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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  Volvo - 2000 Volvo S40
  By S40 John - January 18 - 7:00 am

  Yes this car has its problems, every car does. For the most part the pluses outweigh problems. The styling is classic, Its very fast and fun to drive. Huge sunroof, amazing on gas, fits anywhere and AMAZING in the snow (was as good as my 4wd Jeep I owned). Aside from keeping up on things that break from time to time, its a very solid/safe smaller car.

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  Built strong to last long - 1999 Volvo S70
  By Hartman - January 17 - 12:13 pm

  I have the manual trans. and I love flipping through gears on the back country roads. The volvo rides really well, and brings a strong sense of safety while inside. The S70 has surprising jump and performance for a 5cyl. The car handles great in snow and rain (firestone affinity tires), hugs tight corners well, and driving the S70 leaves me daydreaming of rally car racing! -no joke- Only a few minor quirks but overall this car is flying under the radar as an awesome sedan - and this is comparing to the bmw 3series and vw passat

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  A Winner for the Long (and Large) Haul - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By Gail - January 16 - 5:16 pm

  I purchased this wagon for Michigan winters and it has been wonderful. I hate vans and SUVs so this was a great way to transport kids, snowboards, and weaving looms but then also have some dignity and style. It has been perfectly reliable and made winter driving a joy for this transplant from NC. The only change Id make is the digital clock that tends to speed up and is difficult to set exactly. The car doesnt get super mileage, but the tradeoff is a heavy, safe and sturdy vehicle that I will keep hopefully as long as my last Volvo (15 years!!) I highly recommend this brand/model and hope it is still a winner in 10 more years.

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  2004 Volvo XC70 - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Tracy - January 16 - 1:10 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned! Its safe, comfortable and has a fantastic stereo system. My 2 dogs are safe in the back section and it had all the bells and whistles without having to buy up. My lease ends next year and Im in the process of purchasing this vehilce early I love it so much, I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a great alternative to an SUV.

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  Our 03 XC70 is outstanding! - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By Hugo - January 14 - 11:33 am

  We are the second owner at 13,000 miles, bought it pre-certified with a 100K warranty and now have close to 26,000 miles. The car has not given us any problems at all, it has peformed extremely well in mostly heavy, city, Dallas TX driving; though the Pirelli Scorpion STR tires need to be replaced (dont recommend V-rated tires) at $150 a tire. The A/C is outstanding in 100 degree temps and still get 19 mpg in the city. We compared this vehicle to the Audi All- Road & BMW Wagons, both were over- priced; and the Range Rover which had too many poor maintenance & gas mileage reviews. The light turbo has plenty of kick (210 hp), were very happy with the overall performance of the Volvo XC70!

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  Volvofan - 2004 Volvo S60
  By RQ - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Much better car than the 02 S40 it replaced, hands down! Better quality control would be nice but overall a great, safe ride. Inexpensive insurance compared to BMW, Lexus and Benz.

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  Absolutely great family car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By DC Luke - January 14 - 1:50 am

  Have utterly enjoyed owning this vehicle. From the dealer support to the sheer enjoyment of driving with the safety Volvo is known for, I highly recommend it.

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  what a coupe !!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Volvo C70
  By dchase - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my C70 in January (about 4 months ago). I am an avid coupe driver, having owned BMW, Mercedes, and Jaguar, all in coupe variants. The C70 is a power house. 236 hp, awesome brakes, tight steering, and a killer sound system to boot! I traveled a little out of the way to get the car from Volvo of Fort Washington, one of the best dealerships I have ever experienced, and a very compassionate and fair sales person named Dory Chaefsky. This car is amazing, and definitely worth looking into !!!!!!!!

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  My C. - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Jasta - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, as Volvos are known for, but exceedingly pleasureable to drive when compared to other sport cars. My C is also very roomy, especially compared to the Jag I was thinking of buying. Lots of shoulder room and very comfortable. For the same price, one must squeeze themselves into a BMW or Benz of lesser beauty, performance, and comfort.

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  Solid, Stable, Good Performer - 2000 Volvo S70
  By ctyndal - January 7 - 2:00 am

  An enjoyment to drive everyday on a long commute. Comfortable, quiet, and solid.