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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  Not all lemons are yellow - 1999 Volvo S80
  By William Witt - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new 12/98. After three years and 57k, the car has been in the shop for repairs 39 times. New transmission, still have troubles. New brake booster and ABS sensing unit. Turn signal has not worked since 3 months, dealer cant find problem. Motor mounts have been replaced MANY times, still have trouble. Problems with locks, trim falling off, a/c. Volvo of North America no help and doesnt care that the flagship of the volvo line has the reputation of a yugo!

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  T-4 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Oskar - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I do not own an S40 but I have had the opportunity to test drive a few of them at several occasions. I have been to Sweden and driven two different versions, the S40 T-4 and the V40 2.4T. If the S40 T-4 was ever to come to the States, buy it! It is an incredible driving experience. It is super fast (240 km/h) and its performance would knock out many in its class, for example the Jetta VR6.

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  Not worth it - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Butterfly2 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Volvo has a complete lack of customer care concepts. Weve had several mechanical problems and fear the day the warranty runs out. Very difficult to see in order to change lanes. Back seat has NO leg room.

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  Snow Car - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By Kurt Mathias - December 2 - 10:23 pm

  My son is a ski racer and we travel many miles each weekend going to races. There is no better car on snow and ice than this car. I drive an A8 Quattro and I think that the Volvo is better in the snow than that car.

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  Solid, Safe, and Practical SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Bill - November 25 - 10:23 pm

  We bought a new 2.5T AWD four years ago and have been very satisfied with our purchase. We didnt need the 3rd row seating and since they add considerable weight and reduce 2nd row leg space, we had our dealer search for a 5 passenger model for us. Im glad we did, because the 2.5T engine is just adequate, given the vehicle weight. We have averaged exactly in the 17-22 EPA mileage range - not bad for such a spacious SUV. The XC90 has attractive, timeless styling, is appointed excellently on the interior and has a smooth, secure, stable ride. The 2.5T wont win any drag races, but is fine for our every day normal driving. The XC90 corners pretty well for an SUV too.

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  Reliable and practical - 2006 Volvo XC70
  By JC Morejon - November 24 - 8:53 pm

  This is my third Volvo xc and the best by far. Smooth ride and handles well in inclement weather. Trunk size is great.

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  First ever Volvo - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Carolyn - November 24 - 8:26 am

  I have never had a volvo. I had a mercedes and this compares to my mercedes, only with a convertible. I have had no problems with the car at all and she is so much fun to drive, I get compliments just about ever where I go! I will have another one and wonder why I waited so long!

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  Volvo S60 - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Kern Barrow - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful automobile great styling comfortable tight construction.Volvo has done a very good job with this car. It really is fun to drive. It has a Swedish austerity and insouciance that I find quite reassuring.

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  Very Good Vehicle - 2002 Volvo S60
  By GP - November 18 - 8:13 am

  Ive had the car about 8 months. So far very reliable. It wants to run. Very, very comfortable car with great front seats. Stereo is excellent, climate controls intuitive. Ive always had 5-speeds in sedans, but this automatic has me converted with its performance. The 5-cylinder is a good compromise of performance and economy. Im getting 28 mpg [25 mile commute, cruising at 70 mph] with ample reserve power when needed.

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  3rd Volvo wagon / the best yet - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Surf SD - November 17 - 10:13 pm

  3rd Volvo wagon and this is the best one yet. Sure Ive had a few minor issues, but the dealer quickly repaired all. Wish I had gotten the 6 spd for the full 300 hp car is rated for, but 245hp in 1st & 2nd is still adequate and it flies on the freeway. Very comfy front seats, great stock stereo, AWD safety and I avg about 22mpg around town and 25-28mpg on trips. Very Refined car, a nicer dashboard is about the only thing I would want along with a better turning radius.