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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  Just a review - 2002 Volvo V40
  By Alex Makhanko - November 20 - 10:00 am

  The best car I have ever had

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  This is a really wonderful machine - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Djavlar - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Having enjoyed driving a 1981 245, a 1989 740, and a 1991 745, Ive come to realize that each was a really great machine for me and my family at the time we owned them. Miss the ruggedness of the 245, but dont need that now; prefer the smoother ground-hugging capability of the V70 AWD. Lots of things I could do with the 245 that I dont need to do any more....and couldnt in the V70 if I wanted to. Are Volvos safe? Well, my son totalled my 740 and my daughter totalled the 745, and theyre each here to tell the tale....though no longer behind the wheel of anything I own and off my insurance!

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  Best balance of of perf/price/utility - 1999 Volvo V70
  By chuckchuck - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Compared vs Audi, Mercedes, BMW. Volvo wins based on price, performance, versatility, and finally the 4x4

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  Never more comfortable - 2010 Volvo S80
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought the S80 V8 AWD with the executive package. Never have I been happier with a car, and Ive had 25 in the past 26 years. The ride rivals my old Mercedes 420SEL. Massaging seats a nice bonus. Awesome power, good enough handling, and hours of comfort on 5 hour drives every weekend. I have a bad back, and BMW/Audi/Mercedes are too stiff. Cadillac/Lincoln are to "glitzy". Love the understated beauty of the car. Most comfortable seats in the world.

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  My first Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Oceancruiser - November 17 - 10:50 pm

  i bought it with 29k miles on it..this car on the highway is awesome with lots of power because of the twin turbo engine..in the city feel very comfortable and quick enough to move in traffic.

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  Besides the back legroom, Excellent..... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By C. Rosina - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Volvo S60 Turbo. It was definitely worth the little extra money for the turbo. The one and only complaint I have about this vehicle is the small amount of legroom in the back seat. Other than that, I highly recommend this car for anyone who wants a sporty luxury sedan at a reasonable price.

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  Best in it class - 2004 Volvo S40
  By keith H - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We were thinking of buying a Audi A41.8T but after test driving and see the new Volvo 2004.5 S40. we like it more. Plus, it was a better vaule for the money. We were able to get it under invoice. It a great car. You should test drive it to see it for yourself.

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  Off to a great start - 2004 Volvo C70
  By jipsu1988 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Did much pre-lease research. Bad mech reviews here made me cautious. Also consid A4,BMW3,Saab9-3,CLK. Volvo won out on uniqueness, size(big rear seat),and price. Great luxury cruiser Well worth it to get the Touring pkg (wood upgrades) and added cost wood wheel. Skip extra cost audio and Propus wheels(2x$1000)and the LPT comes in under $40K if you negotiate. Very smooth driving car. Did 300 mi round trip and looked forward to it. 28mpg at 70-80mph and smoooooth. Seats absolutely rock.

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  Da _hit - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Tricky - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Second to none. If you can, pick up your 90 in Sweden.

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  GO VOLVO - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By MIDLAND - November 11 - 10:00 am

  JUST WHAT I EXPECTED FROM VOLVO, A WELL BUILT & DRSIGNED MID-SIZE SUV. THE T-6 IS QUITE STRONG, KINDS THURSTY, THOUGH. ONLY COMPLAINT, THE DRIVING INSTRUMENTS DESIGN ARE NOT EASILY READ. VOLVO NEEDS TO WORK ON THIS AREA.