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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  Excellent Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By volvoluver - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This car rides beautifully! We have the 3rd seat which is great when we have other kids in tow. The only thing I would like to see different is Volvo needs to build a similar model that is either a hybrid or gets better gas mileage. We do a majority of city driving and average 23 mpg. Also, noise level of ride is almost as comparable as an SUV, but we have the AWD.

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  A fun Volvo? - 2004 Volvo S60
  By aeroengrpv - December 25 - 10:40 am

  I sold my BMW 328ci looking for a European car that was faster than my Bimmer and found most to be too expensive. Then I found the R. It serves the purpose perfectly. The six-speed manual is a must have. 300 horses, a six-speed, and a suspension that you can dial in with legendary Volvo safety? What more could you ask.

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  2.4L FWD auto - 2002 Volvo V70
  By wheelsstm - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine for 3 months and have put 7K miles on it with no problems so far. It feels very tight and the comfy seats are greatly appreciated. The storage nooks and crannies are a bit odd to get used to, but the squared off cargo area holds a ton of stuff. I traded in my 89 240DL that, once I quit going to the dealer for service, held up really well for 13 years. This V70 is off to a much better start, so I hope it lasts me another 13 years as well!

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  Best Luxury SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Chnc - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I looked at all the competitors (mercedes, bmw, acura, lexus, jeep, toyota, etc.) and nothing compares at this price point. Best combination of value, safety, luxury and versatility. Volvo did a great job with this vehicle. Over 50% more space then the BMW on the inside while only being a few inches longer. Only a few thousand more then the Acura MDX but offers so much more in terms of safety and luxury features.

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  2002 Volvo S60 - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Rick3056 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Having driven pickup trucks for the past 20 years this Volvo S60is quite a change. So far I have put 45,000 miles on the vehicle in 9 months. During cross country trips from Southern California to Northwest Wisconsin my gas mileage averages 34.2mpg! This car is fun to drive, handles well and has not had any defects.

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  Loved it! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By nwkent25 - December 24 - 1:10 am

  I bought mine wrecked with 70k miles-- my dad owns a shop and he fixed it and then we moved across the country. It does excellent in bad snow, even with the winter driving off. I had no issues with this car whatsoever. My only issue was that parts cost so much and you really have to take it to the dealer for just an oil change because no one carries the filter. Its pretty fast for a full size sedan and mine got 25-28 mpg. The stereo sound is pretty awesome for just being factory. If brand new ones werent so expensive I would buy another.

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  Love it Love it Love it - 1999 Volvo S70
  By cpk_178 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought my T5 on ebay, Love the visual lines, lack of blind spots, overall performance is incredible. Slight hesitation in the turbo boost is forgotten once the apparent endless flow of HP kicks in! I prefer my 5 spd to auto trans as the control over the HP makes the car a real trip to drive. Volvo also makes the most comfortable seats of any manufacturer I have experienced. The ride is solid and my upgraded Michelins have resulted in a ride that would rival most new cars. I love my T5 (my wife will confirm) and will drive it for many years to come... Only improvements are flimsy cupholders and that my turbo eats gas at an alarming rate (thats the tradeoff)

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  My Favorite Car to Date!! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By SimplySweet - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I, like many, was looking at the BMWs, Audis, etc. But this car most surely outperformed! And is so sassy! I love it!!

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  I Love Volvo for life! - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By CarmenSocal - December 20 - 11:16 pm

  I Love my Volvo! To own a Volvo had always been my dream, and finally came true! I got my Volvo for my birthday! I am so happy driving my XC90, with 7 seats has room for everything and everyone, it is beautiful, is eye catching! I feel so safe when I am on the freeway, it takes the curves so easy, and it feels so smoth!...I love every single detail of the vehicle, but what I love the most is that it is so roomy in the inside, without being to big in the outside. In SF is not easy to find parking, and I always wanted a vehicle, that will be easy to park, but that will be big enough to carry my whole family and pet, and also that will be elegant and safe...I sure found all that in my Volvo!!

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  Great ride - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Paul in Atlanta - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I believe I own the best European car on the market. Maybe not the best in every category, but definitely the biggest bang for the buck. I love the ride, safety, and the awesome reliability. In 73000 miles, Ive had a position light burn out-- thats it. I love this car from the outside in. I bought my S80 with 6 miles on it, and I plan on driving it until the odometer stops turning and the wheels fall off. And last but not least, Ive experienced very competent Volvo after sale service.