1999-2006 Volvo S80: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2006 Volvo S80 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (T6)
- Interior materials
- Build quality
- Exterior finish
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Radio and navigation-system controls
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Volvo's "flagship" luxury sedan traded its rear-drive layout for front-wheel drive in 1999, as the old S90 gave way to a new S80. Two distinct, transverse-mounted 6-cylinder engines were used. In the base sedan, a 2.9-liter engine produced 201 horsepower. A twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter, making 268 horsepower, went into the sporty T6 model. Both cars used 4-speed automatic transmission, but a Geartronic feature with a separate shift in the T6 permitted manually selected gear changes. Safety equipment included Volvo's inflatable curtain airbags, which dropped down from above the side windows in a side impact. Volvo's WHIPS system was designed to move the front seatbacks and headrests rearward to minimize whiplash during a rear-end collision. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, eight-way power front bucket seats (with driver memory), and a split folding rear seat. Heated power mirrors, power locks and windows, remote keyless entry, a cassette/CD player, and 16-inch alloy wheels also were standard. The T6 sedan added heated front seats and mirrors, along with wood interior trim. Rivals included the Acura RL, BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS 300/400, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Saab 9-5.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Volvo S80 2.9 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 62 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2006 Volvo S80. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2006 Volvo S80.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Volvo S80:
A new option group included sun-blocking rear curtains. Called the Warm Weather package, it also featured a windshield with infrared treatment to reflect the sun's heat. An antiskid system was optional, as were 17-inch wheels and a navigation system. Output from the base engine dipped to 197 horsepower.
2001 Volvo S80:
A better-equipped base model became available in 2001. So did a new T6 Executive sedan aimed at CEOs, offering 2 extra inches of rear leg room, via a repositioned (and heated) back seat. Divided by a center console, the back seat only held two passengers. Occupants of an Executive also benefited from wider rear doors, a powered rear-window sunshade, wireless fax/copier, and a rear-seat DVD-based audio/video system. The DVD unit and a rear-compartment beverage cooler also were standard in the regular T6, and optional for the S80 2.9 model. A new front-seat sensor system could trigger dashboard airbags with reduced force, depending on crash severity and whether the occupant was belted. The base model added standard leather upholstery and a memory for the outside mirrors.
2002 Volvo S80:
Both engines were slightly retuned this year to deliver greater power at lower rpm, and the base 2.9-liter engine dropped to a 194-hp rating. The posh T6 Executive sedan remained on sale, now riding 17-inch wheels. All models gained an in-trunk emergency release and newly designed alloy wheels. A new Elite sedan had the extra rear leg room and wider-opening doors of an Executive, but with a three-passenger rear bench and fewer amenities.
2003 Volvo S80:
Volvo's On-Call Plus assistance system became available. It was optional on the 2.9 and standard on other models. Rain-sensing wipers are a new option.
2004 Volvo S80:
Volvo adds an all-wheel drive version of the S80 in 2004, the AWD S80 2.5T with a 208-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Also new this year is optional adjustable suspension, a revised steering system, and new front and rear fascias.
2005 Volvo S80:
Available run-flat tires and real-wood interior trim are among 2005 additions to Volvo's flagship sedan. The 2.5Ts come with 16-inch wheels and are newly available with a Sport option package that includes 17s and sport seats. T6s come with 17s and are newly available with optional 18s. Run-flat tires on 17-inch wheels are new options for front-drive S80s. Optional for T6s, and now for the front-drive 2.5T, is Volvo's Four-C adjustable suspension with driver-selectable Comfort or Sport settings. For '05, real wood replaces synthetic as standard cabin trim on T6s and as part of the 2.5T's Premium Package. And T6 Premier's rear seat is no longer angled for 2 inches more leg room, though it does include DVD and TV-tuner video. No longer available for any S80 is Volvo's On-Call Plus assistance system.
2006 Volvo S80:
All 2006 versions of Volvo's largest sedan have a 208-hp turbocharged 5-cyl engine. Discontinued are T6 and Premier models, which had a 268-hp turbocharged 6-cyl. The '06 is available as the 2.5T model with front-wheel drive or as the AWD 2.5T with all-wheel drive.
Our road test for the 1999-2006 Volvo S80 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2006 Volvo S80 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2006 Volvo S80 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
In base trim, the S80 has only adequate power, whereas the turbocharged T6 is downright stirring--quick by nearly any standard. Fuel economy is reasonably good, too. A base S80 averaged 19.2 mpg, while a T6 turned in a 20.7-mpg average. Shift action is smooth. Both versions offer sure-footed handling. Steering seems firm and precise, but some drivers might consider it numb or overassisted. Stable on the road, base sedans easily absorb bumps that register sharply in the stiffer-suspended T6. Best to try the T6 on a variety of surfaces, to make sure ride comfort is acceptable. Stopping power is strong, but a test base model suffered numb pedal feel. Doors open wide for easy entry/exit and the S80 provides generous room, front and rear. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, but the radio's station-memory function uses a dial instead of buttons and is a chore to preset. When activated, the optional navigation system's map screen rises from the middle of the upper dashboard. It's near eye level, and controls are on the steering wheel rather than on the dashboard. But like many such systems, this one demands study and patience to program and operate. In addition, the screen can be hard to see, especially in bright sunlight. Rearward visibility isn't the greatest, for a full-size automobile. In addition, the S80's large trunk is tempered by its small opening. On the plus side, the plush T6 Executive pampers its rear-seat occupants like a more costly Lexus LS 430.
