Overview & Reviews

Among luxury sedans, the Volvo S80 has always been something of an alternative choice. Through two generations, Volvo's largest sedan has spurned outright luxury and serious performance in favor of cutting-edge safety features and in-cabin technology. And, in a class dominated by rear-drive sedans, Volvo continues to tout the virtues of front-wheel drive, while offering all-wheel drive as an option.

There are plenty of premium-brand sedans that feel more upscale than the S80. There are just as many that surpass its balance and grip on a winding back road. Yet the Volvo S80 is certainly one of the safest cars money can buy. It also boasts some of the industry's most supportive seats.

For luxury sedan buyers whose tastes diverge from the mainstream, the Volvo S80 is an interesting car to consider. And with a price tag that undercuts many European and Japanese-brand competitors, it can be a sensible option as well.

Current Volvo S80
Despite its appearance, the Volvo S80 is only midsize in dimensions, which means it can seat four adults comfortably but doesn't have yards of legroom to spare. It's about the same size as the Acura RL, the competitor it most closely resembles in personality and performance.

There are two versions of the S80. The entry-level S80 3.2 is front-wheel drive and is adequately motivated by a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder with 240 horsepower. Buyers seeking performance more befitting a luxury car will undoubtedly prefer the S80 T6, which uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 300 hp. It uses the same six-speed transmission as the base S80, but power goes to all four wheels via a standard all-wheel-drive system.

Both Volvo S80s come standard with the usual luxury amenities, including leather upholstery, wood trim, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, power-adjustable seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Major options include front/rear park assist, heated front and rear seats, an excellent 12-speaker sound system, a navigation system, a rearview camera, a dual-screen rear entertainment system and (T6 only) a sport-tuned suspension.

On the safety front, the blind spot warning system and collision warning system (bundled with adaptive cruise control) are worthwhile options for long-distance commuters to consider. The City Safety system -- which can detect an impending low-speed collision and then automatically apply the brakes to avoid or minimize it -- is standard. Although the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) is basically a glorified security system, its transponder has a heartbeat sensor to let you know if someone is still in your Volvo after the alarm has been activated.

Useful features like these are the main reasons someone might want to buy a Volvo S80. The utter comfort of the front seats and a reasonable price tag are additional points in the car's favor. In other respects, though, the Volvo S80 comes across as tepid compared to its luxury sedan rivals. It rides comfortably, handles predictably and stops short, but otherwise does little to engage its driver. And although its cabin has all the expected amenities, it lacks the unrestrained elegance and exacting quality of competitors' interiors.

Used Volvo S80 Models
The current S80 represents the second-generation Volvo S80 that debuted for the 2007 model year. Although it didn't change drastically in size or appearance compared to the first-generation model, this newer S80 moved to an all-new platform and adopted a new pair of engines -- the base inline-6 and the V8 -- not to mention an impressive array of safety technology. At the time, the available 4.4-liter V8 produced 311 hp.

The following year saw the addition of the turbocharged inline-6, then rated at 281 hp. Strangely for a luxury sedan, the S80 didn't offer standard Bluetooth or xenon headlamps prior to '09. A mild face-lift with a revised grille (sporting a much larger Volvo logo) and chrome accents took place for '10, which would also be the last year for the V8 model. For 2011, the remaining two versions got slight power increases (the base version from 235 to 240 hp and the T6 from 281 to 300 hp). Not much has changed since, apart from those earlier S80s lacking the current version's newly standard Bluetooth audio, multifunction color monitor and City Safety system.

Driving enthusiasts should also know that the S80 V8 could originally be equipped with a Sport package, which provided 18-inch wheels, Volvo's sport-tuned "Four-C" adaptive suspension, speed-sensitive power steering and ventilated front seats. These items became stand-alone options on the V8 for 2010, while the sport suspension could be had on the T6 via a new Dynamic package.

