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:

• 

  First time buyer - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Jenny Zuehlke - December 15 - 10:00 am

  We have always driven Fords or Dodges. Since the children are growen we wanted to buy something more adult oriented and classy. I love my Volvo so far, I feel so special driving it, when heads turn and comments are made about the looks of it. So far no problems.

• 

  First impressions have proved accurate! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Chinyere - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Drives very well and the Navigation system is one of the easier ones in the market. The steering is a bit on the light side and takes some getting used to but once youve driven it a few times its really smooth. Feels stable on the road and visibility is great.

• 

  Very happy after 9 years - 1999 Volvo S80
  By nyindallas - December 15 - 5:33 am

  This car is a good example why one should not get too wrapped up in reviews. After 9 years I can say this car still is a dream to drive. I love taking it on country roads where the handling is amazing. I have also driven a Mercedes E320 on the same road and while the E320 has more power, it does not handle turns as well and does not come close in comfort.

• 

  Nice Car, Terrible Manufacture service - 2007 Volvo S40
  By volvo2007red - December 14 - 7:34 am

  I enjoy my 2007 S40 and purchased it due to extended warranty. I have had the same repetitive problems with "bad batteries" twice in 3 years. Volvo has done nothing to identify the problem other than make me pay for new batteries. Since the original was under manufactures warranty the replacements warranty was null and void, therefore the bills on me. Manufacture did nothing to further look into problem, or recognize the product default. I am sure I will be reposting again in another year with the same issue! Buy with caution!

• 

  Defective Shocks - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Len - December 13 - 10:03 am

  Car was delivered with 2 defective rear shocks, Dealer could not replace them because they are on national backorder. After a month they received replacement units they were installed, Brought car back to dealer. The replacements were also defective

• 

  Beautiful new XC70 - 2016 Volvo XC70
  By AnnetteW - December 12 - 4:21 am

  Love my new Volvo XC - after driving my 2001 V40 with over 172,000! Before buying also considered a Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek. What sold me on the Volvo was the longer warranty period - 4 years/50,000 miles; 12 year rust protection - I live in Western Massachusetts where they salt and sand profusely in the winter; and the alloy wheels. The interior is so luxurious to me and the people at Gengras Volvo in East Hartford gave me the best deal compared to 2 other Volvo dealers. I wont really know how the AWD does in winter because I just got the car - so far the handling is stable; and because the wheelbase and size are larger than my old V40 I am adjusting to how it handles with parking and taking the curves - still breaking it in with only 302 miles so far. The other thing that sold me was the cargo design and layout - my goal is to get to some National Parks to camp in the future - and the 250 horsepower and ability to tow were also part of my decision. And I love the turbo - my V40 has such great pep - and I have loved that capacity. The XC70 does weigh more - so havent tested the pep of the turbo yet - still being cautious as I adjust to the new height - but love being able to just get in the car - rather than have to lower my body as I did in my V40. And I just get out - so getting in and out is pretty neutral. Love the proximity package and can see that when my hands are full it will be a blessing; the tailgate with auto up and down - fantastic! And the flat trunk - great for tailgating and picnics. All the new technology - navigation; phone; etc. - I am still learning how to use this - so cant really make a call on this yet - plus this stuff didnt exist on my 2001 V40. And have to get the new garage door opener programmed yet - thats how new it is to me. One year later - and I still LOVE my new XC 70!! Currently, I have over 18,000 miles! The XC70 was a real champion in the winter - I was on a small hill and the lead car at the stop light was spinning and going no where - there was one car in between - I backed up my XC70 and with my AWD went around both cars up the same hill and went on my way!! Then I drove through a blowing snow storm down to New Jersey and again, the XC 70 made the trip - it is wonderful and the AWD is fantastic! Before buying I had checked out the difference in the Haldex versus symmetrical drive - and I am convinced that the Haldex is the way to go. Over the summer I was also able to test out the turbo when passing on some two lane roads in North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio and it has pep to get around when needed - on two lane roads I dont take time to pass - so the turbo punch does an amazing job and does it well considering the size and weight. Still leaning to adjust to the new features, but the back up camera is one that has helped so much - it is a great feature and the hands free telephone is wonderful. Other features that have come in handy - the remote start and the ability to lock the car from afar or to be sure its locked - especially after parking at the airport. Still adjusting to the higher center of gravity - especially as I was driving through West Virginia on some very long up and down curves - but it performed beautifully. The car has been to Northern Michigan, across part of Canada and New York state! When going across Canada - I was trying to figure out how to get the odometer to switch to kilometers per hour - still have to look that one up - so I turned to the fuel consumption feature where I based my best guess when it indicated I was consuming 100 kmh to estimate the speed I should be going. Compared to my old low road hugging V40 - it takes time to learn how to steer a car with a higher center of gravity and higher ground clearance - which I need for the snow - but as I am learning - the car is performing beautifully. And I am so happy with the service department at the Gengras Volvo dealer in East Hartford. One year later - and know I made the right decision to buy the XC70!! I cant believe they still dont make this car! Okay, my odometer now reads 28,921 - I have been racking up the miles. Still love my XC70 and it has taken everywhere I need to go up and down the East coast - summer, winter, fall and spring. And amazingly it still cranked this winter when the temperatures hung in the -10 to -18 range for three weeks in the morning. The folks at Geneva’s Volvo are still doing a great job for all me service and I couldn’t be happier with my “new” Volvo.

• 

  Still Thrillen - 2004 Volvo S60
  By DwBMan - December 11 - 7:16 am

  I really fell in love with this car on my first test drive. Good power and quality for a decent price. I have never had a problem with squeeky brakes. For those who have the six speed, I would suggest using your downshift to brake your speed. Many who are not used to a stick often crystalize the brakes and the rotors by using them too much. Dont be afraid to rev this engine on the downshift - it is half the fun of a performance car.

• 

  Elegant Ride - 2009 Volvo S80
  By Dasa - December 10 - 8:10 pm

  I explained to the surprised BMW salesman when I said no to the new 5 series sedan that I preferred the 09 Volvo S80: more powerful, more comfortable, softer ride, $15K less,and an exterior whose subtle beauty has grown on me. I love this car and plan to keep it forever.

• 

  Overall Happy - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By xcreddy - December 9 - 5:26 pm

  Have driven for a week. Overall happy with the purchase. 32,900 w/ metallic paint and premium package/sunroof. Smooth ride, quiet. Could use a few more hps as tranny has to shift often. Design is nice. Interior is luxurious though there are a few shortcuts (cheap plastic interior door pull)

• 

  2001 V70 XC AWD - 2001 Volvo V70
  By InAgony - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Love the car BUT.....3 transmissions replaced all under warranty (good luck XC90 owners, you got the same lemon trans but a much heavier vehicle...see you in the shop!!!!), engine rear main seal failed and had to be replaced, vibration, excessive tire wear, headlights burn out every 6 months, squeeks and growns from suspension, soft leather tears very easily with kids. Parts prices are ridiculuously expensive.