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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  Consider the T6 if youre looking for an XC70 - 2011 Volvo XC70
  By abmwfan - February 11 - 4:54 pm

  I traded a 2009 XC70 3.2 AWD for a 2011 XC70 T6. The turbo engine significantly improves this vehicle: quieter, smoother, more than adequate acceleration and no noticeable reduction in mpg. The 3.2 is slow, buzzy/noisy and it gets lousy mpg (worst of all worlds). Youre always aware of the engine working at the limits of its capacity to move this heavy vehicle. And, while the T6s base price is $6k higher, it comes standard with AWD and premium/leather package which are nearly always added to the 3.2, so the "base" sticker price of the T6 and 3.2 are essentially the same before other options. Why not get the bigger engine?

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  v70 the family freindly s60 from volvo - 2006 Volvo V70
  By Michael - February 11 - 8:26 am

  I like the v70 its a great family car, my younger chidren have a great view when out "low" window sills. In base form it is a cruising vehicle but peppy enough. Its has over-competent handling for a family car compared to an suv or minivan - it will carve an off ramp suprisingly well- but hardly any one who drives one knows that. The v70 is subtle in its refinement which really shines in the mundane like running errands around town. It will keep up with and pass suvs with 3xs the horse power if you feel so inclined but prefers to quietly glide about - It is not u Dads pontiac grand safari - it is a mercedes within 9/10ths of that vehicle at a 20K discount.

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  2 1/2 years with my V50 - 2005 Volvo V50
  By fluffy - February 10 - 2:53 am

  I bought my V50 as soon as they came out in 2004. I thought the novelty of this beauty would wear off, but now almost 3 years later, we are still in love with this car. It drives superbly, handles excellently, gas mileage is great, comfortable and elegant. We are a family of 4 (all slim though) and fit very well, the kid seats in the back are a huge plus with no ruining of leather. Have traveled all over Europe and the US in it so far and havent had any problems whatsoever with mechanics. Never had anything broken in it, unlike the 2005 S40 T5 my husband owns, which has had a few problems too many for my comfort. I recommend this car to all, as it is a super deal for your money!

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  2010 T6 is a real sleeper - drive one! - 2010 Volvo S80
  By Chicago T6 - February 8 - 6:03 am

  Considered all the usual suspects from BMW, MB, Lexus, and Audi, and liked the S80 T6 more than any of them. It has a couple quirks, but doesnt every car? The I6 turbo is very responsive, makes great noises and is super smooth - much more so than the competitors V6 engines, and on par with the turbo I6 from BMW. I have the dynamic package which really creates a great handler, without undue harshness, and it really does look more stylish and aggressive with the lowered suspension and package specific wheels. Great car!

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By volvo_owner1 - February 3 - 11:15 am

  What I like best about this car (after all the serious stuff like safety and reliability) is the Adaptive Cruise Control. How did I ever live without this feature? Ive owned my Volvo for a year and am extremely happy with the vehicle

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  Fabulous Car - 2012 Volvo S60
  By judithb - February 3 - 12:08 am

  I really enjoy this car. Not sure of reliability because it is too new. I had an 850 for 18 years so I will assume that it will last a long time. Features are very convenient. Car is very stylish.

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  Great ride - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Jolene - February 1 - 6:10 am

  Not your typical wagon, not just another mom-mobile, fun, great storage and luxurious without having to drive a truck.

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  Very Happy S80 T6 Camper - 2000 Volvo S80
  By dixiebullfrog - January 31 - 2:33 pm

  Three years & 70,000 miles later, I still look forward to driving it to work (70mi RT) as much as on road trips! Turbo is much more responsive than basic engine (drove both before buying). Passengers are always surprised at excellent road ride, extremely comfortable seats, and excellent interior layout. Acceleration is phenominal from a dead start or passing on 2-lane roads. HU-801 Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound system - WOW! Sound of CDs is concert- hall quality. No cassette player; you wont miss it. Read all the reviews at this site - read between the lines. Look for the real problem; many times it is the repair facility/dealer or someone who hasnt read the owners manual.

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  A great Car! - 1997 Volvo 960
  By mlmain - January 31 - 2:23 am

  I agree with the others: an all-around great car. The only glaring piece of poor workmanship is the cup holder--- surely Volvo could have done better than this. Very smooth engine, largely due to its being an inline six. And rear drive contributes to better weight distribution. Rear drive also makes possible the short turning radius-no problems with tight u-turns. I have mixed premium gas with intermediate without a problem. Agreed, radio reception isnt the best, as others have observed.After several years, my air conditioning output is getting weak, but that may only require a recharge of refrigerant- --I hope! Front window sill coverings are pulling away. Am very pleased overall.

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  20 PLUS YEARS WITH VOLVO - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Joe Dowdy - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Im on my third Volvo. It can all be sumed up in three words: SAFETY ***** PERFORMANCE ***** and COMFORT ***** A great family car. Ive kept two cars in my garage for over twenty years, one has always been a VOLVO the other a Toyota. You just cant go wrong with a VOLVO for your family car.......