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!! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By daisykl - May 24 - 10:01 am

  We bought this as a family car. I am so happy we did! We have owned it since it was new- no problems!

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  Love it...! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Midwest Alpinist - May 24 - 1:40 am

  Ive had my XC60 for almost a year now and I LOVE everything about it, except for the fuel economy, which isnt bad for this class of car, but its not great either. What a pleasure it is to drive this car though! I took a couple of long road trips last summer (1000+ miles ea) and me and the passengers were all very comfortable. The car handles well, it looks awesome and its loaded with everything you could want in a car. Be sure to check out the overseas delivery program. I saved $2K on the price of the car (after I had already negotiated a disc with 2 separate dealers). They threw in 2 free RT plane tkts, a free hotel stay, + everything you need to drive legally in EU (plates/ins)

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  Bad Ergonomics - 1999 Volvo S80
  By GaryOwen - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The S80 dashboard layout & ergonomics are a nightmare! so many little identical or nearly identical knobs for different features. Inst panel lights fade in bright light. "DRLs" are really headlights on at full strength - too bright & burns out bulbs real fast. The turbo sucks - too much lag. Give me an honest V8 (or even a full powered six). The power steering is overly sensitive. The traction control is a joke & gets you stuck in the snow even with premium snow tires. The only plus is a crashworthy design. I doubt I will ever buy another Volvo. What a screw deal!!

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  Great bang for the buck - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Bababooey - May 21 - 10:00 am

  We test drove VW Passat, and Jetta. Both vehicles had a higher price tag. The S40 is by far a better car. Good power and the handleing is excellent for a Front Wheel drive car.

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  Outstanding Value! - 2007 Volvo V70
  By volvo bill - May 18 - 11:13 am

  Great design for short people; offers plenty of visibility. Bought a luxury package that makes the car very attractive. Wish gas mileage were better, though, but at least it accepts regular gas without harming anything.

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  "Volvo for Life" Great Motto - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Lucy Boudet - May 18 - 10:20 am

  This is my 2nd XC90. Came out of a great experience in a 2005 XC90 and couldnt find anything I really wanted better. Tested a Mazda CX9, Mercedes M Class, Subaru Tribeca, Highlander, Lexus RX 350...and on and on. It may not have the fun "zoom-zoom quality of the Mazda, but the Mazda outside mirrors vibrate like crazy...rear seats vibrated...tracks in the floor looked so cheap. Mercedes was nice but didnt like the paddle shifter and its too small cargo area. Volvo makes the most beautiful, classy looking SUV. Nothing beats the feeling of quality in my XC 90. This new engine drives great. I thought Id miss the Turbo. Not at all. Great lease deals make it the perfect family vehicle.

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  Finally Here! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Arthur - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I ordered this car 4 months ago after researching it for well over a year. The car was well worth the wait. Its early in the game for me(only 200 miles) so I will not carry on too much until we get a few thousand miles on the road. But initial impression is 10+. Got the T- Gray, w/ Black(looks more like Blue) leather, Premium pack, on call plus, 18" wheels, 6 sp, etc. The phone is great and the tunes sound great as well. The cup holders are not in the right place for a manual, maybe ok for Auto, and thats my only complaint. Overall Im very pleased and excited about the ride and performance of this Volvo.

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  performance and safety - 2004 Volvo S60
  By family man - May 17 - 10:00 am

  best of both worlds . there is the safety factor with having kids. then there is perfomance factor that i still long for

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  Luv my baby Volvo, but... - 2000 Volvo S40
  By CR2 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought my s40 to replace a jeep. Have loved every minute of owning it. True, headlight problems twice, but repaired for free. Check engine light, also repaired....really minor problems. Hated the console design, but only after my golden retriever puppy pointed out the flaws. Its an attractive little car - always get compliments on it!!! Disappointed that it hasnt held its value....Im concerned that the "Ford" name will cheapen the value. However, I plan to buy/lease a V70 to accommodate the 2 dogs, potting soil, trips to Home Depot, etc. I dont need a gargatuan, gas guzzling suv and feel that the V70 is a perfect inbetween vehicle.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Clayton - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo V70 is almost perfect. The exterior is a little retro, However the interior is great. The accleleration is great, thank to the turbo!