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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  pretty good - 2001 Volvo V70
  By mattm - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Overall its been a pretty good car.The 2 problems are replacing lights constently and road noise. Other than that it has been economical and reliable.

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  My wonderful Volvo - 1998 Volvo V70
  By marchard - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Volvo V70 as a minivan alternative - with the 3rd seat option it can seat 7. Its wonderful. Its a luxury car with a great sound system, powerful brakes and sits so smoothly on the road that I wonder how Ill ever be able to drive a cheap car again. Best of all, I know that my family is safe.

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  Great ride, safe people mover, FUN drive - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Bubba - March 9 - 5:00 am

  This is a well thought-out vehicle. You immediately feel in control and in pampered comfort. Quality, fit-and- finish, design...all above average. The V8 and tranny are smooth and work well together. Gentle purr of the exhaust pipes is subtle, but brings a grin to your face as you leave the others in your dust. MPGs are acceptable for the amount of weight (safety steel built-in) and 7- passenger roominess. Regular unleaded gas seems to work OK.

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  Most refined tuner car. - 2011 Volvo C30
  By jailhousemd - March 8 - 1:50 pm

  I realize that most people will not consider this a tuner car. It seems to have all the features of a Mazdaspeed, GTI, etc. This car is more comfortable than any other car that I have previously owned (GTI, Mazdaspeed, Civic Si). Nice that I can use 87 octane gas. MPG so far is a little better than 27 mpg/gallon combined. I believe it still needs to be broken in. Also, overall cost is really no different than a loaded GTI. By the way, I have leather, sunroof, and 100K Maintenance plan. I do believe that the Mazdaspeed is a little faster, but I am commuting not street racing.

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  4X4 Sports Car - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Mary Williams - March 8 - 2:36 am

  The comfort of the vehicle is exceptional for an SUV. The performance and handling feel like a sports car. Safety has always been a priority with Volvo and I find it is with their SUV as well.

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  I love this car!! I own a 2006 and 16! - 2016 Volvo XC70
  By Lisa B - March 7 - 5:58 am

  This car is comfy, rides like a dream, has great pick up and is spacious and easy.

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  First Car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Doogie Macmillan - March 6 - 5:40 pm

  This is my first car and i think it is great. I already got in an accident in my first week and it held up great. The other persons car was totaled (it was a saab). I got it full loaded and it was worth every penny. The Nav is easy to use while driving. The sound system is great going down the street listening to 50 cent. I just bought 18 inch chrome rims and the car looks even better. I could not ask for a better car for a 17 year old.

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  Volvo Ultimate Drive - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Anad - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This is an extremely comfortable and fun drive.

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  I love my Volvo S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By youareslow - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I leased the S40 after comparing it to a Jetta GLS. The Volvo came out to be $10 more a month for the same term and down payment. Im glad I paid the extra 10 bucks. I love the Volvo. It is a solid car with a lot of zip and is reasonable on gas. The interior is top quailty and the fit and finish is great. The only problem I have had in the first 20k is one of the head lamps went out. The dealer replaced both under warranty and the service was great. If you are looking for something a little different this is a great car.

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  After 24,000 miles... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By GV3 - February 29 - 2:03 am

  ...glad to report this is a great car. I purchased my 2.4 at the end of the 04 model year from my dealers service fleet. In the two years Ive owned it, it has been completely trouble free; the only $ I have spent is on oil changes. Front seat comfort is outstanding, although rear seating is a bit tight. Not a fast car in terms of 0-60 acceleration, but not slow, either; mid-range acceleration when passing or merging is quite good. Ergonomics are terrific. My other car is a BMW 3-series, which frankly is more fun to drive, but the Volvos comfort is the choice of my wife and I for a longer trip. I traded a C-class for the Volvo, and feel we traded up in comfort and reliability.