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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  Is it worth the money - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Pogo Stick - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car if you like spending your time in Volvo dealerships. Its ashame that the Swedes could not build a car that did not have electrical problems. The brakes failed too. Hope the Ford people do a better job.

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  Volvo for Life - 2002 Volvo S60
  By SStevens - June 19 - 10:00 am

  As tradition and loyaty continues, Im now in my 3rd Volvo, a 2002 S-60 2.4T. So far its living up to its reputation. Its by far the most enjoyable model to drive.

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  Best luxury SUV ever - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By Shon Johnson - June 17 - 8:41 am

  I looked at several luxury crossover vehicles before buying the XC60. This is my second Volvo (my first being a S40 ) and I didnt think that I would love it as much as I did my S40 but Wow is all I can say! I thought a Volvo SUV would be boring and too old-fashioned but I was wrong. I would buy this 2015.5 again and again. I love running errands and taking long drives because it great on gas mileage and it is so nice to look at both inside and outside. Another plus is that it doesnt sit so high off the ground that you have to hoist yourself up just to get in like my Expedition. This XC60 is the perfect size.

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  Built like a tank! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Alex M - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I would recommend this car to everybody. It is very comfortable and has enough passing power to embarass quite a number of cars. I love the seats, the layout and the features.

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  Good so far - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Greg Robins - June 10 - 9:03 pm

  Just new to Volvo after driving Japanese for all my life (except Audi for a wonderful 3 years). Compared to previous MDX and 4-Runner, the XC90 has all the luxe one would expect at this price. Great seats, simple control-layout, great ride, decent power and capabilities. Low road noise and nice, high perch. Great grocery bag feature at back that beats a cargo net hands down. Handsome exterior design.

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  Its OK - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Toddow - May 28 - 9:36 pm

  Ive decided to write an objective review. Ive had the opportunity to own numerous cars/truck/suvs in my lifetime. The XC-90 first of all is an outstanding ride. I drove it all the way from Arizona to Alabama and have driven it on short trips as well. Its a great "in-town" SUV and the saftey features make you feel very secure while driving it. The interior is sub-par, and most items feel flimsy. The center console "creaks" whenever you touch it and the dials are a little childish looking. But, with that the ride is awesome and the service (only every 7500 miles) lets you know youre driving a Volvo.

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  Love the Drive-E T6 - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By Russ - May 26 - 1:16 am

  I just leased a new XC 60 AWD with the new Drive-E T6 engine with the turbo and supercharger with the 8 speed transmission. Am coming from a 2009 X3 3.0si with stick shift. This is the first automatic transmission I have owned in years and I am REALLY impressed with the engine/transmission combination. Drove 200 miles on 2 lane roads the last couple of days and did lots of passing. Shift into sport mode and stomp on it and the acceleration is instant. No hunting for gears at all and in sport mode the transmission really holds a gear. Even in regular mode Ive been impressed with the transmission. Well worth the extra couple of grand for the Drive-E T6 engine. Ride quality is very nice, better than the BMW. Handling isnt quite as good as the X3 but is fine for the kind of driving I usually do. Im very happy with my choice, having looked at the X3 and Q5 too. Much better value for the money than the X3 and wanted the extra room of the XC60 compared to the Q5.

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  not a good experience - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Volvoproblems - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Our first three problems were electronic/ computerized parts failures. Very expensive to fix. We were just out of warranty on a car with a perfect service record when our troubles began and Volvo refused to show us any "good will". The last problem we just had, again very expensive repair has left us asking-why did we buy a Volvo? Arent there supposed to be great cars? And if this is an exception, why doesnt Volvo stand behind there factory installed parts?? If youre thinking of buying a Volvo wagon get the extended warranty or you may be in for alot of money, time and aggrevation!

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  Loved my 6 spd. T5 but not again for me - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Eric - May 20 - 8:06 am

  Let me start by saying I am a longtime Volvo owner (2 S60s, 940T & T5) who always wanted this car. My T5 was the perfect car when it wasnt at the dealer for every little interior/electrical thing. The motor was GREAT and VERY fuel efficient (30+ mpg) Tons of torque, very comfortable, safe, handled good, very classy and different. Really loved this car but it was a royal headache of tiny issues (10 dealer repairs in 1 year...all different interior/electrical quirks). Being a Volvo owner I was used to little problems but it was a huge inconvenience spending all my time at the dealer (probably once a month). I still love that car but I sold it when the warranty ran out. Really a shame.

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  Great at first, all down hill - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Tony - May 20 - 6:03 am

  When I purchased it it was great and reliable. Since then Ive had the radio glitch which is very annoying. Ive had the A/C repaired it stopped blowing cold air. Im a 200 Lb. guy and the back of my seat where the lumbar support is snapped. I have the dynamic trim package which as the sport suspension not a very comfortable ride when you hit bumps in the road. Ive had lowered cars ride more comfortable than this. My power door locks dont lock from the remote anymore. Now after almost 5 years Im about to sell this car it was a good car but I wouldnt buy another Volvo.