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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  For under $50,000, nothing comes close! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Mike Carter - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I first bought my S80 T6 after riding in a friends. Actually he has the 2.9 (non-turbo) and I wound up buying the T6. We both love our cars! Hes had no trouble with his at all! At about the 10,000 mile mark I had an emmision system light come on my car. The dealer loaded in the new software which Volvo released (free of charge) and Ive never had another problem with my S80. I now have about 75,000 miles on my car and it runs fantastic! The seats are an 11 out of 10. Without a doubt, the best seats Ive ever experienced in any car. The S80 T6 is really a wonderful choice! For under $50,000, nothing even comes close!

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  Second S80 - this ones a charm - 2004 Volvo S80
  By Tbuehler - November 3 - 10:00 am

  My first S80 was a 2001 and frankly it did not inspire me to purchase another one. If not for the other two people in my company that didnt want to switch vehicles it would have been a BMW or an Infiniti this time around. This car though has proven to be what the prior Volvo wasnt - solid with good handling and speed. All in all I think this time they got it right.

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  Big, safe, and good on gas - 1999 Volvo S70
  By volvo86 - November 2 - 2:36 pm

  I am very happy with my S70. I used to drive an Acura Integra and am very impressed with the fuel economy in my Volvo S70. The S70 is much larger than the Integra, feels much safer and gets the same fuel economy (both 30mpg). These cars cost over $30,000 new and are bargains now. Front and side air bags, Heats seats, head light wipers, cd and tape player, quality leather, dual zone climate, and other luxuries are what made me pick this over a used Honda Accord. Volvos also have legendary reliability and I am hoping this one will continue to be problem free. I have had problems with my Acura (aka Honda). I am having a much better experience with Volvo.

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  xc90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By AWD - November 1 - 3:50 pm

  Very attractive vehicle. Ergonomics could be better. Its hard to turn a corner without changing the radio station as the secondary controls are on the steering wheel. Right side control stalk handles too many functions making inadvertant switching on and of of, say, the rear wiper a nuisance. Front passanger seat back control a joke.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By dabelko - October 31 - 1:46 pm

  A nice luxury SUV with three rows of seats, yet not too large. Mileage with 5 cylinder mirrors the EPA ratings (18- 24) much to my surprise. Visibility could be a little better. Seats have good support. Handling is pretty good for a SUV. Unfortunately they have begun to raise price.

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  Great Car - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Rick - October 28 - 1:03 pm

  I also have a V40. I love the V50T. It drives great, gets good gas mileage. We are retirees, but we enjoy the spunk, reputation, and durability of the vehicle. The style is outstanding. We have a lot of people come up and admire the car.

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  Worth It! - 2007 Volvo S40
  By Rob - October 28 - 12:30 pm

  I am having all sorts of fun in this car. I really think you get the best of a few world with this purchase: 1) sporty look, 2) sporty drive, 3) family sized for two small kids, etc. Have fun driving this around like I do!

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  S-60 Feeling Safe - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Dr.- Dr. - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Love it!

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  A good quiet drive - 2001 Volvo S80
  By lisle - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a very goog boulevard car that handles nicely in sudden braking and in snow. The version without the turbo is a tad slow off the line but is fine for passing in traffic. It is quiet and solid, has given me no mechanical problems. Like the other 3 Volvos I have owned, light bulbs burn out on a regular basis. Safety features abound and makes one feel comfortable with all the aggressive SUVs around

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  VOLVO XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Volvomania - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The XC90 is the most luxurious sport utility I have ever owned. With all the computers on-board, loosing traction is impossible, even in the hardest rain fall. This vehicle is glued to the ground. With all the extras for safety, I am never worried about my family driving it even in bad weather conditions.