Prior to this, Volvo sold the first-generation S80 from 1999-2006. This car was similar in dimensions and focus to today's S80. It heralded a new styling direction for Volvo's sedans, as its curvy body lines were a dramatic break from the company's boxy designs of the '80s and '90s. Even today, the original S80 has a Scandinavian coolness that keeps it from looking dated. However, significant concerns about reliability have driven down its resale value -- good for bargain hunters, but not so much for owners.

Volvo offered the S80 with three different engines, two of them turbocharged. The most interesting of these was the T6, a twin-turbo inline six-cylinder rated for 268 horsepower. (Initially, the T6 displaced 2.8 liters; in 2002, Volvo enlarged it to 2.9 liters with no change in output.) Volvo claimed a 6.8-second 0-60 time for the S80 T6, but even with a standard four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, the car felt quicker than that. Serious torque steer was the major knock against the T6 model. Volvo discontinued it after 2005.

From 1999-2004, a naturally aspirated 2.9-liter inline six-cylinder good for 197 hp motivated the base Volvo S80. It, too, was available only with a four-speed automatic and only with front-wheel drive. In 2004, a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder known as the 2.5T joined the lineup. Rated for 208 hp, it offered significantly more torque than the 2.9-liter, while engaging the services of a more sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5T was the only engine that could be had with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. And in '06, it was the only engine you could get on the S80.

Acceleration was modest with either of the lesser engines, but otherwise the driving experience was agreeable in the S80, with a comfortable ride and sure-footed handling. Those seeking added control should look for an S80 with the Four-C adaptive suspension, which was offered as an option on 2004 and later models. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a CD audio system and a telescoping steering wheel were standard throughout the run. Options ran the gamut in the first-gen Volvo S80. In addition to expected items like a navigation system (DVD-based from '02 onward), a high-quality Dolby sound system and xenon headlamps ('02 and up), Volvo offered a rear-seat refrigerator, a dual-screen entertainment system and even a fax machine ('01 only) in certain high-line T6 models, which were called Executive, Elite or Premier depending on the model year.

Still, the best reason to consider buying a used Volvo S80 is its high level of safety. It earned five stars in all government-administered front- and side-impact crash tests, as well as a "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Additionally, a full menu of side airbags and dynamic front head restraints were standard throughout its eight-year run. The one feature to pay attention to is stability control: It was standard on T6 models but optional on all other S80s.

User Reviews:

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  Dont let this happen to you - 1999 Volvo S80
  By LarryA - June 28 - 10:00 am

  A perfectly lovely car to drive when working, coupled with dismal reliability. Every major system has been replaced on this car, some repeatedly, (4 transmissions to date). Repair costs out of warranty exceeded the book value of the car (19K) causing the extended service contract company to deny claims. Ive owned it from new and its been a non-stop nightmare. Many reviews here from folks who bought the car used and drove it 3,000 miles. Just wait!

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  quirky but overall fun to drive - 2002 Volvo S80
  By paul - June 27 - 6:53 pm

  bought this car certified used from a volvo dealership and have had it for a little over a year now and put 20K on it. other than a couple of fuses and other minor electrical problems, i.e., dome light comes on when i hit a pothole, etc, the car rocks! awesome power, maybe too much for front wheel drive but i would never complain about that. i still find the design impressive and this still feels like a sold luxury car. compd to the e class and 5 series, and this totally was no brainer. has been very reliable and never in the shop for anything other than routine maintenance.

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  My used 2000 S80 T6 is great! - 2000 Volvo S80
  By PapaBravo - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought certified pre-owned, and I absolutely love this car. Engineering and function are wonderful, and its a blast to drive the T6. Highly recommend as a used car, the new ones are a bit pricey. (Better to let a rich person eat the first three years of depreciation!)

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  Failures - 2004 Volvo S80
  By William S. Devey - June 19 - 11:20 pm

  This is my second Volvo in 14 years. This model has not been as reliable as my previous 850. Failures to date: tumblers falling out of ignition; passenger mirror simply falling off the car; both trunk support struts broken; ventilation malfunctioning (can be repaired for $1,200 per Volvo dealer); windshield washer not functioning properly (repaired once).

