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 Needs Improvement - 1999 Volvo S80
  By Vics VOLVO - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The car looks wonderful. Feels strong, and has lots of power. The suspencion is definatley not enough to handle the t6 power. Interio is wongerful and spacious, and looks great. interior needs better designed cup holders. A Suggested all wheel drive versin would be exelent.

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  Lemon Alert - 1999 Volvo S80
  By jennifer - May 26 - 4:36 pm

  I bought this car right after my Son was born because I wanted a safe, spacious and comfortable car. 2 days later it wouldnt start and its been in and out of the shop over 10 times since. I have poured thousands and thousands of dollars into it and it continues to have more and more things wrong with it. I just last week had a new transmission put in and it has about 6 new things that need to be repaired. There is constantly an emission light/ check engine/service required light on and no one can ever seem to fix it for more than a few days. It has been one heartache after another. I would not recommend this car for anyone who wants to remain sane.

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  Bad Ergonomics - 1999 Volvo S80
  By GaryOwen - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The S80 dashboard layout & ergonomics are a nightmare! so many little identical or nearly identical knobs for different features. Inst panel lights fade in bright light. "DRLs" are really headlights on at full strength - too bright & burns out bulbs real fast. The turbo sucks - too much lag. Give me an honest V8 (or even a full powered six). The power steering is overly sensitive. The traction control is a joke & gets you stuck in the snow even with premium snow tires. The only plus is a crashworthy design. I doubt I will ever buy another Volvo. What a screw deal!!

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  Best Volvo yet - 2001 Volvo S80
  By kenvolvo - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Having owned Volvos since 1972, finding the S80 to be so comfortable to drive demonstrated Volvos continued improvement. Though the improvement from my 1990 760 was not as striking as I thought 10 years would bring. Could be because I loved that 760.

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  beware of the S-80 - 1999 Volvo S80
  By J Morgan - April 26 - 5:33 am

  I just traded in my S-80 on an Acura. I will not own another Volvo. The S-80 was wonderful when it ran but was the most unreliable car I have owned. In 36 months, I had over 20 problems over and above scheduled maintenance. Most seemed to be related to computer problems, and fuel pumps. The car would die at inopportune times. Sometimes it would restart - sometimes not. I lost faith in what should have been a premium automobile.

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  Looks Good - Didt Last - 2000 Volvo S80
  By Gator104 - April 25 - 1:26 pm

  We bought this used with 39,000 miles. It has low profile tires which was a mistake as the noise from them is almost unbearable. Had the front suspension replaced at 87,000 (ride still noisy even after that). Had the sunfoof guides replaced due to roof rattle. Also, light bulbs burned out on a routine basis - a big pain. Little trim items kept breaking that had to be replaced - also a pain. THe radio/CD was of poor quality with poor sound and reception. Dont know if the lack of quality was the fault of Volvo or Ford cheapening things once they took over. Resale value does not hold at all. Finally dumped this dog at 89,000 miles and bought a used Lexus RX300, which is wonderful.

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  Very nice vehicle - 2005 Volvo S80
  By karl Ripple - April 19 - 3:10 pm

  This car is replacing a 2002 S-60 2.4. It out classes the S-60 in all categories except handling through turns.

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  good luxary car - 2003 Volvo S80
  By ali kayani - April 14 - 2:00 am

  It is very comfortable and roomy has good features for its price. The base 194 horsepower engine could benefit from more power and torque. It has pretty decent gas mileage which is wondrfull. The car at this price should have standard leather and sunroof which should not be optional. Also the wheels and tire should standard be 17 inch not 16 inch. The suspension is good for comfort which is great but could use more sportiness accuracy of bmw 5 series. Also the car should have standard xenon lights and the interior could use more wood and instrument panel is too plain could use tips from lexus, bmw or audi

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  Is it the dealer or is it the car??? - 2001 Volvo S80
  By Hokie in NC - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my S80 in 2001. The stereo leaves something to be desired. It drove great for the first 20K miles, but then the problems started. I have it in the shop AT LEAST once a month for repairs (mainly light bulbs). The scheduled maintenance is ridiculously expensive – almost $300 for an oil change!!! I have had a ton of problems with the Dealer in New Bern, North Carolina – ranging from rude treatment to incompetent repairs. To make matters worse, the car is starting to “loosen up.” At 45K miles, the car feels as old as my 200K mile Toyota I traded in for it! Don’t even think about this car unless you have extra money to burn!

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  Dont Cheat Yourself... - 2003 Volvo S80
  By morgieboy - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Dont cheat yourself with the 2.9 Spend the extra 4500 for the T6 package.