2008 Volvo S80 [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 63 S80 reviews and test drives.
Volvo S80 Ranks #10 in Luxury Large Cars
Overall Score - 8.1 (Very Good)
Based on U.S. News editors' analysis of 63 leading automotive reviews and test drives, the 2008 Volvo S80 ranks #10 of 12 in Luxury Large Cars.
The S80 is a smooth driving, competent luxury car with class-leading safety features and ratings and a generally well-liked interior. However, the car is not a sporty vehicle, with some finding it underpowered and with somewhat weak handling. If you're in the market for a luxury large car, also consider the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or the BMW 5-Series.
The 2008 Volvo S80 offers solid performance, excellent safety features and safety reputation and a refined and comfortable interior. Though Car and Driver finds the S80 generally dull, it is also "eminently rational and sensible." The Boston Herald adds that the S80 "is a great family sedan for safety-conscious car buyers."
While most reviewers find the S80 competitively priced, some find it pricey for its blandness. Car and Driver, commenting on the S80's price, says, "For that money, we expect dynamic entertainment, not boredom." The S80s blandness doesn't even translate into improved fuel economy. The S80 is near the bottom of the class when it comes to gas milage.
IntelliChoice has not yet rated the 2008 S80 but gives the 2007 a "Worse than Average" rating for its predicted five-year cost of ownership compared to other vehicles in its class.
New for 2008, Volvo adds a turbocharged T6 all-wheel drive trim to its two engine option line up. The 2008 S80 now comes as a 3.2-liter inline-six, a turbocharged V6, which produces 281 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and the top-end V8 all-wheel drive.
S80 Performance - 7.1 (Good)
On balance, test drivers find the S80 to be an adequate performer, with competent but not outstanding engine power, a comfortable but not sporty ride, and as you would expect from a Volvo -- very good braking. continue
S80 Exterior - 7.6 (Good)
Auto reviewers almost universally agree that while the S80 exterior recently received an appealing upgrade, it is still relatively plain and undistinguished appearance when compared to other sedans in its class. CNET says that the S80 exterior "borders on bland" with a curved roofline familiar in other cars, but Motor Week thinks the S80 exterior sheet metal is "more expressive and youthful than before." continue
S80 Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The S80's interior is widely praised for its simple, practical layout, comfortable seating, and luxurious spacious cabin space. Some complain, however, of a noisier cabin and smaller trunk than other luxury sedans. continue
S80 Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2006 S80 (similar to the 2008 model) received the top rating of five out of five stars in every test conducted on it by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The S80 is an absolute leader in its class in terms of active and passive safety systems, and the large Volvo delivers some safety features not available on the competition. Motor Week reports that the S80 is "the most advanced, most accommodating, and likely safest car that Volvo has ever conceived." continue
S80 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Volvo S80 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Volvo offers warranty coverage on all its cars, including a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. continue