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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  volvo ownership - 2004 Volvo S80
  By La Vonne Stewart - May 14 - 10:40 pm

  Sitting in this vehicle is comfortable but Ido not like the center console. It is not convenient to have a cup of coffee while driving. And that mickey mouse pop-up console drives me baty as it doesnt hold anything properly. i also dislike the control for the side view mirrors. Your 1986 model was much more efficient. I hate having to hit the right or left first then adjust. Ive had better steering wheel adjustments. Take the 1983 Tyota for instance. I dont really feel I have complete control of this vehicle. It in a way controls me. And I would prefer push button passing gear..like the 91 240for instance. Also theres not enough room for C.D storage nor does it fit properly.

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  Volvo must go - 2000 Volvo S80
  By KCKid - February 24 - 12:50 pm

  Great car if you can afford to keep it in repairs. Dealership must live off of the income from service dept. Transmission replaced at 80,000. Various other expensive problems.

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  What a mistake..... - 1999 Volvo S80
  By hannibal - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Happy for those of you who love your S80, this car has been a nightmare for me. It would be fun to drive, except for anticipating the next expensive repair. The car has been in the shop regularly since new, even had to replace the gas tank (of course, 5K miles AFTER warranty expired). Repeated calls and emails over the years to Volvo NA and dealer regarding quality issues have gone unanswered. I will NEVER buy another Volvo, and tell anyone who will listen about my bad experience(s). A shame, because I was really excited about Volvo when I first purchased this car.

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  This car is Bi-polar!!! - 2001 Volvo S80
  By IzaccBRL - July 1 - 10:00 am

  From day one I realized that this was gonna be the car from hell!!! It looked GREAT on the outside, but there was always a WHOOOOLE lotta issues on the inside! It stayed in the shop more than I was able to drive it! I came to the conclusion that my car was a lemon until I talked to someone else who have the exact same car, & they were having the SAME exact issues that I was experiencing! Finally, the car died on a main street on my way home & I am now left carless, but atleast it lasted about 10 years! :-)

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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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  Never again - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Lisa Lewis - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Its a shame that a top notch mfrg. like Volvo would let the engine quality slip to non existent.Yes, its safe and comfortable, but high maintenance-- unbelieveable. In one year, I spent over $4k in tires (only 2 types fit the rims) and constant repairs i.e. every 10k youhave to clean the electronic throttle (I did twice in a yr) or it will surge. Never again!

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  Disappointing quality - 2004 Volvo S80
  By carluvr - March 26 - 2:00 am

  My S80 T6 spend the better part of its first 2 months in the shop dealing with a heavy vibration at high speeds and the eventual myriad of resulting rattles. This car did not impress upon me the quality one would expect for $46K. An inept service department and crooked dealer certainly didnt help resolve my ill feelings either. After four months of ownership, I am trading mine in (another reflection of Volvos quality is reflected in its re- sale value). Watch out! If you are looking for an impressive machine, at least test drive a Saab 9- 5 Aero.

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  Glad its gone! - 2001 Volvo S80
  By rose - March 24 - 5:00 pm

  I had a 1999 S80 that I loved. it was a dependable car had over 150K when I got rid of it. I bought a used 2001 S80 it had 70K on it. During ownership I experienced lots of problems-transmission, faulty air valves,sway bars, sensory issues, headlights burning out, suspension problems. I was thrilled when I finally sold the car. I had it almost two years, 22K miles and thousands of dollars later! I would not recommend a Volvo car.

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  Dont By A 2000 Volvo S80 T-6 - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Nicole - December 7 - 7:40 am

  This car is horrible. I purchased this car used and I have had problems with ever since. My car is in the shop every 3-4 months for things other than regular maitenance. This car has had two recalls on it since I have owned it. I had to replace the ECU and the power steering rank. Luckily I had the VIP select warranty. I have prolems with the engine stalling while I was in freeway traffice along with my daughter in the car, I have had to have the radiator replaced, amongst other things. I have owned this car for a year and half and its been in the shop so much that I just should have stuck with a Honda Accord.

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  Money-sucking disaster - 2000 Volvo S80
  By anosmic - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Only a repair shop could bear to own this vehicle, and then only if they had infinite access to free replacement parts. I havent had the personal resolve to total up the repair bills we have had on this car, conservatively $15000 in less than 4 years. The design crew Volvo hired for this car were definitely in way over their heads, unless they are getting a cut on the repair bills from the Volvo shops.