Value for the Money
A serious contender among luxury-class sedans, the well-built S80 earns high marks for refinement, ergonomics, and trunk space. Volvo managed to pack a lot of safety and convenience features into its stylish, functional sedan. Fun to drive, the S80 is roomier than the rival BMW 5-Series, but handling and performance in the base 2.9 model are underwhelming. That tends to make the T6 a better value, despite its higher price.
A serious contender among luxury-class sedans, the well-built S80 earns high marks for refinement, ergonomics, and trunk space. Volvo managed to pack a lot of safety and convenience features into its stylish, functional sedan. Fun to drive, the S80 is roomier than the rival BMW 5-Series, but handling and performance in the base 2.9 model are underwhelming. That tends to make the T6 a better value, despite its higher price.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Volvo S80 2.9 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 62 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Volvo S80 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Volvo S80 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Ball joints:
Ball joints wear prematurely and should be replaced regardless of time or mileage. (1999-2000)
Battery:
A magnetic field is created because the battery is located in the trunk and the positive battery cable is routed through the vehicle. Swedish owners who complained were offered a repair kit. (1999-2000)
Battery:
Car may not start, and warning lights for CHECK IMMOBILIZER, LOW BEAM, BRAKES may glow due to excessive resistance between the positive battery cable and the main fuse panel. (2005)
Oil consumption:
The screen in the oil filler can get loose inside the filler neck and often would've been replaced when the vehicle was in for other services. (2000)
Poor transmission shift:
On less than 10,000 vehicles, the transmission was receiving an announced software upgrade (2000-01) and those with a GM (model 4T65) transmission needed a replacement shift solenoid to correct a shudder between 2nd and 3rd gear. (1999-2000)
Vehicle noise:
Whining noise below 60 mph requires a damper on the four-wheel-drive viscous coupling. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $615 |
| Alternator | $310 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,340 |
| Brakes | $750 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $850 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $740 |
| Exhaust System | $380 |
| Radiator | $350 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $450 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $245 |
Our price chart for this generation Volvo S80 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| S80 2.5T | $19,000-21,000 | $17,500-19,300 | $12,400-13,700 |
| S80 AWD | $20,800-22,500 | $19,100-20,700 | $13,500-14,600 |
| 2005 | |||
| S80 | $14,500-16,200 | $13,200-14,700 | $9,000-10,000 |
| S80 T6 | $16,400-19,000 | $14,900-17,300 | $10,500-12,200 |
| 2004 | |||
| S80 | $11,800-13,800 | $10,600-12,400 | $6,600-7,700 |
| S80 T6 | $13,700-15,500 | $12,500-14,100 | $8,200-9,300 |
| 2003 | |||
| S80 2.9 | $9,800-10,800 | $8,800-9,700 | $5,100-5,600 |
| S80 T6, Elite | $11,500-14,000 | $10,400-12,600 | $6,300-7,700 |
| 2002 | |||
| S80 2.9 | $7,800-8,800 | $7,000-7,900 | $4,000-4,500 |
| S80 T6, Executive | $9,000-11,000 | $8,100-9,900 | $4,700-5,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| S80 2.9 | $6,500-7,400 | $5,700-6,500 | $2,900-3,300 |
| S80 T6, Executive | $7,500-8,700 | $6,800-7,800 | $3,800-4,400 |
| 2000 | |||
| S80 2.9 | $5,500-6,200 | $4,700-5,300 | $2,300-2,500 |
| S80 T6 | $6,200-7,000 | $5,400-6,100 | $2,700-3,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| S80 2.9 | $4,700-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,800-2,100 |
| S80 T6 | $5,300-6,000 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Volvo S80 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 109.9 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.8 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.2 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3602 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.2 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base models used a 2.9-liter, dual-overhead-cam inline 6-cylinder engine that initially produced 201 horsepower (reduced to 197, then 194 in 2002). A turbocharged 2.8-liter six went into the T6 editions, developing 268 horsepower. Both engines drove a 4-speed automatic transmission. All 2006 versions of Volvo's largest sedan have a 208-hp turbocharged 5-cyl engine. Discontinued are T6 and Premier models, which had a 268-hp turbocharged 6-cyl.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I6 | 2.9 / 178 | 194-197 | 207-210 | 4-speed automatic: 18/26 | 4-speed automatic: 19.2 |
| Turbocharged dohc I6 | 2.8 / 170 | 268 | 280 | 4-speed automatic: 17/25 | 4-speed automatic: 20.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Sweden
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Volvo S80 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2006 Volvo S80 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999:
Some electric cooling fans could be inadequate, allowing components to overheat and even melt.
1999-00:
The ball joint between the front wheel-king pin and the suspension link arm could be loose.
1999-01:
A dirty throttle housing and/or inefficient software calibration may force the vehicle into limp home mode. Dealers will install the current software upgrade onto the involved vehicles.
1999-01:
Under certain operating conditions, some cooling fans may overheat, potentially causing heat damage and rare possibility of engine-compartment fire.
2001:
Rear-outboard seatbelt-anchorage bolts may be loose, leaving occupants improperly restrained in crash.
2005:
Positive battery terminal may conflict with starter-motor solenoid, leading to short circuit; smoke may appear from under the hood, and engine may not start or, if car is moving, electrical power may be lost.
2005-06:
The label denoting the tire and loading pressure information is incorrect. Dealers will mail the correct labels free of charge.
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