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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  Better than expected - 2002 Volvo S80
  By cb - June 7 - 6:50 pm

  I was familiar with the bad rap the early S80s received and bought a 2002 anyway for my wife. It was under warranty and I figured the bugs should be worked out by now. So far the car has been wonderful to drive and own. Weve had zero problems and my wife absolutely loves it. The 2.9 NA motor has decent power but is by no means a hot rod. Fuel economy is superb for such a large car and it is extremely smooth and quiet.

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  Better than expected - 2002 Volvo S80
  By cb - June 7 - 5:10 pm

  I was familiar with the bad rap the early S80s received and bought a 2002 anyway for my wife. It was under warranty and I figured the bugs should be worked out by now. So far the car has been wonderful to drive and own. Weve had zero problems and my wife absolutely loves it. The 2.9 NA motor has decent power but is by no means a hot rod. Fuel economy is superb for such a large car and it is extremely smooth and quiet.

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  06 S80 2.5L Turbo - 2006 Volvo S80
  By caniacfan - May 8 - 6:12 pm

  Bought this car when it had 60000 miles on it and now has 124000 miles. Very happy with car. My wife loves it. She drives it more than I. Had to have AC condenser replaced at 119000 miles. Headlight connectors go bad and have had to replace headlights more frequently than expected. Other than those issues it has been normal maintenance. Get 24 MPG on average and 28 on hwy.

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  Wish wed read the reviews first - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Mrs. D - April 14 - 10:50 am

  Loved the car overall but our 94 Jeep Cherokee with 230k miles is more dependable. After several repairs of one kind or another, she started hesitating. Trusted mechanic said it was throttle body covered by extended warranty so take it to them for free replacement. Local dealer charged $100 for diagnostic and said it needed $3000 head gasket. Not so local dealer charged $100 for diagnostic and said it needed a $2300 head gasket. Car currently sitting at trusted mechanics lot waiting for retired Volvo mechanic who agrees its the throttle body to come fix it. Its been 5 months. Tomorrow were buying a Lexus.

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  Its a great car!! - 2002 Volvo S80
  By Verysafecar - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Volvo S80 late last year and I really do love it. It is the safest car I have driven, and so-o-o much better than my old S70. It is wonderful for long trips, although I wish that there was more leg room in the back. I love the dual seat heaters, too, and finally, they put the radio controls on the wheel and vents in the back!! I cant imagine that anyone who buys one would be disappointed

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  A stinker amongst the good ones, I guess - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Guswriter - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive read and heard about all the great, long-lived Volvos. Mine will not be one. Since the very day I picked it up, nothing but troubles. Leaks, squeeks, electrical problems, and a lot of time spent in the shop, including a complete transmission replacement. Fortunately for me, this was purchased as a Certified Used Car ... so its all covered until I hit 100,000 miles. Well, I still pay 50 bucks everytime I visit the shop. Dealer has been fantastic through it all, though.

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  Beautiful But Unreliable - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Fed up - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car, but its in the shop waaaayyyyy too much. Since owning it,Ive replaced the power steering, throttle, bushings (twice), CD player, fuel cap (twice - and Im still getting the message "fuel filler cap open/loose") both side lights (broken clamps), moonroof switch and other switches. I have an annoying squeak in my steering wheel as well as the drivers seat. I love the way the car drives, rides and looks, but for the $$$? My warranty is up and Ill be trading it in for something else - probably a Passat or Audi.

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  What Youd Expect From Volvo - 2006 Volvo S80
  By brad - March 3 - 11:30 pm

  This car is underpowered, but typical of most turbos there is a lag from pressing the gas until the turbo kicks in. This car does better at higher speeds - think of it as a highway cruiser. I drive mostly highway using premium fuel and average 23 to 24 mpg. There is a 2nd A/C outlet on the center console facing backseat that is good for folks needing more than 1 outlet (just snake your cord between console and seat if you need to be tidy). Paint finish is excellent. Interior comfort is excellent. Great value.

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  Mixed Results with the Volvo S80 - 2003 Volvo S80
  By Ronald Jay - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a good car but with some notable problems. The car failed to start when almost brand new and the dealer asked if I had another set of Volvo keys on the same keychain! It appears that their keys contain a microchip that has caused starting problems if together(this was not the problem in my case and they couldnt diagnose the cause). The dealer never mentioned this problem when I bought the car. Windshield wipers are weak and the car is not nearly as good as my old 1997 Saab 9000 in the snow. I have had difficulty making it up some very low inclines with very little snow on the ground. Comfortable seating in front and back.

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  Headlights crack - 2003 Volvo S80
  By headlights - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I do love my S80. I have two complaints. I need more lumber support, and the headlights keep cracking!!! I had one crack in April, and figured somebody hit it. The other one cracked two days ago. That time it was just parked in the sun. If you have had this problem, or any other, seriously, dont just post to this board. Go to WWW.NHTSA.COM and enter a complaint. If that transmission slips and the brakes fail, THEY need to know about it.