Volvo's name is taken from the Latin word meaning "I roll". The Swedish car brand was incorporated in 1911 as a ball bearing company and didn't build a car until 1927. The automotive manufacturer's logo is inspired by the radiator grille of its first car, the ÖV 4.
Volvo also builds trucks, buses, construction equipment and supplies engines to boat/specialist vehicle builders.
Volvo engineers have been credited with many automotive safety developments. The company used laminated safety glass as early as 1944. In 1959, boffins created the three-point seat belt – the foundation of restraints still employed today. Instead of holding onto the rights, they shared the patent for free with other carmakers. Volvo cars were the first to feature side curtain airbags and were an early adopter of an electronic blind-spot warning system.
What to consider when buying a Volvo
When you think of Volvo, you probably picture a solid and sensible wagon. Today, Volvo also makes luxury SUVs – with most of the range making an ideal family car. Here's all you need to know about buying a Volvo.
Volvo has a long-standing reputation for producing strong, stout cars fitted with the latest safety technology.
The Volvo V60, S60, XC90 (diesel), XC60 and XC40 all have five-star safety ratings according to the ANCAP website.
Specifically, the XC60 and S90 have high scores, especially in the safety assists area.
The XC60 has, as standard:
Intelligent seat belt reminder for driver, front passenger and second-row seats
Airbags for:
Driver and front passenger
Side head and chest protection in front
Side head and chest airbag for second-row seats
Driver and front passenger's knee airbag
Adaptive front lighting systems
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with city, interurban and vulnerable road users
Automatic headlights
Automatic high beam
Attention assist
Blind spot monitoring (BSM)
Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
Electronic data recorder (EDR)
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Forward collision warning (FCW)
Lane departure warning (LDW)
Lane keep assist (LKA)
Daytime running lights (DRL)
Hill launch assist
Reverse collision avoidance
Automatic and intelligent speed limiting
Speed assistance – manual
Speed sign recognition warning
Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
That's quite an exhaustive list, even for a modern SUV.
The S90 features, as standard:
Intelligent seat belt reminder for driver, front passenger and second-row seats
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger
Side chest and head protection for front passengers
Side chest and head protection for second row
Active bonnet
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
Adaptive front lighting
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB): City, interurban, vulnerable road user
A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is available as an optional extra, as is a smart key.
Volvo has committed to electrifying its range. In 2019, buyers can specify a hybrid variant of any Volvo model. By 2020, it is targeting a total of 20% of annual sales as being plug-in hybrids. There are not many manufacturers that have electrified each of their products. If you want a frugal vehicle with a lower environmental impact, Volvo may have the right car for you, whether that be an SUV, wagon or sedan.
Although Volvo may not be the first brand that comes to mind when thinking about prestige car builders, the company produces some very high-end models. For example, the XC90 SUV is comparable to the luxury Range Rover Sport.
Both models have: four-zone climate control (optional on the Range Rover Sport), rain-sensing wipers, a head-up display, a power tailgate, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated seats (optional on Range Rover Sport), keyless entry, an enhanced sound system, a 10 or more inch touch display, sat nav, headlight washers, 19+ inch alloy wheels and optional packs that further add to passenger comfort and convenience.
However, it's fair to say that the Volvo is better value with a driveaway price starting from $104,026.80 versus the Range Rover's $105,483.10. Arguably, for the money, you get a lot more with the XC90.
Volvo's styling approach is quite reserved and conservative, which may appeal to buyers who don't want an outwardly flashy premium car brand. In some people's eyes, driving a Volvo is a less ostentatious statement to make.
According to the findings of Roy Morgan surveyors, Volvo has a 95% customer satisfaction score.
For its size, the Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid is pleasingly fuel-efficient. According to the Green Vehicle Guide, Volvo's PHEV uses just 2.1L/100km combined. Meanwhile, the Range Rover Sport PHEV model requires 2.8L to cover 100km and Porsche's Cayenne E-hybrid needs 3.4L/100km.
Having a petrol engine supplemented by electric power helps lean out the Volvo's fuel usage.
Reviewers seem to rate the Volvo line-up above average in general, with the cars often described as high-quality, sensibly priced with roomy interiors and a strong focus on safety tech.
Models like the XC60 and XC40 have won car of the year awards.
If you're looking for a crossover type wagon, with higher ground clearance, AWD, hill descent control, drive mode settings and air suspension – there's not much to choose from. Add the requirement for a luxury interior and you really boil it down to the Volvo V90 or the $122,719 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain E 220 d. The V90 Cross Country has a driveaway price of $89,326.80.
Volvo has had a reputation for charging more than other marques for servicing and maintenance. In 2019, Volvo introduced capped price servicing plans for its range.
For comparison, the Volvo S60 has a three-year servicing cost of $1,595. BMW charges $1,565 for the 3 Series, while Audi asks for $1,710 for its A4. That makes the Volvo maintenance seem fair.
There are only 29 Volvo dealerships countrywide. That's not a huge number, with most being situated on the east coast. There are a few dealers in Tasmania, one in South Australia and one in Perth. BMW has 55+ locations.
The answer to that excellent questions will depend on your personal circumstances and the type of driving you do.
Which Volvo should I buy for a family car?
Pretty much any of the Volvo models will suit families. If you have little ones, something like the XC40 might suit you ideally. It's got a big boot (586 litres), heaps of safety assistants and equipment like dual-zone climate control, child locks on rear side doors, sat nav and smartphone integration with speech function.
However, if you've got an older (or larger) family then the XC90 is probably the best route to go down. With seven seats, it can wing your brood around in style. It's got a pretty thorough spec list.
Finder's Chris Stead recently found out how well he and his family got on with the Volvo S60 sedan.
I have a dog. Which Volvo should I buy?
We've published a separate guide on picking the best car for you and your dog (or doggies). Needless to say, the V90 Cross Country placed on that list, thanks to its massive cargo bay and heap of factory pet-friendly optional accessories.
Which Volvo is the most luxurious?
If you want to roll around in total comfort, the XC90 is the most expensive and most decked out Volvo. It can go toe to toe with a Range Rover Sport and it does this without the flashy badging.
Volvo Australia financing
Volvos tend to premium-priced vehicles, so by comparing car loans, you could save hundreds of dollars over the agreement. Compare new car loans below. You could save even more by comparing car insurance options and reading our guides too.
Ben Gribbin is an automotive writer at Finder. He is a life-long car enthusiast, bringing many years of experience working with and writing about cars. During his time, Ben has been a freelance writer, editor and reviewer for a number of leading publications across the UK. He was voted the Guild of Motoring Writers Breakthrough Blogger in 2015.
We really liked the combustion-engine-only XC40 when we drove it earlier in the year, so how does this plug-in hybrid compare considering you do pay a premium for the Recharge version?
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