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:

• 

  Besides the back legroom, Excellent..... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By C. Rosina - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Volvo S60 Turbo. It was definitely worth the little extra money for the turbo. The one and only complaint I have about this vehicle is the small amount of legroom in the back seat. Other than that, I highly recommend this car for anyone who wants a sporty luxury sedan at a reasonable price.

• 

  Ford, stop messing around with VOLVO - 2001 Volvo V70
  By yolanda - November 16 - 2:00 am

  The car is pretty reliable only in Dec 03 and Jan 04 I was left stranded and it was due to the battery, somehow I needed a new one. The quality of the interior of the car could be much better. The carpeting in the front of the car is always stiking out, it was like this since day one, I complained, but to no avail. The outside driver mirror shakes when you hit 50 plus, that just got fixed this week after many trips to the dealer. Other than cosmetics I would have to say that it is reliable.

• 

  I love this car! - 2000 Volvo C70
  By eggmusic - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because it is unique and is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. I have had no significant problems with it and the few minor ones (window switch, lamps) were fixed promptly by the dealer.

• 

  Best in it class - 2004 Volvo S40
  By keith H - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We were thinking of buying a Audi A41.8T but after test driving and see the new Volvo 2004.5 S40. we like it more. Plus, it was a better vaule for the money. We were able to get it under invoice. It a great car. You should test drive it to see it for yourself.

• 

  Off to a great start - 2004 Volvo C70
  By jipsu1988 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Did much pre-lease research. Bad mech reviews here made me cautious. Also consid A4,BMW3,Saab9-3,CLK. Volvo won out on uniqueness, size(big rear seat),and price. Great luxury cruiser Well worth it to get the Touring pkg (wood upgrades) and added cost wood wheel. Skip extra cost audio and Propus wheels(2x$1000)and the LPT comes in under $40K if you negotiate. Very smooth driving car. Did 300 mi round trip and looked forward to it. 28mpg at 70-80mph and smoooooth. Seats absolutely rock.

• 

  Da _hit - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Tricky - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Second to none. If you can, pick up your 90 in Sweden.

• 

  GO VOLVO - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By MIDLAND - November 11 - 10:00 am

  JUST WHAT I EXPECTED FROM VOLVO, A WELL BUILT & DRSIGNED MID-SIZE SUV. THE T-6 IS QUITE STRONG, KINDS THURSTY, THOUGH. ONLY COMPLAINT, THE DRIVING INSTRUMENTS DESIGN ARE NOT EASILY READ. VOLVO NEEDS TO WORK ON THIS AREA.

• 

  Favorite Car So Far - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Mom - November 10 - 3:36 am

  This car has exceeded all our expectations and is a pleasure to drive. Its safe, fun to drive, roomy, and stylish, too..other moms always express volvo envy.

• 

  Volvo S60 Surprising Value - 2002 Volvo S60
  By batman - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Volvos exclusively for the last 11 years. Each one has impressed me in terms of safety, reliability, and a generally "solid" feel that never seemed to wear off. When looking for a new car, I ended up test driving other cars in the "luxury sedan" segment, only to discover that they didnt seem as well built (ex. Lincoln LS) or were much more expensive (BMW 3 series) when comparably equipped. This new Volvo is the first one Ive owned that really feels like a sports sedan. The 850 was close, but this sedan handles, accelerates, brakes, and looks sportier. For the money, its a great value.

• 

  I love its saftey! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Kathleen - November 9 - 12:33 am

  I have driven Volvo wagons for years. We still have our 1988 200 series. 100,000.00 miles! Still drives great too. However, they do not compare to this new beauty. Our family loves this car. After almost losing my husband in a roll over (SUV) accident 4 years ago, we were thrilled to see Volvo come out with an SUV with such excellent safety features. The styling is also very pleasing to the eye. My children love the rear seat entertainment system with the screens in the head rests. Like all of my previous volvos, I wish there was more rear seat room, however, it has great cargo space and that would not stop me from purchasing this great vehicle.