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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  very reliable - 2004 Volvo S40
  By David - April 14 - 11:40 am

  Overall the car is pretty safe, it has already been into 3 minor accidents and one major accident. My wife was driving the vehicle on the Autobahn but there was a stau or traffic jam, well she stopped but the car hit her from the back at 90 mph, my son and wife were not harmed at all, just headaches. If it was any other car I dont think that my family would have made it. Volvo is the best, even though your not expecting an accident. Atleast you know that Volvo is built quality.

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  2005 S60R: Great "Sleeper" car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By ACowabunga - April 13 - 3:46 pm

  After owning a 2001 S60T5, I knew that the R would be a step up in performance. I wasnt disappointed in my purchase. The R has everything I enjoyed from my T5 plus more. I love the blue gauges and the ability to change the shock dampeners on the fly. I do not regret my purchase at all.

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  Volvo S-40 ASR - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Mike2000 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I dont know where all these whiners come from,i have had no issues with my Volvo since day one.Its top of the line ASR with luxury premium winter package.People....do not abuse your cars and it will last without problems.Change oil,do not accelerate heavy on the first 20000 miles.Let it breake-in.Do not assume if it is import luxury you can abuse.Like i have said i had no issues whatsoever.Great handling on the snow with heated seats and DSA.you dont pay a BMW price either and its front wheel drive

• 

  Boston Snow Storm - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By JAB111 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the third row seat, Volvo saftey and the great experience we have had owning previous Volvos. But in the snow storm over the past weekend, I was amazed at how well the XC90 handled the 24 inches of snow. It went everywhere with no problems.

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  Very happy with the car... - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By jc12171 - April 8 - 1:03 pm

  Looking for a small-mid sized SUV after my Altima lease, consider and test drove Audi Q5 and BMW X3--both nice SUVs, but dont like the front grill in Audi and cheap looking front light on BMW. XC60 definitely is the best looking of all three. Plus better equipped and 5 yr free maintance, so went for Volvo. So far everything has been meeting my expectations. Very smooth and nimble handling with T6 engine. Comfortable seats, very little engine noise on highway. After 1000 miles, gas mileage has been better than advertised.

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  A Smooth Ride - 2007 Volvo XC70
  By maggiemay - April 7 - 6:43 pm

  This is my first experience with Volvo and after having driven the XC-70 for two years, I submit this review. The XC-70 is a wonderful machine with an incredibly smooth ride for a wagon. I feel very safe in this vehicle and the weight of the XC-70 surrounding me evokes a secure feeling. The XC-70 handles well in inclement weather and is easily maneuvered when quick action is required. For comfort and safety, I would recommend this model to any couple who loves to travel by auto. Would not recommend it if back seat passengers are often along -- too cramped.For safety and reliability, I would say it is second to none.

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  Tuuuuurrrrbbbooooo - 2006 Volvo V50
  By A H - April 6 - 10:03 pm

  The T5 is a must. I test drove the 2.4 and the T5, the T5 blows the other away. The car has excellent pick up that will dust even the most agressive cab drivers. Sleek inside and outside styling. The car feels sturdy and sporty. It aint your fathers Volvo. Fremont Volvo in Fremont, CA made us a fabulous lease deal.

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  Exceptional Value - 2000 Volvo V70
  By beaver - April 6 - 12:26 am

  Great family car! We have hauled kids, pets, furniture, you name it and this car has weathered it all fantastically. It has so much cargo space that I even hauled a washer and dryer in it. Very comfortable on long trips. I love the turbo. This car has never let me down. I got the extended warranty to 100,000 and have hardly had to use it for repairs. Always serviced and maintained at the dealership. I love the look of this car and I feel safe driving in it.

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  Best of 4 Volvos I have owned. - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Roger A. Breunig - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Good body style. Very strong acceleration and braking performance. Snow tires very helpful in our northern climate (WI). 4000+ miles on car so far. Am getting some minor brake squeel from front brakes.

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  Great - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Volvos60 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car isnt for Volvo driving soccer moms. This car is for young teens and it drives like a dream!