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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  No room in backseat - 2004 Volvo S60
  By kmkoenke - October 17 - 10:00 am

  No room in the backseat

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  2000 Volvo s80 Dr T-6 - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Coolmo - October 17 - 2:23 am

  This car is the worst car Ive ever own. I saw the mix reviews about this car and was hoping maybe I would get one that was reliable. It turns out I shouldnt make my life career gambling. I bought this car with 80k on it. First it was the motor mounts then it was th shocks and rattle noise. then the check engine light. The the SRS light. Then it would stall once in a while. usually when i try to merge unto the highway. Now i am told the cars computer is not working correctly. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VOLVO. do yourself a favor and take heed to this review(unlike me) stay away from volvo do not buy. especially this model.

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  Home Run! - 2012 Volvo S60
  By tvdon - October 16 - 4:05 pm

  Im a long time Saab and Audi owner, and thought I wanted a supercharged A6. Until I drove the S60. While it doesnt deliver the same power, it combines performance, safety, and comfort in an almost perfect combination. And its priced right. Been driving it since March, and I love it. Could handle a little better at the limits, but dynamic suspension and/or AWD might address that for those that are concerned. This car is as comfortable and powerful as my Aero, with loads of tech, and personality. Black on black. I am very satisfied so far, and enjoy every drive. More interior room that 3 series or A4. Getting 25.5 combined (with a lead foot) and 30 on pure highway trips. Hard to beat. Nice!

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  Leaks more than the Gulf - 2001 Volvo V70
  By oilslick - October 16 - 12:36 pm

  This car was a problem child the moment we got it. Transmission computer failed, then the trans blew, engine mounts continually fail, side marker lights fell out several times. dipstick is constantly shot out, spraying oil everywhere, no solution from repair shop. Eats oil and gas like its going out of style. semi-auto shifter broke early, expensive to fix. It is safe though, spends more time in the shop than on the road!

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  Middle-of-the-road all around performer - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By bigbuddha - October 15 - 11:50 pm

  1. The 235 hp engine is high on torque but low on kick. Acceleration comes with pretty noticable noise that is at least two notches louder on the car radio scale (i.e. you have to tune the radio louder by at least that much to hear the same volume) 2. NOTE THIS: in a stop-and-go situation (e.g. congested highway), you may feel not-infrequent jerking. It is as if the auto transmission doesnt know which gear to engage. This is particularly so if you just let go the brake or tap on the gas slightly.

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  Excellent buy after much research - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Jeff - October 15 - 6:43 pm

  I just drove this vehicle home from the factory and just love it. It is very solid, comfortable, and it looks fantastic! I got 21 mph in my first 1000 miles and the Premium sound is outstanding. I really like the power of the V8! It shifts smoothly and handles very well. Combined with the warranty and free dealer service, this was a very smart buy.

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  Its Not Truly Top Quality - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Totally Frustrated - October 14 - 10:20 pm

  I love my C70, but it is not the quality product I expected. Since purchasing it new, I have attempted resolution of a leaking top and windows with no success. Thus far, they have replaced both rear side windows and all the seals. It continues to leak. I only hand wash it with a mild stream of water from garden hose. The leaks persist. I am totally frustrated and am preparing to take this to the media. The local dealership and Volvo will not get my repeat business nor referral.

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  What a great car! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Doug Caldwell - October 14 - 8:10 pm

  Bought our C70 through the Overseas Delivery Program. You get 2 round trip tickets to Europe (anywhere, anytime, even peak season!), a night at the best hotel in Gothenburg, a free tank of gas (worth about $170!), insurance while you are there, a nice tour and lunch, and of course the car is shipped back. We took the all night ferry to Kiel-a beautiful trip thru the fjords. Ask to book the ferry at the factory, and you get a Volvo discount. We drove thru Germany, France and Belgium then up to Amsterdam, about 2000 mi. The car turned heads everywhere, it gets good mileage and is a practical extravagance. Buy a portable nav with European maps in the US before you go- we didnt, and wish we had

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  2015.5 Volvo V60 wagon FWD - 2015 Volvo V60
  By rara1964 - October 14 - 5:05 pm

  Spreading the word about 2015.5 V60. Ive owned Audis, BMWs, VWs & other Volvos (last car was the XC70), & this car blows me away. Handling is perfect; fuel economy amazing; styling minimalistic but perfect. The technology features are simply amazing. I have a teen driver, so the safety features - warnings when you get too close to the car in front, lane departure warnings, blind spot, rear camera, etc. - are essential. I paid at least $12k more for comparable German cars, and didnt get anywhere near the value or features found in this car. Chose FWD because w/traction control, its nearly as good as AWD. Space & storage also fine, even as compared to the XC70. Better than German.

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  xc90 work car - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Richard Fryman - October 14 - 10:20 am

  I bought it mostly for work and trips to Florida. So far a great car, plenty of get up and go. The spacious interior anddriver conforts were just what I was llooking for.