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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  Fabulous Car - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Sandra Flaherty - August 13 - 3:46 am

  Ive had my 2000 Volvo S80 T6 for almost five years now and love it (my 1999 was plagued with problems and at the dealers most of the time). Its the most comfortable car Ive owned, and drives and handles like a dream. I know there have been problems so I purchased the extended warranty as I plan to keep the car for at least seven years. My car has been relatively problem-free except for replacing the transmission while under the original warranty--also replacing the "chirping" glove box. The service department at Tacoma Volvo has provided me with outstanding service.

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  Love this Car! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Valerie Cisler - August 12 - 4:33 am

  This has been one of the finest vehicles I have ever owned - and that includes Mercedes. I have so many people who comment on how much they love my car and then cant believe it when I tell them its nine years old. The body style, the lack of any apparent wear, and the still beautiful orginal paint job, all contribute to its appeal. And you cant beat the service department at Volvo dealerships. They are extraordinarily helpful and accommodating. I recommend Volvo to everyone!

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  Fast, Fun and Safe - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Jimk - August 10 - 10:00 am

  In my humble opinion, the R excels in all four of my selection criteria: Style, Performance, comfort and safety. The relentless pull of the 300 horses, the amazing cornering of the active suspension and all wheel drive, the supple smell and feel of top quality leather and the bullet proof construction all make the R a real standout.

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  One Reliable Fuel-Efficient Tank! - 2004 Volvo S80
  By Anthony - August 10 - 6:40 am

  I bought my first Volvo in 2005. It is a white S80. I cant say enough about the car. My previous car was a Lexus ES300, which I loved. But after moving to the suburbs and ommuting on the highway I decided to go for the safest on I could find. The car moves for a almost 4000 lb tank! The ride is quiet an agressive. It handles like a smaller sportier sedan. The best part is that when some cowboy in a goofy truck rides off my bumper he slowly realizes my white tank is not giving way. I have a 17 ft.great white sharks tooth hanging from the rear view mirror, reminding me of speed, unexpected stealth, and power- and thats what you get in the S80!

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  My Volvo - 2001 Volvo V70
  By JPaulM, - August 10 - 2:00 am

  It is fun car to drive and its is very safe. Holds the road in all types of weather. It has 46,000 miles, most of which has been on super highways. The both front seats have heaters The average yearly miles estimated at 15.300.miles. The interior is both cloth and leather and all in excellent condition. It has a Turbo engine and offers a great pick-up. The engine produces 45K RPM

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  Volvos remain reliable - 1996 Volvo 850
  By JRW00 - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a 96 Volvo 850 for five years, and havent had any problems with it. It just goes and goes, with just ordinary maintenance. Its comfortable, roomy, and performs well.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Jim T - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car for less than 2 weeks and already feel it is by far the best car I have ever owned. I traded in a POS 1998 BMW 740i (which i got killed on!) This car rides almost as smoothly as the beemer did, which I think says a lot considering that this is a front wheel drive vehicle. Both interior and exterior styling are incredible. Best of all you wont see a lot of these on the road unlike BMW. Thus, it gives one a feeling of being a little unique.

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  another great S80 - 2004 Volvo S80
  By doctordick - August 7 - 8:36 am

  This is my second S80 and I am not disappointed. The car has been refined and improved but the basic solid comfort and superior performance continue. A pleasure to drive particularly on the highway. Responsive, predictable, dependable. A great vehicle!

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  God I Love Hot Rod Wagons - 2004 Volvo V70
  By toyesq1971 - August 7 - 4:30 am

  My biggest problem with this car is that its my wifes to drive on the weekdays. She needs it for the kids. I find myself at work looking forward to the weekend, when I get to drive it. As with any Volvo, its a tank. The brakes are normally quite good, but the V70R brakes stop on half a dime. It feels like it has a lot more than the rated 300 HP. My Bosss S6 wagon just doesnt match it. We have the orange leather interior, which pushes it over the edge to PHAT. Or at least as phat as a Volvo can ever be. A little part of me died when Volve announced this year that they were discontinuing it.

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  Money well Spent - 2007 Volvo V70
  By J.A.A. - August 6 - 3:43 pm

  Great gas mileage and a great road trip vehicle for your rides to Grandmas house. The 2.4 L engine does not miss a step. It has more than enough pep to handle everyday driving.