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  Never Again - 2004 Volvo S80
  By Robert Linscott - June 11 - 10:00 am

  S80 2.9 - 2000: This car has been a total headache for our family. The car is always falling apart. Electrical night mare, from lights to locks to sensors. Hub bearings X 5, sunroof falling apart, hub bolts falling out twice while on vacation, broken coils spring, faulty fan motor for radiator, oil flame seal bad, and a bad motor mount. So much for the flagship of Volvo. The S80s market value is poor and still is rated as less than average for the 2004. No wonder the BMW and Mercedes lines are so popular. My first volvo and definitely my last -never, never again. Waltrip Volvo in Nashville area loves to see me, and my checkbook on a regular basis.

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  Head lights - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Concern Volvo lover - June 11 - 1:10 am

  I purchased my vehicle used, and thought I was getting a good deal. Im a volvo lover from the 70s, and I swear by volvos for their dependability etc. However this year of volvo has many bugs to be worked out. For example my headlights would not go out when I turned my car off. I called the dealer, and it took an expensive of well over $600 dollars to correct the problem. Thats not including having to buy a new light switch at a cost of $200.00. I had to replace my gear shift twice because it would break when ever I parked my car on an incline, and tried to shift from park to drive. I will always stick with volvo, but not that year. It seem as though the Volvo creators took a nap.

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  A Near-Perfect Car - 2004 Volvo S80
  By spike2 - June 8 - 5:40 pm

  I never owned a Volvo until I bought this for my wife. It quickly found its way into my hands - a deal I could only swing by agreeing to buy her a new XC70 wagon as a replacement. Neither of us can imagine owning any other brand now. This car is perhaps the most complete vehicle one can own. It has just about everything - unsurpassed safety, good performance, acceptable reliability, room, AWD, the most comfortable seats Ive ever experienced, and an understated elegance. I have around 8000 miles now and have had no problems. Like other reviewers, I now look for any excuse to drive. Despite Fords ownership - this is still a Volvo at heart. I absolutely love it.

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  Who ARE these people? - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Ron B - June 7 - 9:30 pm

  I have a 2001 Volvo S80 2.9 L (non turbo mind you). I have had TROUBLE FREE driving, people. I have replaced VERY LITTLE (sway bar link, tires, rotors, not much else). Yes it has a TIGHT suspension, Volvo did that ON PURPOSE! They totally changed their look from the ol square box and kept the infamous 2.9 L but turned it on its side and made it FWD (felt no different than my previous 960 which was RWD). Love the car, now I go on Edmunds and see estimated rating of 8.0 of 10.0 but much negative press from some of the owners. For the people crying about interior quality, know that the more a car weighs the lower the MPG, so when I see I can get 28 MPG in the safest sedan on the road, I AM OK!!

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  Once Upon A Time - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Once Upon a Time - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 240DL had the car for 17 years, 350,000 miles...purchased the S80 Turbo used and it has been a nightmare, went to the dealer to obtain the cars history and it printed off onto the floor..everything from replaced transmission, Huge electrical problems which constitutes most of the cars ability to function. My 240s outside to the day is still quality while this cars fenders are loose, rubber stripping outside is falling off...Once Upon a Time Volvo was doing it right, for themselves as well as the customers. The biggest problem has been that the company doesnt rep the product. Scary situation unless you have more than sense...

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  Air Bags - 2000 Volvo S80
  By mecop186 - June 2 - 10:06 pm

  Two weeks ago we had a snow storm here in Maine (go figure). Well I got stuck in a driveway. Couldnt get out to save my life! After trying for 40 minutes, I was so pi**ed off, I put my S80 T6 in "Park", got out and slammed the drivers door. I heard a "POoof" sound and, when I turned around, it truly looked like I had installed venetian blinds! The "Side Curtains" went off! Ripped the stitching out of the left "Lumbar" support, split the leather, left a 7" tear in the headliner and I now have foam EVERYWHERE the eye can see! Estimates range from $2,000 to $6,000. Ill be taking it to the mid-range guys. They were very intrigued about the door slamming setting off the air bags.