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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  WOW - 2007 Volvo S80
  By TWHACKSAW - October 5 - 7:26 am

  Test drove several CPOs to include Lexus, BMW, Mercedes and Acuras and didnt find any to be as comfortable, safe and as fun to drive as the S80 V-8 AWD. While it may not be as sporty as a 5 Series or as luxurious as an E-Class or Lexus, it is the best total package. The AWD has proven itself to be a winner during this harsh Iowa winter. Ive never felt as safe and secure driving through snow as I do in the S-80. Added two 9 inch DVD screens to the headrests so we can use it instead of the Minivan in bad weather. Best part- wife didnt blink at the price because she loved the S-60 we had previously. Personally I think the V-8 is the way to go, but Im sure the T-6 is fine as well.

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  Sure and Steady - 2000 Volvo S70
  By Pugsleypie - October 4 - 9:23 am

  I have owned my S70 for 5 years. Its been very reliable, great gas mileage, and very comfortable seats. However, it has severe blind spots making it tough to change lanes. And forget the outside rearview mirrors - no help with the blind spots. The base engine has more than enough power and runs on mid- grade gas. Cloth seats are difficult to keep clean. This is a great car, but watch those blind spots.

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  Too Often Overlooked - 2003 Volvo S40
  By S40 in MD - October 3 - 2:00 am

  The S40 has got to be one of the most over looked automobiles. I have owned the car for 8 months and it is a joy to drive. Plenty of acceleration, good handeling, comfortable, very secure in bad weather, economical, reduced insurance and no gimics. The model is to be replaced mid-year 2004, so watch for good discounts as Volvo does.

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  Wait and See - 2003 Volvo S60
  By BobW - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Unfortnately I had a 1999 S-80 T6 prior to buying the 2003 S-60 T5…….so far the S-60 is a great car but with only 626 miles … it is a wait and see game.

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  Could have been a lemon - 2001 Volvo S60
  By old one - October 2 - 10:53 pm

  We purchased the Volvo S60 based on reputation. We were very disappointed. The car was always in the shop for one thing or another. Also frustrating, was having the car fixed and maintained. Finally, after less than 2 years of having the car, the sway bar broke. We turned it in, purchased a Maxima and have been happy since. Additional note - the only seat comfortable to ride in was the drivers seat. The back was very uncomfortable.

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  Zippy comfort - 2006 Volvo V70
  By raddoc - September 29 - 5:50 am

  Ordered this car 3 months ago to replace Audi A6 2.7T. The car came in two weeks early, a first in my experience. Extremely comfortable sport style seats are even better than the seats on all of our previous vehicles - including 2005 Benz. This wagon is a great value compared to MB, BMW and Audi for size, performance and absolute $$$ spent.

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  Transmission and AWD Problems - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By tracyt302 - September 29 - 3:56 am

  Bought new and replaced rear wheel bearings at about 50K miles replaced transmission and angle gear (AWD) at 94K. No assistance from Volvo. Very poor design flaw. Will not buy another Volvo. Replaced steering rack and power steering unit and another rear wheel bearing.

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  Decent Car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Name - September 29 - 12:23 am

  After driving several station wagons and the classic 240, I bought this car used in 05 w/ ext. warr. Frnt and back seat cup holders broke after 2 wks. Have replaced tires, ext lights numerous x, transmission, brakes & cruise control. Thank God for the ext. warr. Paint scratches incredibly easy - quite a nuisance. Frnt cup holder is in a bad place and poorly built. Glove box wont close all the way. Knobs for a/c & radio are cheap and the material chips off. Leather stains easily. Drivers headrest sits up too high for short ppl like me. It honestly pains me to say this but after driving Volvos for 20 years and having such a "lovely" experience with this one, Im done with Volvos.

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  A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT - 1999 Volvo S70
  By arabela - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had multiple different warrantee problems from power window switch failures to fuel uptake problems. I also do not like the make or design of their bumpers, as they are not as sturdy as previous years. They mar very easily and are difficult to repair.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By DAVIS - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED ABOUT EVERY SUV ON THE MARKET AND I HAVE TO SAY FOR THE MONEY YOU WILL NOT FIND A BETTER VEHICLE