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 used value. Safe and sporty - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Popps - August 9 - 10:50 pm

  I love my S60, even with its flaws. In my opinion, the best looking body of any sports sedan. Great reliability history, especially for a Volvo. Lets hope they continue this trend. Ride is good. Peppy, but Id prefer a bit more power. (I have 2.4T) Interior design is fine, but could be a bit more refined for a luxury sedan. (See Infiniti) Gas mileage is surprisingly good. An excellent used value, as Volvos dont hold value like a BMW/Mercedes. Again, its not perfect, but I love mine and doubt youll do any better for the money in the used market.

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  GM Transmission - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Jim - August 8 - 6:13 pm

  I have a 1999 Volvo S-80. I just had the tramission rebuilt, It was done by a friend of mine so the cost was cheaper than someone off the street. I was surprised that when my friend told me that the transmission was a General Motors product. The problem was the 3rd gear went out. The mechanic told me this was common in this type transmission weither it was in a Volvo or a GM product. The clutches in this type transmission are not as tight meaning the shift will be smoother, but this leaves weaknest in the shifting process but smooth. So if you have tranny problems it will problem be the 3rd gear clutches. But the good news is it will probably be a good old GM transmission.

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  Love it so far! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Celeste - August 8 - 7:23 am

  We bought this car about 6 weeks ago & I really love it. It fits my kids two car seats easily & will fit a third - all in the second row. Ive read that it doesnt have that great of pick up when you accelerate, but I havent found that to be the case at all. Drives great, love the sunroof, really love that the backseat has a/c vents for the kids! It is without a doubt the best car Ive ever driven (have previously owned Chevys & an Acura).

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  Pricey But Nice - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By DriverJ - August 6 - 10:00 am

  We really struggled chooosing between this and the MDX. We ended up choosing the XC90 primarliy because it is more luxurious. It is also quieter, has a better ride and handling is superior. On the down side, the MDX is quicker and for about $4,000 less you navigation and RES with a rearview camera! In the final analysis we chose the XC90 because its more prestigious, refined and much more fun to drive.

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  great car - 2007 Volvo S80
  By matt - July 22 - 2:36 pm

  this is my first volvo, i am impressed at volvo stepping it up this year with a nice s80. the car drives nicely, and is on the fast side. looks great and catching to the eye. ppl are shocked thats it a volvo when they see it..

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  Faulty Armrests - 1998 Volvo S70
  By Houston Fwy driver - July 19 - 10:00 am

  60 days after purchase (8/02), I noticed that the armrest vinyl on three of the four doors was "bubbling" "delaminating" and otherwise separating from the armrest. Despite being a "certified pre-owned" car, neither the dealer nor the corp. will touch this obvious and apparently known defect in materials/manufacturing in this otherwise excellent car. As a 15-year customer, I want to remain loyal, but I will likely switch brands next time around.

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  Love my Volvo - 2004 Volvo V70
  By fedlawman - July 15 - 10:00 am

  When our CPO 2001 V70 was totaled last May, we didnt think twice about replacing it with another one...this time brand new! We love the comfort, luxury, and style of the V70. Although not a powerhouse, the engine is strong in midrange power, and the smooth auto transmission is a perfect match for the powerband. The kids love the 3rd row jump seats, and we use the SUV-like cargo capacity regularly. Why would anyone spend $30,000+ on an ungainly, ill-handling SUV when they could have a sporty, fine handling luxury wagon?

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  1999 Red Volvo S70, aka. Cherry Bomb - 1999 Volvo S70
  By DC Volvo Driver - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I normally wouldnt do a review, but seeing how this had such a high rating...I had to speak up. I bought this car back in September and Ive had nothing but problems. So far Ive replaced the Mass Air Flow sensor, power steering pump and hoses, rear stablizer, part of the dashboard, rubber stripping on windshield, sensor lights going off all the time....I do a little prayer everytime I get in the car that nothing will malfunction. I will say its a nice shade of red, and is a smooth ride when all is working well...

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  Need Better Coffee At the Repairshop - 2000 Volvo V40
  By Not Gonna Again - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Brakes done X4, and the brake warning light is on AGAIN! You can bet the headlight bulbs will burn out in 12 months (each side exactly 30 days apart). Motormount vibration at idle/stop is excessive. Turbo gasket is leaking. Finish is wearing off the steering wheel. Overall, the car drives well, and is good on gas when on highway; not so good in town. Brake and tires have been disappointing. A bit small inside. The price for a Volvo was attractive, but the downtime for repairs has been unacceptable. Back to Lexus for the next one.

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  reliable with cost - 1999 Volvo V70
  By owner in StMonica,CA - July 10 - 8:16 pm

  Got the car in late 04 with 45K (warranty was over in a month!) Reliable in most conditions and fun to drive. Poor city gas mileage(17MPG vs. +/-30 HWY). Frequent bulb failures.(LED in the hatch door was out from the beginning.) Service was expensive. (50K & 60K service fees are $320 & $595, and had some issues with dealership). Hope the car has better shock absorbers and cuts road noise(able to sense all the road conditions with my body).