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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  Nice car - 2004 Volvo S80
  By hombredeplata - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my second T6. The first was a 2000 that I leased. I am buying the 2004. I have found many subtle improvements. Car continues to feel substantial. I drive almost 100 freeway miles daily. Feel safe. Good handling. Great look.

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  Volvos rock - 2002 Volvo S80
  By volvo babe - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall I love this car, and I am very happy that they came out with the matching trim.

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  Very Comfortable - 2008 Volvo S80
  By Matt Bernsen - June 28 - 10:46 am

  I am very impressed with this car. Its the most comfortable car Ive ever driven (most recent cars were Passat & Murano). Very elegant, simplistic interior, eye-catching exterior and solid construction. My only complaint so far is the fuel consumption (20 mpg avg - high for a V6)

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  I like my S80 - 2003 Volvo S80
  By S80Jim - June 24 - 2:00 am

  After 7 months, I have been impressed by this car. Very comfortable to drive. The exterior looks set this car apart since it is not another "me-too" look. Interior is well laid out and seats are very comfortable - even on long drives.

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  Loved the Car, but it has not lasted - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Aussies - June 21 - 10:56 pm

  All Volvo maintenance & service performed by Volvo. Taken for multiple service ref limp mode issue, hesitations, and brakes slipping driving from cold start. Oct2008 in limp mode then stopped dead after driven 40 miles. Towed to Volvo, Georgetown TX. Kept one week & said nothing wrong. Feb2009, after driven less than 2000 miles, took to Volvo Austin TX. S80 hesitated entering the service bay. Volvo wants $4000+ to repair right & left front spring seats, Hood shocks, Front brake pads, Front brake rotors, Four tie rods, Realignment, Lower right engine mount, Both lower control arms, Lower engine air guide, Transmission pan gasket, engine breather box, ETM dirty. How can all this be wrong now?

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  Very nice Car - 2008 Volvo S80
  By First Time Volvo Dri - June 13 - 8:16 pm

  I never thought I would be the owner of a Volvo, but fell in love with the safety features, and torquey engines. Although critized I find the ride quite smooth and as pleasant as my wifes Mercedes. The car feels like it floats, and such is not as engaging as BMW, infiniti or alike. The car rides like a cruiser. The car has great passing power, but feels a little slow off the line. The interior is all soft to touch and feels like reserved luxury. You can tell all controls were put in place with safety in mind. The Navi is placed on top of the dash and is operated via steering wheel controls to minimize driver distraction. All audio/car settings can only be adjusted when the car is stopped.

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  Luv it and leave it ! - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Mark - June 10 - 8:10 pm

  Enjoy driving my S-80 but beginning at 55K miles repairs have been constant. Now have 100 and have to sell because it is costing me $1000 per quarter for repairs. The mechanic said that the items needing to be fixed are not common problems. Great. I cant wait until the common problems occur. I hate the idea of selling but my comfortable car is no longer dependable. If dependability could be improved, I would buy another one. i.e. wheel hub $700, throttle $1200 a/c next last 4 months in repair. Sorry Volvo.

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  Great luxury car - 2009 Volvo S80
  By kamenal - June 7 - 9:40 am

  I have considered a 5 series BMW or a Mercedes E class, however when Volvo came up with $6,125 rebate last June, I could not ignore it. A Volvo S80 is a fast, supremely comfortable and well designed car. Perfect highway cruiser. Not as much of a drivers car as a BMW, but then again, you can relax and enjoy a smooth ride and responsive engine.

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  Great Car - 2005 Volvo S80
  By Richard L. Turner - May 29 - 6:23 pm

  My Volvo S80 is a very comfortable car to drive. The neck and back support are the best I have ever had in a car. I can fold the back seats down for transporting goods and groceries. The car has a great pickup at about 270 horsepower. I own three volvos and will stick with volvo as I feel they are one of the safest cars on the road as well as being powerful and comfortable. The outside style has dramatically improved since the old box shaped volvos. I cant ask for a better car. The service dept. at West County Volvo has always been friendly and efficient. Proud to say I dont have to take my volvo in very often.

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  LOVE IT! - 2001 Volvo S80
  By kristak107 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my T6 for 2.5 years and loved every second of it! The comfort, style, and features are fantastic. Since I have two little boys, I really appreciate all the safety features. That being said, every car has a few annoying problems. My turn signal works only occasionally-I just stick my hand out the window and use my bike signals. The rubber trim under the pass. door refuses to stay put. The cup holders are less than great. Maintenience costs! On the plus side, I just discovered that the front passenger seat folds down. I can buy 8 lumber, slide it all the way to the front and close the trunk!