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:

• 

  nice car but a few headaches - 2000 Volvo S80
  By arnold becker - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Its a nice design but alot of quality problems. For example; The sun roof rattled. I had the hardware replaced .It still rattles. The steering wheel had some play in it after 10,000 miles. Took it to the dealer and had it tightened. Sometimes it is hard to start (extended cranking). I took it to the dealer.They couldnt find the problem. Still gives us problems. The little sliding door in the dash snapped in two. Dealer charged us $50 to replace it. Car is sluggish, feels like a sitting duck on the expressway.Plus poor rear window visiblity. I feel safer in our smaller BMW 325xi.

• 

  Prepare Yourself :-( - 2000 Volvo S80
  By shouldveboughtahonda - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Had Hondas my whole life and wanted to move up. Mistake. Great car if you can get it cheap and know a Volvo technician. Currently at 68K miles. Transmission replaced at 52K. Battery died during that time. Needs new rotors ($$$) each 40K miles. Replaced throttle control unit and sensor. Countless new lightbulbs. Replaced ignition antenna. Volvo Service at Dealerships are great......they have to be! READ EDMUNDS MAINTENANCE GUIDE for TSBs!!! Next car will be a Honda.

• 

  Just too many problems... - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Craig1024 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I got mine in November 1999. I have not had 6 months of trouble free motoring since then. The electrical problems simply wont quit. The check engine light has a mind of its own; you never know whether its going to be on or off. I have also had power steering, washer and turn signal problems.

• 

  Volvo for life? Not hardly- - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Ellen C - May 18 - 2:00 am

  To those of you who dont understand complaints many have written-count yourself lucky. I bought mine pre- certified with 18k miles, and 2k miles later the nightmare began. Too many trips to the garage for problems with the emission,electrical and brake systems,etc. Just towed it because it wouldnt go out of park(cable problem). Love driving it when its not in the shop every 6 weeks,but it has to go! Contacted dealership-value on trade-in is less than half what I paid 2 yrs ago. So much for Volvos retaining their value! Dealership admitted 99 model was released into production before it was ready. My advice-stay away-with or without the extended warranty.

• 

  Beautiful but Unreliable - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Byron Elliott - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I must preface my comments by saying that this is a beautiful, fun car to drive. It has been a maintenance nightmare, however. Multiple systems have required repair; Leaking radiator, broken motor mounts (2), power steering cylinder failure, leaking turbo oil lines, faulty battery, computer problems, exterior lights falling out - to list a few. Low profile tires should be avoided on this heavy car. -Potholes will bubble the sidewalls even at low speeds. We will certainly avoid Volvos in the future after this experience.

• 

  Great cruiser, but starti/stopping? - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Coats - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful inside and out and great highway power but has PLENTY of quirks. Worst of which is the front wheel drive/traction control. When you try to accelerate on anything but perfect pavement and in a straight line, it kicks in VERY abruptly. Transmission gets confused, clunks on some downshifts. AC controls are more confusing than ever. How hard is it to design this? Ditto for the Windows. Bought "certified" from the dealer. Paid a premium for this but feel I need it with the complexities of the turbo/transmission. Hope it is as reliable as my old 740 Turbo which I had for 10 years trouble free.

• 

  Not as nice as the price - 2009 Volvo S80
  By dino k. - March 17 - 10:23 pm

  I compared this Volvo to a Buick Lucerne w/a Northstar V-8 & found its mileage substantially less & ride much harsher. Trim is very stately & exterior is very stylish. Good trunk room & overall quality very good but the vehicle is a step below the Buick in ride & performance, especially the lower mileage was a surprise.

• 

  Pleased, but need excitement - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Jan - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the title fool you, I have had a very good experience with this car. It is a bit sluggish of the mark. Handles very well, a good sport tire is critical. Its styling is "old" for me. I also see many older women driving these cars. Not that there is anything wrong with older women, I prefer a more stylish car that is more aggressive. Improve the cup holders in the front seats.

• 

  first and last volvo - 2001 Volvo S80
  By first and last volvo - March 12 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I loved the bang for the buck on this vehicle. While not as luxurious as Mercedes C-Class it is larger and less expensive. A better value then the BWM 5 series and Audi A6 as well. I love driving the car when it is not in the shop! Fifty days and counting in the first 27 months of ownership!!! Lets see ... the seat & mirror memory goes crazy (6 visits and counting), the sunroof wont stay sealed (3 visits), the FM and AM reception is poor (2 visits), several headlamps have burned out, strut mounts, a few misc. items, and by the way engine pinging under a load is appairently "normal" even when using the recommended high octane fuel.

• 

  Beware of 99 S80 T6 - 1999 Volvo S80
  By jjc - February 23 - 12:50 am

  Have had three transmissions in three years, new mass air flow meter, five wheel alignments (wont stay aligned), transmission line solenoids, torque mount bushings, several transmission software fixes, lower ball joints, and other relatively minor problems -- all from Volvos flagship sedan. Am now facing a $900 bill for a new electronic throttle module.