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 well kept secret. - 1997 Volvo 960
  By captainjames - April 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Volvo. I originally leased a new 1997 960 in the fall of 96. After the lease was up I let it go back to the dealer. Since then I leased a Mercedes and bought a Porsche. I missed my Volvo so much that I went out last year and bought the identical car again - a 97 960 Sedan. It is the most solidly built car I have ever owned and that includes many luxury cars. The Volvo is just so sturdy - check out the glove box for example. Every new car seems to have a flimsy little box and cover, while the Volvos is build like a brick outhouse. The whole car is like that. (except for the cup holders)

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  Great, great, great car! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By JohnnyDnv - April 21 - 10:00 am

  The title of my review says it all! I love my T6. My S80 is a 99 which I bought a year old with 27,000 miles. It now has about 85,000 miles on it (I drive quite a bit) and it has been awesome! The car has literally been trouble free. All Ive had to do is the regular maintenance (oil changes, air filter, etc...) which I do at the dealer. Its not expensive as I thought it would be. I have had no problems at all. I drive a lot and I really push the car. Its so much fun to drive! I recommend this car to anyone.

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  Impressed so far... - 2008 Volvo S80
  By chelsofpdx - April 21 - 8:46 am

  First luxury car purchase and I am too pleased. The comfort of the seats and feel of a tank are definite positives on the road. 3-choice steering package a must...advanced option makes it like buttah!

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  May need to buy another - 2001 Volvo V70
  By SnowDog - April 20 - 9:06 am

  My wife and I are used car buyers. Our 2001 XC70 w/ 28K looks and feels like a new car. Gotta love the looks of the XC70. I do not think of it as a station wagon, more a serious sports wagon. Rides like it is on rails. Car seems to like high speeds. Replaced original Pirellis with Michelins to reduce road noise. Car is now a whisper on the highway. Bought extended warranty which took care of some issues with suspension linkages. Service at Keystone Volvo is gold standard.

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  Worth the wait - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Classic55 - April 18 - 12:53 pm

  This car is fun to drive fun to look at even with the top up.

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  Volvo S60 T6 R-Design is a wolf in sheeps clothing - 2012 Volvo S60
  By saholz - April 17 - 6:19 am

  The 2012 R-Design is the sport version of the already outstanding S60 T6 all wheel drive sedan. The price jumps over $4,000; but the car includes the $1500 Premium Package, a $1500 Polestar engine tune and turbo boost, a suspension upgrade, plus some exclusive interior and exterior trim enhancements. The car is a blast to drive. Power is strong and very linear from the 325 bhp turbocharged inline 6. The stiffer suspension is still fairly complaint over rough roads, but the tires are loud when hitting pavement breaks.

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  No more trucks for this texan - 2001 Volvo V70
  By no truck texan - April 16 - 11:20 am

  I bought this volvo reluctantly because of worries about reliability; however, this wagon has FAR exceeded my expectations. It is quick, capable in any road condition and gets much better milage than my former suburban and sequoia. I have had NO issues with this car in over a year with the exception of burnt out headlights which I had read about- my dealer replaces them for free, so I dont mind! I will most definatley buy another one when this one wears out!!

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  This Volvo is excellent - 1998 Volvo V70
  By nernin - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This V70GLT is the first sold in US, March 97. I have had one problem with this car. The dealerships have seen this car only once for an ABS sensor.

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  Best Ever - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Volvo Owner - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Its the smoothest ride Ive ever experienced. Inside, it feels like a car of much bigger size. Extremely roomy. Very comfortable seats. The standard features are incredible. All this and safety, too!!!

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  Fine used car - 2003 Volvo V40
  By gordon - April 16 - 9:56 am

  We purchased this in 2009 with 38,000 miles on it. Have put 2 2,000 mile trips on it and averaged 39 mpg. Around town it gets around 22 mpg. Car has plenty of zip and handles well. Both my wife and I find the seats comfortable. The lumbar support helps. A/C blows cold and have had no work other than regular maintenance done on it. Would recommend as used car.