5 Star Reviews for Volvo

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.36/5 Average
5,634 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 631 through 640 of 5,634.00
  • good damn car - 2002 Volvo S60
    By -

    great car really good handling and very well built.

  • Best bang for the buck! - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    I have 61,000 miles on this car & definitely would buy again. Combination of acceleration, handling, traction, features is a good value. Have the daltec interior & prefer it to the leather. 23-25 mpg and I am an aggresive driver. Had two software "tweaks" at the dealer, and a bearing replaced (all under warranty. Otherwise, no problems at all.

  • My First Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC70
    By -

    I have now had my Volvo XC70 for two months. It replaced my longstanding love of Jeeps. I feel completely safe with the AWD and the interior and ride are superior. The car is extremely well appointed and comfortable with many extras as well as many safety features not standard on other vehicles.

  • Its quite simple, really - 1998 Volvo S70
    By -

    The reason I bought a Volvo in the first place was for safety, as I barely survived an accident that bent my Honda Accord in two. It was truly the best decision I have ever made. I bought it used at close to 70K miles, and I havent had ONE problem as I reach 124K. Its actually quite simple, really. Volvos are the safest, most durable and reliable automobiles on the planet. Why would you even consider anything else??

  • Incredible Car for the Dollar - 2006 Volvo S60
    By -

    original owner since 2006 I looked at all the usual names, Audi/BMW/Saab/Nissan but either they were more then I wanted to spend and even worse, every street is littered with them! Almost 6 years later I get into this car and still love it!

  • Sporty, Luxury Sedan - 2004 Volvo S60
    By -

    This car is absolutely solid, very quick and responsive, with its 200 horsepower engine. I really like the AWD in the snow. I got every package/option possible and glad I did. The brakes are really firm and stops the vehicle quickly and evenly. I have owned Cadillacs, Lincolns, Land Rovers and Mercedes. None of them compare in quality, fit and finish. The first time I had the car washed, the attendant said, "this car looks hot, just standing still." This is a great car, but it is really for two people, or maybe two people and a grandson.

  • I cannot say enough about my S60 - 2006 Volvo S60
    By -

    I researched vehicles for three months on here, reading all the reviews and several makes and models before I purchased my S60. I love the way it handles and have turned heads every where I drive. I traded a 2003 Jaguar and have owned three BMWs before this car. I can not say enough about the style, drive and ride. I feel very safe in my car. The back seat is small and low on comfort but this is my every day driver. I have an SUV for the family. The only problem I have noticed in the sound factor. I can hear the tires on the road if the radio is off. I had it checked twice and Volvo told me it was normal. Other than that I recommend this vehicle. Good luck shopping!

  • A Safe and Smart Midzize SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
    By -

    Sharp looking, safe anb a 3rd row that gives you room in the back...my wife loves her truck. The engine is a bit small but it is for my wife who does not floor it. Very smart design and comfortable ride.

  • My 2002 Volvo S60 - 2002 Volvo S60
    By -

    Excellent car, fun to drive, well made and reliable. I have had 3 Volvos and they are one of the best cars made, extremely reliable and safe.

  • Great Sports Sedan - 2000 Volvo S70
    By -

    Only minor problems, and they were fixed under warranty: fauly alarm immobilizer, rattling headrest. Other than that, the car has held up very well. More than adequate power, although I wish the T5 would have been available when I bought the car in 4/00. I will consider an S60R, set to debut sometime in 2002.

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