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:

• 

  I was wrong. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By irunthis19 - August 12 - 3:38 pm

  So here I looked at all these reviews before buying the car, I thought "Man I wonder if these people are right.." But got the car anyway. Its a day later, and already I have to replace all fluids, flush everything, buy a new water pump, and replace the timing belt. The car has been perfectly kept before me, and only has 90,000 miles on it. Yet, I still find myself burning a hole in my pocket. Do Not Get This Car - Or youll make the same mistake I did.

• 

  Super for 325 for 400 I would probably shop around - 2018 Volvo S90
  By Igor - August 12 - 11:12 am

  Good friend of mine (who owns a leasing company) called me with information that with combination of incentives it is possible to lease S90 for a price of loaded Camry or Accord. I am not a big fan of fancy cars, but was looking for a new car anyway; so I decided - why not. After one month of driving Volvo S90 T6 AWD Momentum here is my couple of cents. 1. Driving dynamics: Superior in every aspect:acceleration, braking, keeping the line, softness/firmness combination etc. 2. Radio: Could be better in a car with MSRP> 60K. 3. A/C heater fan: very loud, could be quieter in 60K car. 4. Infotainment/Comfort controls: everything is incorporated in Ipad like touch screen device. It is very confusing and it is not safe.I would change it back to buttons in a heart beat. As I said in a title: Excellent car for 325 a month. For 400 I would shop around. I think Buick, Lincoln would provide same quality of ride with better Infotainment system and buttons controls.

• 

  Well Kept Secret - 2005 Volvo S60
  By bfi10765CharlotteNC - August 12 - 10:56 am

  I have owned 3 M3s (95,98 and 02, also a 540 6sp. I was shopping for a used M5 when I stumbled across this car. Some complain about handling, road feel, etc, but after a couple dcays driving I have gotten used to the awd and turbo. This car is every bit as enjoyable to drive as my 02 M3 for about 20K less. Build quality is better. Car is definitely faster than the 95 or 98 M3 and darn close to the 02. I got my 05 \with every option except NAV for 11K off sticker. Also drove the lexus is350 and infinite m45. Prefer the volvo. GREAT CAR.

• 

  Volvo for life! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Barbra Ann - August 12 - 6:43 am

  I love my Volvo SUV because I feel safe and I know my passengers will be protected in the event of an accident. All the safety features that Volvo offers are the reason I purchased this truck. I will move onto another one next year. This will be my only vechicle brand for the rest of my life, VOLVO,

• 

  Volvo Smooth - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Dave - August 11 - 9:36 pm

  This car is the perfect blend of styling, performance, safety and utility. The car has power when I need it (turbo engine), a hatchback for carrying cargo, all the Volvo safety features, and all the while looking great.

• 

  Love this vehical - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Josh - August 11 - 4:21 am

  What a great vehical. I would recommend the volvo xc90 t6, what a well made suv. My wife and I fight over who gets to drive

• 

  Great - 2000 Volvo V40
  By Brendan - August 10 - 1:46 pm

  Great! wonderful. A great car to drive very reliable just all around fun car!

• 

  Sweeeeeeetttttt !!!!!! - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Gatorsone - August 10 - 10:00 am

  A great deal, a beautiful car, very comfortable front seats (back is a little small) and smooth ride. Previously owned a Camry and looked at Avalon, Acura TL and Volvo. Volvos quality, styling, and comfort won hands down.

• 

  Overall Impressions - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Ed Mytych - August 10 - 2:26 am

  First year of ownership was fantastic. No problems at all to report. At times the frequency of the automatic wipers seemed to be inappropriate for the conditions. Really enjoy the ride and handling!

• 

  AWESOME!! - 2005 Volvo V70
  By JHWinick - August 9 - 5:36 am

  A perfect "no compromise" compromise. For those that need the features of a station wagon, but really desire the sportiness of a two-seater - this is the ticket. High performance, high comfort and high utility. An awesome automobile.