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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  Big improvement for R-design - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By loyaltim - September 3 - 5:43 pm

  Just got XC60 R-Design in Passion Red, and did a test drive to compare R and "normal". I asked myself several times why I have to pay additional 3-4 thousand more just for the R logo and cosmetics features and I got an answer- completely different handling (suspension and steering)and you can not compare it, even my wife notice that immediately- no body rolling and no sofa bed driving sense. Love it.

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  Sooooo disappointed in Volvo - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Bfriebs - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Along with making a monthly car payment to Volvo Finance, we also make a montly payment to the Volvo Service Center. This has been the most disappointing car weve owned. In one year, the car has required repairs on an average of every six weeks. Problems range from electronic sensors going bad to shocks blowing out. After finding out two days ago that there is now an oil leak, we have had enough. BMW, Lexus and Acura will be seeing us this week. In fact, I will be trading in the car, since I cant sell it in good conscience.

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  Slick Ride with Great MPG - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By newjersey2 - September 1 - 6:12 am

  Switched from Highlander and have been pleasantly surprised. Averaging 25 mpg in town and on highway by driving sensibly. Outstanding sound system with the NAV package. Not a whole lot of leg room in backseat, but front passenger seat folds down to tote large loads (10ft 2 bys). Not a super amount of off the line grunt, but cruises effortlessly at 80. Only complaint thus far is really dumb key start thingamajig. You can pull out the key and leave the car running inadvertantly, also you can leave accessories running without knowing it. Huh? What is Volvo thinking?

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  mysterious noises, radio changes station - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By david carter - August 31 - 5:46 pm

  For $51K one would think that vibrational noises would be non existent. On wash board dirt roads or hitting a bump in the road just right there is a harsh rattle/thumping sound coming from the left suspension. This can be felt in the steering column.There is a disturbing wind noise from the right quarter panel area at 60 mi or above. There is a strange click sound from the tail gate that happens every few minutes, this even occurs when the car is still. Most frustrating is the radio and cd player change stations or tracks on its own. The car has 2000 mi on it,has been in the shop off and on for over a mo.and problems persists. Spoke to the owner today, not even an apology. Very disappointed

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  Why Subaru copies VOLVO! - 2009 Volvo V50
  By The Bird - August 31 - 3:50 am

  This is the main reason Subaru is in existence...to offer a cheaply made alternative to people that cant quite afford a premium European brand. This car has it all! Its equipped with a Haldex AWD system years ahead of the Subaru technology. Lower noise than the subaru. "Safe and Sound" warranty 5 years of cost free ownership is unmatched in the industry! I will only need to pay for tires and gas for 5 years! It is above average in every respect.

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  Be prepared for monthly repairs - 2001 Volvo S40
  By jgookassian - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Date-Odometer-Service 6/5/01-4847-Fuel gauge is not reading 9/10/01-7284-Replaced a door molding 5/30/02-14706-replaced front washer valve 8/8/02-16536-Replaced the rear brake pads 3/8/03-23553-Takes 2-3 tries to start the car. Performed speed sensor update 3/19/03-24503-Takes 2-3 tries to start the car. Could not reproddyce 5/30/03-28186-Replaced all light bulbs 7/8/03-30247-Turbo oil return tube leaking. Replaced front brake pads 7/31/03-31586-Install SOP oxygen sensor, install updated wiring harness 9/16/03-34079-Replaced front oxygen sensor 12/9/03-37319-Transmission internally slipping. Replaced the transmission. Continued below.

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  Best convertible yet - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Morgen - August 26 - 3:36 am

  I saw my C70 being built in June of 2006 in Udevalla Sweden and took overseas delivery of it in September. It is loaded with the nav system and the premium sound system. The car has been flawless in performance. The car continues to draw appreciative remarks from people, especially when I put the top down or up. I still have the manufacturers plates on the front of the car. Look forward to purchasing another Volvo in 2010.

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  No Regrets - 2003 Volvo V40
  By biohazard6161 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  We always pictured Volvos as boxy, boring cars. I was really suprised when a friend recommended this car and once we saw it. The fit and finish is really very good as is the power and space and especially the safety and security features. if Volvo is aiming this car towards the younger generation and first time parents, they are on the right track.

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  My Review - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Schmelter - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Had to replace rear brakes at 7500miles. Seats small and lack support. Feels like sitting on a bench. A lot of rattles and noises.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2002 Volvo V70
  By rfksinfl - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car. I have two young children and a dog. It always makes me feel great knowing my wife and kids are safe while driving around town. Its reliability and style for a touring variant is very impressive. Not pretentious like BMW or MB but screams class. The seats are the most comfy I have ever experienced. I also love the 5 speed as it is very smooth and adds to the performance greatly. European drivers know that variants(wagons) are extremely versatile without sacraficing performance. V70 is roomy, practical, sporty, fun to drive and classy.