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 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Kay - December 3 - 5:36 am

  Driving the XC90 makes me feel safe in all types of weather. The control and size are exceptional.

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  Nothing but trouble - 2005 Volvo S40
  By DSM - December 3 - 2:36 am

  I purchased my 05 S40 brand new back in November. As soon as I hit 3,000 miles everything went downhill. I found myself taking my car in for repairs more than I was driving it! In the 6 months that I owned it, it spent 45 days in the service department during 7 separate visits! And they couldnt even fix most of the problems! This was the worst decision I have ever made. Thanks to an attorney, I filed a lawsuit against Volvo and they were forced to purchase the car back. Never again will I buy another Volvo.

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  I just dont get it - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Jaxster - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Doesnt handle as well as a BMW, isnt as comfortable or user-friendly as a Lexus, costs more than either. View is limited, gas mileage is atrocious, turbo has significant lag time. On the plus side, front seats are extremely comfortable and car handles quite nicely if not spectacularly. On the whole though, I cant wait until my lease is up.

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  SUV of the future - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ColoradoMike - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought a rare used 2003 XC90 just last month to replace a 1994 Toyota Landcruiser my wife decided she just couldnt handle anymore. SHE LOVES IT and Ive never seen her give a thought to an automobile before. I agree with her completely whenever she lets me behind the wheel. Its good looking, nimble and we feel safe when carting the family around in the Colorado high country.

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  Very Impressed - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By MIS - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Since this was my first SUV, I really didnt know how I would like the SUV after I bought it. It felt fine during the test drive, but thats only for 15 minutes. After I bought it, I drove it from Phoenix to Portland. It was impressive, comfortable and handled extremely well. Cruising at 80 to 90 was a dream. Im glad that I bought it. I have no further second thoughts.

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  Safe Luxo wagon - 1997 Volvo 960
  By David B - December 2 - 6:30 pm

  We purchased our 960 wagon because my uncle got 375k miles out of his 93 960 wagon, so I figured there must be something to be said about the build quality and the reputation of Volvo. This car is a comfort on long drives and handles surprisingly well for a wagon. The big soft leather heated seats are wonderful and welcoming on cold days. This car is very classy and understated. We have not had any serious repairs other than routine service. Remember as with any European luxury car, you have to pay to play. If you want a car that you can feel really good about driving your family around in and not worry about who will steal or scratch it this is the car.

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  Best Decision I Ever Made - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Annette - December 2 - 3:00 am

  I compared many car models including Acura, Lexus, and Volvo and researched for months. Buying this Volvo was the best decision I ever made. Not only is the car sleek and sexy but it is amazingly fun to drive. It has the subtle and streamline sophistication that I love. My highway commute is about 30 miles per day one way and driving this car makes it so much more enjoyable. Wood trim in the interior is nicely done in a rich dark wood, leather is fine quality.

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  could have been great - 1998 Volvo V70
  By ihateeuro - December 1 - 10:00 am

  other than being in the shop every ten minutes, the cross country is a great car. if you got the wallet and dont mind loaner cars. the cross country is your car. you will get to know the service techs real well, and they are even less reliable than the car. consistently horrific service that is hard to beat. stay away from european cars. japanese is the way to go. lexus, honda, toyota all better in the long run.

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  Perfect Car for Me - 2002 Volvo S80
  By RCS - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I just got a new 2002 S80, the dealer gave us a great price, well below the TMV number, they said it was based on an existing Volvo owner incentive. The car is perfect for my wife and I comfortable, equipped with all the right features and no extra gadgets. It is our 4 th Volvo and the first front wheel drive one. The only complaint is that the turning radius is too large, especially compared to our old rear wheel drive Volvo.

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  Great used car purchase - 2004 Volvo S60
  By KeepKeysAwayFromWife - December 1 - 4:50 am

  Purchased 04 S60 2.5T in May 09 with ~60k miles for ~$10k. Although not as tight or responsive as 91 Jetta GLI, car is fun to drive with adequate hp. Suspension is firm, but steering feedback is less than GLI. Seats are very comfortable, but not as snug as Recarros of GLI. MPG settling in around 21.5 with mix of very short daily commute with 1 hr drives to airport. Even with STC on, the car will squeal tires. Wife would not drive Acura CL, but regularly absconds with the S60!