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:

• 

  Not a fan - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Geir81 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought 1yr ago in Tewksbury Ma (Americar)-for $3000 more than they advertised it (web). I put 10k miles on the car in 1 yr. w/n 1 week-check engine&service lights on. Americar turned off.The lights returned after 5 days. Americar was not capable of fixing. It was above them (they admitted). Front/rear stabilizers had to b replacd w/n 1st month, needed replacing 8 mo. later. Steering grinded. Control module 4 steering wheel (radio-wipers-BLINKERS- HEADLIGHTS)shutdown. Going down steep hill-noises like car about 2 fall apart. Began revving very high @ stoplights. Engine shut down in park after revving & jolting. Last straw. Traded car in 1 week l8r.

• 

  Great Machine - 2007 Volvo S80
  By jett - February 11 - 5:33 pm

  The S80 Volvo is a great car. Although I have only had it for two weeks, bought it used, it runs perfectly fine. The ride is smooth and the response of the different modes (comfort, sport, advance) are great. The seat are extremely comfortable, the gas is great for this size vehicle and the ride is ice smooth. I receive compliments every where I go. Some say it looks like a Benz. Its sporty yet elegant at the same time. Great Job Volvo!

• 

  2010 T6 is a real sleeper - drive one! - 2010 Volvo S80
  By Chicago T6 - February 8 - 6:03 am

  Considered all the usual suspects from BMW, MB, Lexus, and Audi, and liked the S80 T6 more than any of them. It has a couple quirks, but doesnt every car? The I6 turbo is very responsive, makes great noises and is super smooth - much more so than the competitors V6 engines, and on par with the turbo I6 from BMW. I have the dynamic package which really creates a great handler, without undue harshness, and it really does look more stylish and aggressive with the lowered suspension and package specific wheels. Great car!

• 

  Great Car Until It Breaks - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Sportscarnut - February 6 - 2:10 am

  Had my S80 T6 for 18 months from 22K to 40K miles. During that time, the following failed or broke: upper strut mounts (2), oxygen sensor, mass flow sensor, motor mount, lower control arm, strut assembly, front brake rotors, ABS control unit, turbo oil return line, dashboard clock, ignition switch, turn signal switch, headlight assembly, exterior trim piece, door trim piece, etc., etc. Additionally, when I sold it, one of the turbos was blowing oil and the transmission shifts had gotten mushy (neither of which the dealership was willing to correct). Other than that, it was the best car you could ever own. It was fast, handled great, and was very comfortable. It also got about 20 mpg.

• 

  this car sucks!!!! - 2002 Volvo S80
  By stupidstupidstupid - February 6 - 2:00 am

  2000 S80 2.9,This car is the freshest HELL ever! Electrical problems out the wazoo! Three tow truck rides in six months!! It is now going bye bye!!! Do not buy this car, run fast and far and buy japenese. It has been a complete nightmare. Pretty though. Kinda like the good looking husband that makes alot of money so its okay if he beats the crap out of you every once in a while. Pure HELL.

• 

  Never again... - 2000 Volvo S80
  By lemonvolvo - February 2 - 6:40 am

  Bought 4 years old with 27k on it. 55k miles now. Know why the low miles, spent most of its life in for repairs. I spent $1200 on new shift solenoid per Volvo, which didnt fix 2nd to 3rd gear shudder. Then told me only remedy is $3500 new tranny. Didnt do that yet. Numerous phantom electrical problems. Repeated trips to clear codes, with a minimum $50 charge each time. If you are thinking of buying this model year, run away as fast as you can. See message boards and reviews. Ford didnt even own Volvo yet, so cant lay blame there. But it is a GM tranny, go figure. Will never buy another Volvo, have owned 17 vehicles in 35 years, this is worst buy far, more problems than all others combined

• 

  Very Happy S80 T6 Camper - 2000 Volvo S80
  By dixiebullfrog - January 31 - 2:33 pm

  Three years & 70,000 miles later, I still look forward to driving it to work (70mi RT) as much as on road trips! Turbo is much more responsive than basic engine (drove both before buying). Passengers are always surprised at excellent road ride, extremely comfortable seats, and excellent interior layout. Acceleration is phenominal from a dead start or passing on 2-lane roads. HU-801 Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound system - WOW! Sound of CDs is concert- hall quality. No cassette player; you wont miss it. Read all the reviews at this site - read between the lines. Look for the real problem; many times it is the repair facility/dealer or someone who hasnt read the owners manual.

• 

  Not bad, but would not buy another one - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Scott C - January 31 - 2:00 am

  My S80 T6 has not had many problems. A steering recall, and replacement CD/Radio has been all. I put in synthetic oil on a regular basis and rarely take it to the dealer. When you pull the radio to fix a stuck CD, you have to get the air bag service light reset - can not do this normally. This has always been a pain at the dealer. Although I have not had problems, I count my blessings as others have. With 50K miles + on my car, the car seems "loose", as panels shake regularily. Trunk space is great, it fits 4 people well, but there must be better cars out there for $40K (2000 price). I have no real issues, but would not buy another S80.

• 

  2010 S80, trying another Volvo - 2010 Volvo S80
  By Jon - January 27 - 10:40 pm

  I have about 4500 on my black Volvo S80. This is my second Volvo, I traded in a 03 S60 on this one. So far so good. Much improved over the S60 in terms of build quality, and materials. Only complaints are the engine noise at cruising speeds, seems intrusive for a car that costs this much. I drove Audi, Volkswagen, and Lexus and and went with Volvo for the price. I am happy with the choice.

• 

  Lemon - 2000 Volvo S80
  By 1bigagent - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The S-80 is avery comfortable and good looking veh, but it has been the most unreliable veh I have ever owned, in the last 3 years the car has been in the shop over a dozen times, and for weeks at a time. The head gasket blew at 4000 miles, the electrical system, a nightmare, the transmission does not function properly. All of this Volvo acknowleges, but they will not step up to the plate and get me out of a lease that only has 3 months remaining. My car is currently in the shop and has been for the past week and a half. I will never buy another Volvo!