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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  I like it! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Dave - March 9 - 8:46 pm

  Ive had my Volvo for over three years now and still really enjoy it. I have driven it on the German Autobahn, and can say it drives better at 100mph than at 60 mph. With the 5-speed it accelerates adequately, with just enough power to feel in control during traffic merging situations. It handles well enough, but feels best when you just cruise along relaxing. In fact it is so comfortable I dont mind getting stuck in a traffic jam; the upgraded sound system is awesome. Climate/radio controls are adjusted with the one finger, without looking. This car does very well when the roads start getting slippery.

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  Volvo has customer service issues - 2015 Volvo XC70
  By Andrian Kouznetsov - March 9 - 2:33 am

  This is my fifth Volvo and the last one. I leased new XC70 2015 T6 AWD in and I have 15k miles on it. It is great car to some extend regardless of the price tag. It has unique combination of performance, luxury and utility and is well built. So whats the problem? Soon after I leased the car local dealership was closed and I learned that according to "Volvos policies" I have to drive 200 miles distance to the next dealership to get scheduled maintenance. Is this reasonable? I tried working though Volvo customer service, but have been politely stonewalled, the company has no method of filing customer complaints. They all come back to the same person.

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  A stinker amongst the good ones, I guess - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Guswriter - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive read and heard about all the great, long-lived Volvos. Mine will not be one. Since the very day I picked it up, nothing but troubles. Leaks, squeeks, electrical problems, and a lot of time spent in the shop, including a complete transmission replacement. Fortunately for me, this was purchased as a Certified Used Car ... so its all covered until I hit 100,000 miles. Well, I still pay 50 bucks everytime I visit the shop. Dealer has been fantastic through it all, though.

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  Guess Im luckier than I thought - 2001 Volvo S40
  By JenDM - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I havent been extremely thrilled with my first Volvo, but after reading these reviews, I guess Im doing better than I thought. The clear coat on my car is trashed--every time a bird poops on it, theres a permanent spot, and I have found that the interior fabric stains even if its just a water spot. The plastic molding along the bottom of the car is constantly loose. The car has been reliable for me and I enjoy driving it, but with the paint quality, I just cant see this car looking good for the long haul.

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  Beautiful But Unreliable - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Fed up - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car, but its in the shop waaaayyyyy too much. Since owning it,Ive replaced the power steering, throttle, bushings (twice), CD player, fuel cap (twice - and Im still getting the message "fuel filler cap open/loose") both side lights (broken clamps), moonroof switch and other switches. I have an annoying squeak in my steering wheel as well as the drivers seat. I love the way the car drives, rides and looks, but for the $$$? My warranty is up and Ill be trading it in for something else - probably a Passat or Audi.

• 

  heather - 2004 Volvo V70
  By doublelicious14 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  it is a pretty good of a lot!

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  What Youd Expect From Volvo - 2006 Volvo S80
  By brad - March 3 - 11:30 pm

  This car is underpowered, but typical of most turbos there is a lag from pressing the gas until the turbo kicks in. This car does better at higher speeds - think of it as a highway cruiser. I drive mostly highway using premium fuel and average 23 to 24 mpg. There is a 2nd A/C outlet on the center console facing backseat that is good for folks needing more than 1 outlet (just snake your cord between console and seat if you need to be tidy). Paint finish is excellent. Interior comfort is excellent. Great value.

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  99 V 70 GLT - 1999 Volvo V70
  By GA Ham - March 1 - 6:03 pm

  Car needed various electric window repairs, covered under certification, but had to be done 3 times to same window. Had to use warranty 4 or 5 times in from 26,000 to 90,000. The time of warranty ran out before the 100,000 miles limit.

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  Nice features but awkward interior - 2008 Volvo C70
  By djfunkywill - February 24 - 8:52 pm

  I replaced my Toyota Solara convertible with this Volvo C70. Despite similar horsepower, the Volvo seems to have quite a bit less pep. I bought this car because it is nice looking and Volvos reputation for safety and longevity. Now that Ive settled into the car, Ive noticed that the interior is much smaller than my previous car. Im an average size male and Ive got my seat quite far back. Even this seat setting, I notice that my knuckles bump my leg when I make a turn. I couldnt imagine transporting anyone other than a child in the rear. It seems cramped on the inside but I hope to get used to it.

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  "Professional" reviewers are harsh - 2005 Volvo S60
  By jpetrelli - February 23 - 4:23 pm

  The S60 is a very solid vehicle, with a few drawacks. If you are not ready for a 5 series (or equivalent) and beyond the 3 series, there are few alternatives that compare with the S60. The ride is great, the styling is solid and Volvo design touches are like none other. On the negative side, the fuel economy in the city could be better (I get 14- 17 unless I seriously monitor my acceleration), the back seat has limited leg room and I dont know what they were thinking with the key placement. The highway mpg (Over 30 mpg if driven smoothly) and interior comfort make getting in this car for a road trip a real pleasure.