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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  Great car - 2010 Volvo XC70
  By JD - June 9 - 5:36 pm

  This is the 4th Volvo I have owned and the first AWD. Since I do a lot of winter/mountain driving this made sense and roads I would have never made it up without chains, this car handeled like the roads were dry. Only two minor suggestions. The instrument panel doesnt show engine temp and the drivers side windshield wiper wont clear the hood and stay up when I want to clean the glass. Maybe in the 2011 model they can fix this. Otherwise Im very happy.

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  Not too bad so far. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By kdooms94 - June 9 - 6:38 am

  I have had a couple issues with the car. I replaced the brakes and rotors when i bought it, but that was my choice. The check engine light is almost always on, but I just ignore it as the car still runs fine and gets great fuel economy without it. I blew a radiator hose a while ago, but that isnt unexpected on a car that is 12. And i blew a brake hose, which also isnt uncommon on a car that is that age, as i have friends with fords, and toyotas, and hondas who have also experienced similar issues. My recommendation is to use high grade fuel when you can, as the car starts really hard and runs rough on regular fuel, and probably contributes to many of the problems others have listed.

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  A Near-Perfect Car - 2004 Volvo S80
  By spike2 - June 8 - 5:40 pm

  I never owned a Volvo until I bought this for my wife. It quickly found its way into my hands - a deal I could only swing by agreeing to buy her a new XC70 wagon as a replacement. Neither of us can imagine owning any other brand now. This car is perhaps the most complete vehicle one can own. It has just about everything - unsurpassed safety, good performance, acceptable reliability, room, AWD, the most comfortable seats Ive ever experienced, and an understated elegance. I have around 8000 miles now and have had no problems. Like other reviewers, I now look for any excuse to drive. Despite Fords ownership - this is still a Volvo at heart. I absolutely love it.

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  Fine, but needs fine-tune - 2001 Volvo C70
  By J. Nodding - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a fine car to see and to drive. It feels very safe and steady on the road, and gets attention. There are some minor, but frustrating things, however, that need change. 1. make the drivers side sunshade movable to protect against side sun; 2. change the stupid gas cap system that triggers a "check engine" symbol when it is not screwed on just right - there is no notice of this in the manual; 3. fix the front seats to move forward more quickly to get access to the back. Otherwise, it is a great car and the most comfortable we have ever had. JN

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  Who ARE these people? - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Ron B - June 7 - 9:30 pm

  I have a 2001 Volvo S80 2.9 L (non turbo mind you). I have had TROUBLE FREE driving, people. I have replaced VERY LITTLE (sway bar link, tires, rotors, not much else). Yes it has a TIGHT suspension, Volvo did that ON PURPOSE! They totally changed their look from the ol square box and kept the infamous 2.9 L but turned it on its side and made it FWD (felt no different than my previous 960 which was RWD). Love the car, now I go on Edmunds and see estimated rating of 8.0 of 10.0 but much negative press from some of the owners. For the people crying about interior quality, know that the more a car weighs the lower the MPG, so when I see I can get 28 MPG in the safest sedan on the road, I AM OK!!

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  I loved that car... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By NavyMom - June 6 - 7:53 pm

  Overall I had an excellent experience with my Volvo XC90. I had some of the same issues in that I had to replace the brake pads and tires frequently, but I do mostly city driving with a lot of stop and go. I had no major problems until December of 2009. The check engine light went on. It was time for the 60,000 mile tune-up and when they changed the spark plugs and coil, everything was fine for about 2 weeks. Then the engine light came back on. It took an overnight stay and a cold start for them to find the issue;a cracked gasket head!! There had been no warning signs, no running it hot, nothing! The repair cost of $6000 made me decide to trade it for the new XC60 T6 AWD. I miss it :(

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  Stylish and comfortable - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Mike - June 5 - 10:10 pm

  We bought this car a couple of weeks back, so cant comment on reliability yet, I just gave it the average of the other ratings. My wife and I both had liked our old Volvo 740 station wagon, which even at 18 years was still more pleasant to drive than some midsize cars we recently tested. Therefore, we decided to get another Volvo and dont regret it. Performance is more than adequate. The suspension is actually a bit unrefined; it will tell you exactly about every nook and cranny on the road, but it will never loose composure. The seats are marvellous - after a 5 hours drive, you feel well rested. Most comfortable car Ive ever driven.

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  Once Upon A Time - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Once Upon a Time - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 240DL had the car for 17 years, 350,000 miles...purchased the S80 Turbo used and it has been a nightmare, went to the dealer to obtain the cars history and it printed off onto the floor..everything from replaced transmission, Huge electrical problems which constitutes most of the cars ability to function. My 240s outside to the day is still quality while this cars fenders are loose, rubber stripping outside is falling off...Once Upon a Time Volvo was doing it right, for themselves as well as the customers. The biggest problem has been that the company doesnt rep the product. Scary situation unless you have more than sense...

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  Not Sold Yet - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Andy - June 4 - 5:43 am

  I picked up the car in early November and love it, for the most part. It has plenty of pep, plus styling, safety, and space for the family. It is a great overall package that is really unmatched in its segment. unfortunately, my car is back at dealership for the second time in the first month with an electrical issue. Its electrical system periodically just goes completely dead. When it does restart (so far, it has), lots of service warning messages appear on the otherwise great message center. My dealer cant find the problem. I am starting to research lemon law protections.

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  Air Bags - 2000 Volvo S80
  By mecop186 - June 2 - 10:06 pm

  Two weeks ago we had a snow storm here in Maine (go figure). Well I got stuck in a driveway. Couldnt get out to save my life! After trying for 40 minutes, I was so pi**ed off, I put my S80 T6 in "Park", got out and slammed the drivers door. I heard a "POoof" sound and, when I turned around, it truly looked like I had installed venetian blinds! The "Side Curtains" went off! Ripped the stitching out of the left "Lumbar" support, split the leather, left a 7" tear in the headliner and I now have foam EVERYWHERE the eye can see! Estimates range from $2,000 to $6,000. Ill be taking it to the mid-range guys. They were very intrigued about the door slamming setting off the air bags.