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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  Waste of money - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Jenn - January 24 - 10:23 pm

  I bought this car used 4 months ago and have brought it back to the dealer 3 times for repairs including faulty locks, broken heater fan, shocks, constant stalling while driving, gloppy engine oil, throttle replacement. Its a total lemon. Dont buy one!

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  Its a Love/Hate Thing - 1999 Volvo S80
  By WaterGirl - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought used from a reputable Volvo dealer and I love the comfort and performance. But, weve had a lot of problems. A software upgrade to fix all ills: Been there, done that-more than once. The radiator, alternator, battery, engine mounts (twice), some seal thing($$), and the fire box(big $$!)have all been replaced. A rear door has been fixed and lots of small things. Notably some finish work is cheap/marker lights fall out, levers and covers breaking, etc. Very disappointing at 50K but Id like another one, I hear theyve worked out the bugs. (The service guy whispered that the transmissions have been problematic, as well $$$!!)

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  Loved it! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By nwkent25 - December 24 - 1:10 am

  I bought mine wrecked with 70k miles-- my dad owns a shop and he fixed it and then we moved across the country. It does excellent in bad snow, even with the winter driving off. I had no issues with this car whatsoever. My only issue was that parts cost so much and you really have to take it to the dealer for just an oil change because no one carries the filter. Its pretty fast for a full size sedan and mine got 25-28 mpg. The stereo sound is pretty awesome for just being factory. If brand new ones werent so expensive I would buy another.

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  Great ride - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Paul in Atlanta - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I believe I own the best European car on the market. Maybe not the best in every category, but definitely the biggest bang for the buck. I love the ride, safety, and the awesome reliability. In 73000 miles, Ive had a position light burn out-- thats it. I love this car from the outside in. I bought my S80 with 6 miles on it, and I plan on driving it until the odometer stops turning and the wheels fall off. And last but not least, Ive experienced very competent Volvo after sale service.

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  Luv that R - 2004 Volvo S80
  By zen823 - December 14 - 9:20 am

  IÂ’ve owned my Volvo S60R for a short time, but I love this car. ItÂ’s a blast to drive, a sports car in a family sedans skin.

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  Nightmare - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Nightmare - December 11 - 9:00 pm

  I bought it used in 04 and have regretted it ever since. Im looking at Japanese cars to finally replace this clunker. I got it with 41K miles and 10K miles later I had to replace a number of things. The biggie was rebuilt transmission at 73K miles; since then it drives like a truck with its 13 mpg. The night mirror chemical dissipated soon thereafter, and now the car lurches to the left whenever I brake. Volvo mechanics have been unable to solve this one.

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  Almost nearly - 2000 Volvo S80
  By CRITIC - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Have owned one Porsche, two BMWs, one Mercedes, and now two VOLVOs. I have enjoyed driving this S80 as much as any owned except the Porsche. I bought the S80 because of looks,room,perfomance, and reliability of the previous VOLVO 850. Everything as expected EXCEPT reliability. ELectrical problems, front suspension, transmission,A/C,power window, radio, brakes. This car is maintenance intensive and it is a shame because when everything is working correctly it is a great car. Won,t own another

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Alanruns - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Buy this car! I bought my S80 T6 brand new back in 1999. I drive a lot and Im less than 1000 miles from the 100,000 mile mark. All I can say is this car is incredible. In the 100,000 miles, Ive had one minor repair covered by warranty. This has been better than any other car Ive owned. The car is still tight without any annoying squeeks or rattles. Im not acustomed to keeping a car this long but Im not parting with my T6. I cant find the words to express how comfortable the seats are on long trips. The power and performance is mind blowing with the twin turbo. Not a single complaint with this one.

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  finicky ride - 2007 Volvo S80
  By 10gallon - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my S80 (V8) from a local Volvo dealer and overall have been quite pleased with the car. I didnt really consider any other semi-luxury vehicle, as I was a valet at a major casino in the past and really got to experience everything under the sun. However, be prepared to constantly be addressing small issues, this car is very finicky. Premium fuel is a must to avoid "mis-fires" cauing the check engine light to come on. The TPMS system requires at least 38lbs or it will activate. Rear-view mirror was recalled by Volvo and the new one seems just as bad (wont stay put). Also, this car should have Sirius and Bluetooth as standard equipment. Dont get me wrong, I would buy again!

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  Take the plunge!!! - 2002 Volvo S80
  By gertdog8028 - November 28 - 7:46 pm

  Great car to drive. Very stylish, easy to control, and great interior comforts. Power from a standing start is not a problem and car is very steady at highway driving speeds.