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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  Car of a Lifetime - 2005 Volvo S60
  By AGIS_I - April 4 - 11:00 am

  This is an outstanding car. Great accelaration both from a stop and cruising. Unbelievable handling in any kind of weather. Breaks just as good as my high perfomance sport motorcycle. If you are going to buy one car for the rest of your life, THIS IS IT!!!

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  All good and hard to say goodbye - 2002 Volvo S60
  By seabrzjo - April 4 - 8:01 am

  I bought my S60 new in 2002, but now its time to say goodbye and I have never been this emotional about giving up a car EVER! Because of changes in my personal life I need a bigger vehicle, and unfortunately cannot afford to keep two. My little silver S60 has been the most dependable vehicle that I have ever owned. I have worked from home since I got "her", so have only clocked 72K miles on the odometer, but I have pushed her hard during a few long distance road trips. I like quick acceleration and sporty lane changes and shes never let me down for a second. Other than maintenance, shes only needed one repair that costs less than $100. Love her and will miss her.

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  Best Sleeper Ever - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Joshua - April 3 - 10:46 pm

  I love my car. Without effort it hurls itself past other traffic. It stops quickly (very) and straight. It will plow snow out of your way (not deep snow mind you, but it was still impressive to trundle through a 1/4 mile of 6-8" deep snow without issue). It (literally) drove where a well driven Dodge Ram 4x4 with weight in the back could not. If you know where your car is, you wont hit those bits of concrete when you park.. No matter what you do the turning radius stinks, and if someone gives the rims a funny look itll leave a mark. It is a beautiful car in person. Drive one and I suspect youll get one.

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  I love this auto. - 1999 Volvo S80
  By speason - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It has been very reliable. I especially like the Volvo dealers I have dealt with.

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  Good Choice for Luxury - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Murphyslaw - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I am a salesman and Im always on the road. Ive owned several cars over the years and this is my favorite. I now have over 60,000 miles on my car (mostly highway driven) and it has been great. No problems to complain about at all. It gets great mileage and is very reliable. Its also so comfortable and a dream to drive on long trips. I would by this car again without a second thought. For under $50,000 its a great choice.

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  Wow . . .Great car! - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Happy T5 owner - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The comfort, performance and handling are great. The driving experience is exhilarating. And in terms of safety, the car does live up to what its cracked up to be. I was hit by a Ford Explorer going 55 mph on my left front; it rolled; obviously totaled. The Volvo, $14k to fix. The frame & wheel-well was not affected at all. It was unreal. The car was driveable. And being inside, I didnt see him coming (which was good) so all I heard was this crunching metal sound. I didnt feel anything. It was the equivalent of going over a rail-road track. Very strange. There was myself, front passenger and a child in the left- rear. No injuries.

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  it is very goodone - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ge - April 3 - 10:00 am

  experience with XC90 is fun

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  Nothing Else For Me - 2005 Volvo S40
  By S40 - So Cal - April 2 - 9:43 pm

  This S40 is sweet, strong, rugged, sleek and stylish, need I say more? Stops when you need it to stop, accelerates when you need a push, and shows itself off at every corner; this puppy has bragging rights! Never a bad moment here and nothing bad to say at all. Proves itself all the time, to trust it with my wife and future kids; always! My first Volvo and my last time to ever have to choose another car maker! First class!

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  I love this car! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Annie - March 31 - 6:00 pm

  Presently at 93,000 miles. Yes I have had the odd quirky issue, but the only major item was a radiator replacement. Transmission has been fine and baby runs quite well. I use my wagon to transport mulch, stone, plants in the summer and shes always been a jewel. I love this wagon and plan on keeping for a very very long time.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By oklahoma29 - March 31 - 7:50 am

  I looked at countless models of SUVs from 2008-2010. I knew from the beginning I wanted a Volvo, but I had to make sure it was the best fit. It definitely was and I love everything about it. The gas mileage is great for an SUV. The interior is awesome with no major blind spots like other SUVs in its class. Plus the price is much better than other luxury SUVs. I purchased a true base model, since the base has leather and sunroof. Those are the two huge features I wanted on my SUV. Even thought it is a V6 it has a lot of power. It gets up and goes. The brakes are also fantastic. Great SUV would purchase again and recommend to a friend.