2009 Volvo S80
- 2008 Volvo S80
- Used Volvo S80
- Future
Based on analysis of 67 S80 reviews and test drives.
Volvo S80 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Volvo S80 ranks 6 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 67 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo S80, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Volvo S80's place in the large luxury sedan field easy to understand. The S80 is a comfortable highway cruiser with an unparalleled safety reputation that is richly deserved. It doesn't share the sporting pretentions many of its competitors claim.
The 2009 Volvo S80 is the flagship sedan of the automaker most often associated with safety. It is not an athletic handler, nor will any of its available engines win any drag races.
The S80 makes a good choice for buyers looking for a comfortable, safe car with some heritage, but who aren't concerned with performance. While it may not win any races, Volvo's largest sedan will coddle its occupants in comfortable surroundings and protect them at all costs.
But no one should buy the S80 without looking closely at the competition. There are several excellent alternatives that achieve equal safety scores while excelling in other areas.
The Mercedes E-Class, for instance, matches the Volvo in crash tests while besting it in nearly every other category -- though that car can be considerably more expensive. On the other end of the scale, the much less-expensive Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable use a similar platform drawn from the previous-generation S80, and most of the same safety equipment -- but do not match this car for luxury.
The 2009 S80 is available in three trim levels: 3.2, T6 and V8. Each is named for the engine that powers it, and offers varying levels of luxury features as standard equipment -- but option packages are available to bring any of the three further upscale. For 2009, Bluetooth connectivity has been made standard, as have active bi-xenon headlights that point around corners. The car will be updated for the 2010 model year.
- "The 2009 Volvo S80 is a sensible alternative to flashier luxury sedans, offering class-leading safety and all the niceties you'd expect at this price point." -- Edmunds
- "S80 is stylish and comfortable, but it can't match the brand cachet and the sportiness or pure luxury of the best in this class. The 3.2 model trails rivals for power and isn't offered with all-wheel drive. T6 and V8 versions are more in line with luxury buyers' expectations, and judiciously equipped, can undercut V8-powered competitors on price." -- Consumer Guide
- "After testing multiple versions of the S80 over the past year, I'm convinced that Volvo knows how to make cars that are more than just safe...the T6 trim...is the best buy of the lineup, providing as many or more driving thrills than the more-expensive V-8." -- Cars.com
- For this price, "A car had better be pretty darned good. It should be terrific and have the right badge on the hood. The problem for the S80 is that it is merely perfectly nice -- and that doesn't cut it against Infiniti, Mercedes, and BMW." -- Car and Driver
S80 Performance - 7.6 (Good)
Unlike much of its luxury competition, the S80 doesn't claim to be a sport sedan. It offers several engines that give sufficient highway passing power, and available all-wheel drive that enhances the car's feeling of safety. But its handling is just comfortable, not exciting. Reviewers agree that the turbocharged T6 makes the V8 model pointless -- it isn't worth the added investment. Read More
S80 Exterior - 7.8 (Good)
The 2009 S80's sheetmetal splits the press -- some are seduced by the look, others don't understand the appeal. Reviewer who like Volvo's deep shoulder lines and rectangular grille generally say this S80 is the best example of the brand's design language. Read More
S80 Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)
The S80's interior boasts some of the most comfortable seats available, and modern design elements that give it a uniquely Swedish look. However, some complain of build quality that trails the luxury class. There is disagreement among reviewers about the quality of the materials in the cabin. Read More
S80 Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 S80 is the flagship car of the brand most known for safety. It doesn't disappoint. The car is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" for its perfect crash test scores, and includes an extensive list of standard safety equipment, some of which can't be found on any other car. Read More
S80 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 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 a four-year/50,000-mile warranty as standard on S80 sedans. Scheduled maintenance is covered for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Read More
