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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  A great car for the money!!! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By mrrk47 - June 22 - 1:26 pm

  The S40 puts you in a European sedan for a lot less than Audi or BMW, and without compromising too much. The ride and performance have lived up to my expectations and everyday I have it I like it more and more. Almost 6000 miles and no problems, mileage has been okay for a 5cylinder and the feeling of safety just exudes from every cranny of this car. The S40 gives a very rewarding ownership exp. for someone who has had hondas and fords until now. Im very happy I chose the S40 over my other choice...06 Accord!

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  Great car - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Ned Curran - June 20 - 11:56 pm

  It is perfect, nearly. The steering is good. There is little roll. It is very comfortable. The fuel economy is the only bad thing about it.

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  Joys of the 6-Speed - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Gin - June 19 - 6:13 pm

  I researched the car for about 9 months but had to wait to get the manual transmission. So far it has been a good experience, but it doesnt get as good mileage as my husbands BMW X3 2.5L, and the alternator went at approx. 7K miles. Highs are the great (stiff) road feel, peppiness, high-quality interior, awesome sound system, and ample back storage. Lows are the mileage and minimal front storage. I live in New England and find that the climate package is well worth the added cash.

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  Best Car I Will Ever Own - 2002 Volvo S80
  By lauryncox - June 18 - 6:53 pm

  Love this car! Bought used, 113000 miles on it and it runs like new. Had it for a year so far and have only had to get it serviced. Runs better on premium gas - it does last a bit longer than regular though so dont let the price deter you. Great power, runs quiet, beautiful interior, cant imagine owning something better. Only complaint is that when a message like "time for regular service" or "bulb failure" appears on the message board, you have to have it erased when you fix the problem or it stays. Ive gotta say, if thats my biggest problem with this car, its a pretty great car. Great audio too. Highly recommend.

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  Happy so far - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By rx - June 17 - 10:00 am

  vehicle is great. unfortunately, dealership did not live up to the quality of the XC-90. prone to door nicks - the side bumper strip does little to protect the body. performance is excellent when you realized it is not a barn burner. general quality was better than expected (0 defects).

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  My second Volvo C70 - 2004 Volvo C70
  By convertible - June 17 - 2:50 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. The ride is comfortable but still has the feel of the sports car. It handles well on the road in the snow. Volvo is conscientious about the quality of service received.

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  very good car - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By leunam - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Having driven one for about a month now, I think its an excellent car. Handling is great, between an RX 300 and an X5. Finish is very good.

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  Little room for improvement - 2006 Volvo V50
  By grochef - June 12 - 9:10 pm

  I took delivery of this beauty in Sweden. The price was reduced and lodging was a bargain. Do it if you have the time. I have 13,000 miles on my V50 and I still look forward to driving to work or just driving. Its got lots of pep and it handles like a sports sedan. A couple of upgrades to the firmware took care of some radio and climate control quirks.

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  XC90 Silver Surfer Smooth - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By george AHRENS - June 12 - 6:44 pm

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  Great Car - 2009 Volvo V50
  By fred - June 5 - 4:10 pm

  Traded a Subaru for new Volvo, big difference in quality of materials, features and comfort. Feels solid and handles well all at a very competitive price.