2009 Volvo S80 User Reviews

Pros

Anonymous Exterior Styling. Very confortable seats. Detect cars in blind spot.

Cons

Only had the car for 3 month, can't think of any.

Purchased As New

I wanted a full size luxury sedan that isn't too flashy, and this car is just perfect for me. Lots of useful features. The car even tells you if there's a car next to you in your blind spot and warns you if you drive too close and didn't break.

Pros

Smooth turbo, best seats ever, killer AWD

Cons

The navigation system belongs in the 1990s; no manual transmission yet again.

Purchased As New

The best Volvo sedan yet. The AWD wipes out the torque steer you might expect. Turbocharging has always delivered a crazy amount of torque for Volvo and I would always choose a turbo charged engine over a non-turbo. This is the only reason to stay away from the entry level 3.2 model. It is absolutely the most boring vehicle to drive. Another regret is a very typical Volvo gripe; no manual transmision. If Volvo ever wants to break into BMW, Audi, and Acura territory they are going to have to bring the manual transmission option back. I own a 2006 C70 T5 with the manual transmission and it is fantastic! I strongly recommend putting this sedan on your list; Volvo has the potential to really regain the sports sedan segment with the S80....read morehide

Pros

Probably the best value for money in the market.

Cons

The only one I can think of is that it doesn't have one of the German badges!

Purchased As New

Upgraded my 3.2 S80 to buy this one and am not regretting passing on a BMW 530 at all. The car is comfortable almost to a fault, drives and handles brilliantly and is seriously powerful for a luxury family sedan. Active cruise control, coollision warning system, blind spot indication and ventilated seats are some of the toys it comes with, plus the usual safety features you would expect from a Volvo.

To me, this car leaves very little to be desired!...read morehide

Pros

Good performace, good mileage, nice handling, great traction control

Cons

Bluetooth has a few issues

Purchased As New

I had an older S80. This is a vast improvement. I did get the 3.2 with front wheel drive. The performance from the 3.2 is at least very good and it runs very well on regular gas. The new traction control is great. Ride is firm but not hard. Basically a great value. Love the car. The integrated Bluetooth is new this year and seems to have some behaviors that are not predictable. This is a early 2009 and probably needs a download of the newer BlueTooth. One of the nice things about Volvo's is that you can reprogram almost every part of the cars electronics and actually change the performance of the car....read morehide

Pros

All season safety, comfort, and performance.

Cons

Could use a bit more rear seat leg room.

This is our sixth new Volvo and it is by far the best! The all wheel drive, integrated Bluetooth, and Dynaudio entertainment system make it incredible for trips across town or across the country. I'd put the T6 up against any BMW 5 Series in terms of comfort, reliability, and overall driveability....read morehide

Pros

Great look turn heads. Smooth as a down pillow. What a great piece of engineering! Dependable!

Cons

2nd one! Blows away the Benz and the A8 Audi.

Purchased the V8 loaded. What a great auto. Was a Benz fan for years until the changes in the body styles got ugly and was in and out of garages monthly.(300E & 300 SL) The Volvo only goes in for basic service. The quiet ride and performance especially what is under the hood is an absolute thrill. Lots of "up and gone" with very good gas mileage.(18 in the city and 24 on the open road.
Volvo S80 is one of those autos that you just sit back and enjoy the ride. It almost drives itself. The only negative I had was the tires that come standard with the car. I always take the tires off as soon as I receive the car (both S80's I have owned) and put on a set of Toyo high performance tires ( all weather radials). Stay away of the winter snow package with rims offered. The tires are not durable and are really not dependable. Beside that, it will be your best car you have ever owned....read morehide

Pros

It's the new 'P3' chassis as instructed by the parent company. The 'P2' chassis cars are 100% Volvo

Cons

Starting to look too 'Ford-like' for my taste. I've owned Volvos since 1983. Ford should leave.

As the owner of an '01 Euro XC-70 (P2), '92 Euro 854 GTAS (850/s-70), and '83 240 GL (antique status now, 290K miles). They all have been reliable until the 2002's where the 'other' influence began to interfere with Sweden's designs to make them cheaper.

My Euro XC-70 T6 is the nicest one I've owned (due to general improvements in technology), but the current 'ownership' has taken technology and reduced the R&D budget, reducing what we in the US get... Go to Europe and pick up a Euro. It's cheaper too!

The XC-70 and S-80 share the same chassis, with minor changes and the obvious sedan vs wagon.

I would like to get an S-80 now, but think the only way to get a REAL Volvo (like we ALL know) is to go direct to the factory and get it (again). As for my other 3, they are keepers. Yes, I am considering an E-350 Daimler-Benz, but for now, my P2-XC70 is the keeper. Simple fact.... Harrisburg Pa - Dallas Tx in 21 hours, stopping for food and fuel only... with NO fatigue upon arrival. THAT is what a Volvo owner should expect and that is what they are known for... being the #2 safest / most comfortable / reliable car.

Cost of ownership is, by experience, 1/3 that of US cars (fuel, insurance, and maintenance). This includes ALL Dealer maintenance as scheduled and ONLY letting a Dealer touch it. You will get tired of it before you wear it out. my 240GL has 289,000 miles and at last test (270K service) STILL has near factory delivery spec compression in the cylinders (180 psi). My 850 is still flawless after 15 years. These cars are 400K mile cars, with 500K+ miles NOT AT ALL uncommon... THAT is the REAL Volvo.

I, personally, am going to wait for the 'REAL Volvo' to return (rumors say 'very soon') and be back to doing it THEIR WAY! Should I decide to get a new one (S-80), it's going to be an 'Autobahner' equipped. Tough enough to handle Swedish roads in winter and Summer heat in Texas without a flinch.

PS: 27/32 MPG is NOT uncommon for me (2.5 T6) on 93 Octane fuel (not cheap 93 either, get the 'GOOD stuff').

Enjoy and feel free to comment to Volvo Cars/North America (VCNA) and let them know how you feel. It's not the dealer's fault, but VCNA does have input back to corporate which IS heard.

So, get a nice P2 S-80 (not the P3), pay to get the new features added, and you will be ahead of the game until Volvo is left alone to be Volvo again.


Good luck, safe travels....read morehide

Pros

Acceptable fuel economy car for the size of the engine.

Cons

Unforseen Volvo expenses such as seat suddenly malfunctioning, expensive parts and labor for maint.

Volvo has been a pretty good car till it starts getting to 2-3 year old. Maintenance can be very expensive due to original parts prices. Fuel economy is a big concern nowadays in addition to over priced sedans. Selection of color though can be exceptionally good.

Crash test has proven Volvo to be one of the safest car in the this industry. I don't mind having my family ride it daily just in case.

Unnecessary computer monitoring led(s) drove me nuts when you pump gas and squeeze that extra drop of fuel in the tank (check engine or fault led comes-up right away). Motorized seat harness easily breaks and you need to see Mr Volvo mechanic....read morehide