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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  My 1999 S80 T6 has been terrific!!! - 1999 Volvo S80
  By SamanthaCalifornia - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my T6 a couple years ago and now have 68,000 miles on it. It has been a total joy to own. I did have one problem when I first bought it but that was it. The dealer did upgrade the cars software and like I said, its been a joy. Pretty much trouble free. No complaints at all. I recommend this car very highly!

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  S80 3.2 a great car - 2008 Volvo S80
  By KEN WALL - June 5 - 12:53 pm

  This car is a great value for mid 30s range. Its quality is second to none. This is my second Volvo and it is really a tight and great riding car

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  Its Wonderful - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Radio Flyer - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 1999 S80 for about four years now. It has been wonderful. Definately the most enjoyable car Ive ever owned. For those of you who have had troble with yours, let me help you..... you just need to get the free software upgrade that Volvo released. The dealer does it for free. I too had some problems the first year but after the new software, not a single issue. Thats all you need! You only need to have them do it once and its there for good! This is really a great car to own!

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  Fabulous Car, When It Is Working - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Sportscarnut - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional performance/style for the $. Nothing else competes with it in this price range. Unfortunately, it has HORRIBLE reliability. In 18 months the following was replaced: motor mount, ABS control unit, turn signal switch, brake rotors, oxygen sensor, mass flow sensor, door trim, upper strut mount (2 times), oil return line, strut assembly, ignition switch. Parts failed about every 2 months, and the parts always had to be special ordered. I was fortunate that it was under warranty. Be very careful about buying one used.

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  I LOVE MY S80 - 2004 Volvo S80
  By TORONNO - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT, MY S80 IS GREAT, ILOVE IT , VERY NICE,GOOD PRICE, GOOD VALUE, GOOD CAR.

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  Great! - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Jim Howards - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I first checked out other cars such as Cadillac, Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes Benz. I didnt think Volvo could compare with such companies, but it did. I feel safe when driving and like a nascar driver because this car has lots of power! It is great in highway driving. No trouble getting up to speed and passing is a breaze too. City driving with this car is fun. My golf buddies have plenty of room in the back. Trunk space is plentyful when I am hauling 4 golf bags and boxes of golfshoes in there.

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  Have Enjoyed this Car - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased my 2000 Volvo S80 less than two years ago with 97500 miles on it. I have been taking care of it, and it has been taking car of me. Disregarding preventative maintenance, the only parts I have had to change were the oxygen sensors (which were supposed to be changed at 100000 miles) and the battery. Many people complain that the repairs are expensive, which may be true for someone who for someone who feels bound to the dealer for all repairs. However if you are willing shop around for labor and parts, you can make the repair and maintenance experience comparable to other cars.

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  Stay away - 2000 Volvo S80
  By No More Volvos - May 10 - 4:36 am

  This car is terrible and I had chronic problems (sway bars, electrical system, power steering, ABS, electrical, etc. I have had practically all the same problems that everyone else who has rated this car has had. Repairs and routine maintenance are extremely expensive yet with this caliber of car you wouldnt mind paying once in a while if the reliability was better. I bought the car in 2000 with 5,000 miles on it and traded it this year with 47,000 miles. I traded on my first car other than a Volvo in 20 years.

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  Its a sleeper - 2008 Volvo S80
  By BJS - May 6 - 8:43 pm

  Ive looked over the internet an have reviewed many comparison among so call luxury sedans and the comments shared here, and what I am finding is that most people really have not driven the new S-80, 287hp, AWD,T6. I have had mine now for 19 months. If you desire sport and comfort its a excellent choice. However, not many autos can compare to the ride the Lexus 350S in comfort, but the Lexus lacks speed, handling and power. It also is a (front wheel drive)car. However, the combination of power, and torque will change your mind about the S-80 AWd/T6, it will run with a 7 series BMW. Do you hear me!!!!!!!!!!!! Two months ago I raced a 7 series and KEPT PACE, UP TO 120MPH for 100 yds

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  great car - 2006 Volvo S80
  By talor jennings - April 28 - 12:43 am

  great handling, nice lines and solid feel make this a great automobile. everyone should try this one.