2006 Volvo S60 Test Drive

The Scandinavian Stand-Out

The Volvo S60 is proof that Swedes build unique cars. Though its platform dates back to 2001 and has its flaws, the S60 is a solid alternative to pricier and less-reliable German sedans.

Volvo History

From the outset Volvos have been known for their safety features, besides being able to withstand some of the harshest winters on the planet. In 1959 Volvo’s popular Amazon and PV544 models were equipped with three-point safety belts – which the company says was a world first and an invention pioneered by Volvo’s head of safety engineering at the time, Nils Bohlin.

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In the 1960s and ‘70s Volvo helped pioneer such innovations as crumple zones, rear facing child seats, collapsible steering columns, side collision protection and three-way catalytic converters.

Volvo’s first sports car was the P1800, unveiled in 1960 and produced through 1973. It was sleek and stylish and remains a popular collector’s car today. It gained worldwide fame as the vehicle of choice for the character Simon Templar in “The Saint” TV series starring Roger Moore.

Click to view the slideshow of Volvos through the decades

Photo: © 2005 Volvo Corp. Used with permission, Volvo Media Archive.