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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  Excellent car! - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By tomas007 - February 12 - 5:16 am

  I love the interior of the XC70, and it handles extremely well in rough conditions (specifically with the nice winter we just had!)

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  Great Car - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Jefster - February 8 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought this car because of the safety ratings that volvo was known for. It has been a great car so far. We have has the same types of problems that other owners have had with the electronic system with it being very sensitive. I had to take it to the dealership because the check engine light was on and the reason for the check engine light was because of the gas cap was not fully on. I also had to buy a new cup holder and rear view mirror because I did not grease it.

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  V70 T5 Stick - 2001 Volvo V70
  By mercury_62 - February 6 - 10:00 am

  We love this Car, Got all the options! it out handles most sedans and out excelarates most sports cars!

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  Good Lord - 2005 Volvo S60
  By My 3 Rs - February 5 - 2:30 am

  After having two 850 Rs 96 /97 thinking that what more does one need for style and performance, until I purchased the 2006 S60 R. Got all the added features. Most fun Ive had in driving in years. Just a fantastic car. I have had several people tell me its sexy looking. Mostly women thankfully. Have left a M3 in the review mirror, jaw dropping. How cool the feeling. People complain in reviews about the back seat room. I dont want anyone back there anyway. Dont need the added weight to slow me down. Ok the turning is limited, but who cares. I looking ahead to passing the unexpected. Got the 18 rims and boday package, very aggressive looking. Its BAD!!

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  Love at first sight - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Wesley Tarner - February 4 - 1:08 am

  I absolutely love this car and would buy it a million times again. The seats are very comfortable and plush. The leather doesnt hold up as well as some others but its still comfortable. My Volvo lasted around 200,000k and then broke down. Had regularly maintained it, but it needed alot of work done to get it up and running again so i had top part with it. But i am looking for a newer one because i loved it soo much! I would recommend this car 9/10 (lost a point due to a few quirks such as low-tech compared to competition and also the common transmission issues).

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  Love at first drive - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Dan Tetirick - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Sitting behind the wheel of a C70 is a return to the pure pleasure of driving. Driving this vehicle allows me to counterbalance the fast pace of other aspects of my life. I have never previously owned a Volvo. I hope the love affair continues well into the future.

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  volvo for life - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By rwallace - February 2 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, relaxing larger than I thought good gas mileage if you dont have a lead foot. feels very safe on slippery roads

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  Vail Pass at 85 MPH, W/ Nelly thumping!! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By VailVolvo - February 1 - 3:13 pm

  OK, I have no kids yet I have a soccer mom car. I had an Infinity QX-4 and it was great, but I was in for a change and a car from Japan was not going to be it, ergo the VOLVO XC90 w T6 and Premium sound. I live in Vail and blast back and forth from Vail to Denver a lot. 2 passes, windy roads, lots of snow and ice and I couldnt be happier. The manual option for the trans is key to making it up the passes fast, I am never passed (unless it is icy and some tourist with a cowboy hat on in his rented SUV thinks he has crampons for tires) The stereo is awesome and the creature comforts are all there. My wife has the Cross Country and both are outstanding. Sorry to all those who hate theirs!

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  The Best Volvo Car - 2000 Volvo V70
  By diemrtei[ - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The best Volvo car with fantastic value.

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  My First Volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Volvo Fan - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I was impressed with the new styling of the 2001 Volvo. With our first baby on the way, I purchased the 2001 S-60 2.4T because of the safety record of the Volvo. 3 months later we were involved in an accident which literally took the front off of the car. Our 3 month old was asleep in the back seat, and she never even woke up!! Since then, we purchased another Volvo, the 2002 S-60, 2.4T. I cant say enough about this car. If you are looking for a safe, well performing mid-priced car, this is it!! I suggest the Turbo over the standard car.