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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  Some problems, but still feel safe - 2000 Volvo V70
  By firstimevolvoowner - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Car had some initial problems with ignition system, and has had to have a number of minor nuisance type repairs. With 52,000 miles, Ive already replaced the brake pads twice, had the rotors machined at 36,000 miles and then replaced at 52,000. Handles well, and is very quiet and comfortable. Gas mileage is good at +/- 24 combined. Just wish I could get 75,000 trouble free miles like the 4 Toyotas I owned before this car.

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  Could be better ! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By myfirstvolvo - September 15 - 10:00 am

  The drive is definitely different from my last car a BMW to a Volvo. The sunroof was malfunction the day I got my Volvo. Luckily, the part was under warranty. Blew out an un-repairable tire after three weeks. Paid $150 excluded labor for a unique hard to find tire. The car consumed more gas than expected. I wonder what else might go wrong. I however like the redesigned Volvo that looks sporty and maintain its safety reputation.

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  RUN AWAY!!!! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Tired - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Have had to replace the ABS master control system, the fan for the AC, the compressor, and the power-steering reservoir. Auto-dimming rearview mirror blew a seal and costs $530+ to replace, (luckily it still reflects so no-go there), I have had to replace a broken headlight at $300+, AND the dealership could not figure out why the car would not start and they had the car for OVER ONE MONTH!!! Volvo does not allow the computers need to repair the car to independent auto shops, so you are forced to utilize their INCOMPETENT mechanics at their dealership.well boys & girls, they cannot fix their own cars. RUN FAR, FAR AWAY!!

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  2012 Volvo s60 T5 - 2012 Volvo S60
  By jiml94 - September 13 - 7:03 pm

  I have been a Volvo owner for 40 years owning Volvos from 1972 to 2012. The 2012 S60 has been a refreshing change from "Your Uncle Olafs Volvo". My 2012 has 22,000 miles and has been problem free to date. The OEM Continental tires have worn to unacceptable tread depth with (2) near sidewall flats and a cut sidewall near the rim edge. These low profile tires do not have a rim protection bead and my other driver has scraped the wheel rims near concrete curbs . I have recently changed out these tires for Michelin Pilot AS3 tires which has a nice rim protection bead. Car did not have a spare tire and I opted for a emergency spare which reduces trunk capacity a lot.

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  Not too shabby - 2013 Volvo XC60
  By leprof - September 12 - 9:15 pm

  After comparing and doing research for many months, I bought this car new mostly for the design (exterior and interior) and value. It is a very sharp looking little SUV, and for its class, it is reasonably priced! The Bluetooth and technology interface works perfectly, and I find the controls to be fairly easy to navigate. A couple of annoying things about it are the slow acceleration and some comfort issues. I am 64", and my leg rests against the sharp edge of the middle console too much. Overall, I like it a lot, and I have had no problems with it mechanically so far.

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  Love my 99 V70R AWD Wagon - 1999 Volvo V70
  By Casey Milroy - September 9 - 11:08 pm

  Great off the line acceleration and goes well on the road when the tranny downshifts and Turbo kicks in. Granted, a car this old will have some Turbo Lag for sure, but a 1983 Porsche 911 Turbo also spools up a bit slowly. Mileage isnt outstanding around town or highway compared to new cars. Thing is, its comfortable and can haul your stuff. I love this low roofed 2 box design. The different front Fascia w/ fog lights, wheels, rear air deflector etc make it the best looking Volvo wagon. I added the factory twin or dual exhaust which the 1999 didnt come with. I tinted the windows, dark in the back, legal on front windows. I also added IPD super headlights, which work better and look real cool. The mids, tweets and subs add up to the best, most balanced stereo Ive had. Some things arent ideal...costs a lot to service...I was spending $1000/yr average for service when driving a lot. Now Im retired. Mine is different than some Ive ridden in...it is quiet w/o creaks, groans and rattles (which drive me crazy). The interior is in good shape w/o tears etc. The defroster could work better. Uses about a quart (one of 6 quarts/oil change) every 3000 miles which is more than acceptable. I have used full synthetic oil since I bought it 50,000 miles ago, changing it every 3-5000 miles. I dont want to change my car. Not to mention, as a Volvo Wagon...its invisible to the general population. I have no children and am divorced, Ive just always found the boxy design to be functional.

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  Run! - 2000 Volvo S80
  By shade56 - September 9 - 10:53 am

  Purchased this car for our daughter. Volvo=safe and reliable ,right? Wrong! This car had its 60k check up before we purchased. One owner, immaculate care, extended warranty so every squeak was addressed and car had 59k on it. Took it in for timing chain replacement (knew it would be considerable), but two days before, ABS, check engine, dipped beam messages popped up, and the passenger window refused to roll up the last inch. Well, the dealer that gave the car a clean bill of health 4 mo. ago, now says it is going to take $7,000 to fix. Are you kidding me? Says our best bet is to trade it in...they will give us $3,500 for it. Oh, Ford owns Volvo now.

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  Very Happy with my XC90 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Holly - August 31 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car used in Nov of 2008 and have had it for almost a year and a half. I have not had one problem with this car. I am very pleased with the performance. The gas mileage could be better but i knew that going in. The interior does not have enough space for all my stuff but I manage. I really love driving this car and feel very safe in it.

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  Very Enjoyable. - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Rob S. - August 31 - 3:13 pm

  It gets a lot of looks! It gets up and goes as soon as you get around 3500 RPM. Im use to cars with much larger engines however this car motors effortlessly without much engine noise. The controls are easy to manage and the upgraded sound system is great! A must have! The only one thing I dislike is that you feel every bump in the road. Otherwise great car.

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  volvo c70 convertible - 2003 Volvo C70
  By prpapo - August 31 - 2:00 am

  i love this car. the car is less noisy than other convertibles that i have driven - esoecially american cars.