What Are The Top 5 Most Famous Volvo Cars?

Top 5 Most famous Volvo Cars 

The most popular Volvo models form a legendary history. Each serves as a chapter in the brand's evolution, propelling the iconic performance, safety, efficiency, and value-based virtues of Volvo Cars to new heights. We've assembled this list of Volvo icons, so read on and see if yours made the ranks.

The Most Popular Volvo Models Ranked

We've ranked the best Volvo cars of all time with consideration for their role in advancing the brand's technological prowess, their reputation as classics, and, of course, popularity.

Here are the most popular Volvo models and how they earned their spot on the list.

Most Popular Volvo Models #5: Volvo PV444/PV544

The Volvo PV444/PV544 are mostly identical old Volvo cars. The practicality-focused Volvo PV444 was introduced in 1944, designed to use materials as efficiently as possible. It was responsible for bringing the brand into motorsports, pushing through grueling rally championships and American racing series starting in the late 1950s.

Built to be affordable, reliable, fuel-efficient, safe, and charming, the Volvo PV444 was the first Volvo sold in America, and, well, the rest is history. Despite selling just under 500,000 units overall,1 the Volvo PV444 and its updated twin (the Volvo PV544) earned a spot among the most popular Volvo models for kickstarting the brand's iconic efficiency, safety, and reliability focus.

Most Popular Volvo Models #4: Volvo Amazon

While this model's successor (the Volvo 140 series) outsold it, the Volvo Amazon (AKA the Volvo 122S) retains its status as a truly iconic brand-building model. The Volvo Amazon replaced the Volvo PV544, marking a significant stepping-stone in the brand's evolution.

It was built from 1956 to 1970 as a coupe, sedan, and wagon. Helping to introduce the brand's innovations like the three-point seatbelt and dominating winter driving conditions, the roomy and efficient Volvo Amazon went down in history as one of the most important and most popular Volvo models ever made.

Most Popular Volvo Models #3: Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 is the most popular sedan in our new Volvo inventory, but its history goes much deeper. Ever heard of Polestar? Their history was formed by specially-developed Volvo S60 racecars. But still, the Volvo S60 has over two decades of history to its name and builds on an unbroken lineage that stretches right back to the Volvo PV444.

Whether you choose it with efficient gas-engine power or thrilling plug-in hybrid specs, a new Volvo S60 is your way to experience how the most popular Volvo models contributed to the brand's engineering mastery.

Most Popular Volvo Models #2: Volvo 240

Call it the "Brick" or the Volvo 240. Either way, it ranks well above the other most iconic Volvo cars ever built. That's for a good reason; nearly 2.9 million units were produced over the model's 1974 to 1993 lifespan,2 sold everywhere from East Asia to the heart of America and as a wagon or sedan.

Its status above the most popular Volvo models is easily understandable; the Volvo 240 went above and beyond to cut emissions and increase occupant safety, securing the brand's efficiency and safety-focused reputation. But, performance thrills were another focus, with certain model variants even able to outpace modern machines on track days.

Most Popular Volvo Models #1: Volvo XC60

The number one spot on our list of most famous Volvo models is a model you can drive home today. The Volvo XC60 is not the all-time most popular model but instead leads the way as the current best-seller for the brand. It's more important than just sales figures alone. The Volvo XC60 redefined what a luxury SUV could be on its 2008 debut.

Now a perfect blend of all the virtues modern drivers crave, the Volvo XC60 has consistently topped the list of most popular Volvo models you can buy new. It offers everything from 455 horsepower thrills to dedicated safety engineering for your family, with plenty of luxury joining the party.

Volvo Cars List of Icons: Honorable Mentions

The rich history of Volvo Cars stretches on and on; here are two unforgettable models we couldn't leave out.

  • The Volvo P1800: One of the most iconic Volvo cars for its gorgeous looks, the car with the most mileage of all time is a 1966 Volvo P1800S with over 3 million miles logged.3
  • The Volvo 850R: This high-performance wagon was one of the most feared "sleeper" performance cars of the 1990s with its overhauled suspension, engine, and drivetrain.

Experience Two of the Most Popular Volvo Models Today

While we may not have a 1944 Volvo PV444 for sale, we can help you lease a new Volvo model like the best-selling Volvo XC60 for a competitive price. Swing by Volvo Cars Richmond to experience the modern result of this iconic history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Volvo models of all time?

The current most popular Volvo model is the best-selling Volvo XC60. However, in terms of all-time sales, the number one spot for most popular Volvo models of all time belongs to the Volvo 240 Series, with nearly 2.9 million models built between 1974 and 1993.2

What is Volvo famous for?

The Volvo Cars brand is famous for safety, efficiency, and high-performance fun mixed with practicality. The most popular Volvo models reflect this, with masterpieces like the Volvo 240 Series topping the list for their dedication to these virtues.


1Source: https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/history/year_stats_search.php

2Source: https://www.volvocars.com/au/about/australia/i-roll-enewsletter/2021/june/model-retrospective-volvo-240-seriesp

3For more information, visit www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/highest-vehicle-mileage

Volvo Cars Richmond - Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)