned that I would be sacrificing power (fun) for fuel economy. I didnt, this true SUV has power and is fun to drive. I know the V8 has more power but it is not necessary. I considered a Land Rover LR3. However I selected the XC90 based on the safety features as well as the ride. It is far superior to the LR3. If you need an SUV for getting around town and you want a comfortable ride for road trips then this is your automobile. It is also excellent in the snow so you can get to the mountains to do some skiing. I love it! Must have - Sirius satellite radio and running boards.

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  Fourth Turbo Volvo - 2005 Volvo V70
  By Sleeper - January 5 - 8:26 pm

  The V70R is the perfect AWD replacement for anyone who has enjoyed an 850 turbo. The accelleration (with automatic trans) is very similar but the ride is more compliant and the handling much improved (you would never know you are in a wagon when cornering). If you wish more accelleration, go with the 6-speed manual - you will find the accelleration of the automatic underwhelming (considering the car has 300HP)compared with the 6M. The 04 is my wifes car and I will be replacing my Volvo Cross Country with a V70R 6M this spring.

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  I hate myself for trading my Mercedes GL450 - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Dr. EA - January 5 - 5:40 am

  I thought Im buying a better car! I traded my confi and very reliable GL450 2010 for this piece of junk! Its definitely not worth $60K. The electronics are terrible, the panel control needs to be reprogrammed to make it user friendly, 9 month later I still struggle to maneuver it and Im techy savvy! The A/C is not reliable goes from silent to wind tunnel and we can barely hear each other in the car. This past summer the entire car blacked out during a trip on the highway, it was 108F outside and the near exit was 8 miles away...we melted, let alone the entire car was out power (no lights, radio, A/C etc.), only the engine was running! This happened 3 times so far! The panel also has tons of buggs and crashes very frequently. The brakes squeak! I took it to the dealer who are very helpful but was told the rotors are not available and are on back-order! several recalls so far cant count them!! I have a parking aid, the sensor doesnt work 9 out of 10!! I paid for it but dont use it!! The app has a starter that 9out 10 doesnt work and never starts the car!! totally unreliable!! Last thing, the trunk controls buttons (front and back) are extremely slow responders (it takes sometimes 3-5 seconds before they respond, which led to an accident, backed the car while the trunk was open thinking it was closed!! AVOID THIS CAR, until they fix it!!

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  Loved it the FIRST year - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Jen G. - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was great until I hit 23,000 miles with it. That is when the back brakes needed to be replaced and also the tires. Of course none of this stuff is handled under warranty. I leased the vehicle specifically so I wouldnt have to deal with these types of repairs but no such luck. I also think this car is a little sensitive to normal bumps in the road.

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  Volvo for life! - 2004 Volvo S80
  By Ed Herbert - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Never thought I would drive a Volvo. Those old boxy looking cars with underpowered engines. Met up with a Volvo sales rep, he told me about Volvo today. I tried an S80 T6. Always wanted an inline 6 with turbo on a BMW. Now I have 268 HP, inline 6 with twin turbos on a sleek looking Volvo S80 T6. Great power, wonderful handling, excellent build quality, love the car. Compared it to more expensive cars. Great car. Excellent car.

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  Less Than Expected - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By volvosucker - January 4 - 2:00 am

  My Volvo has been in the shop 3 times since purchase. Vibrates when decelerating from high speed, engine whines, had electrical problems, loose wiring connections causing navigation and radio to cut in and out. Interior is much louder than expected. Gets very poor gas mileage. Very cramped in rear seats, not worth the money, wouldnt buy another or suggest one for a friend.

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  Great Way to Buy a Great Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Tall13 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We ordered our new XC-90 for a factory delivery and had a great experience. The trip to Sweden was handled extremely well. The car handled great during our drive in Europe and we could hardly wait to drive it in the US. It is unique in styling and the handling & safety aspects sold us first off. It gets the rating for looks and is very roomy inside with lots of creature comforts.