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2007 Volvo S80 Full Review
Date Published: 4/23/08
Also in the 2007 Volvo S80 Review:
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2007 Volvo S80 Review
Volvo's flagship sedan is redesigned for 2007 and becomes the automaker's first car available with a V8 engine. The '07 S80's styling is evolved from the 1999-2006 design, and dimensions change little inside and out. Two versions are offered. The 3.2 model has front-wheel drive and a 235-hp 6-cyl engine. The S80 V8 has all-wheel drive and the same 311-hp V8 used in Volvo's XC90 SUV. A 6-speed automatic is the sole '07 transmission. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Adaptive cruise control is a new S80 option. Another new option is Volvo's Blind Spot Information System or BLIS. It detects and warns of nearby objects that may go unseen by the driver. An optional Sport Package includes driver-adjustable power-steering settings and Volvo's Four-C adaptive suspension with Comfort, Sport, and Advanced settings. Other options include a navigation system and DVD entertainment.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have six-figure price tags.

Our Best Buy is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LS and Volvo S80.
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2007 Volvo S80 Road Test
Pros Cons
Build quality Acceleration (6-cyl.)
Passenger and cargo room
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

3.2 V8 Class Average
6 7 7.3

Smooth 6-cylinder provides adequate power, but lacks punch compared to V6-powered class rivals and even cars costing thousands less. V8 is smoother, delivers willing power appropriate for the class. With either engine, the transmission shifts seamlessly.
Fuel Economy

3.2 V8 Class Average
5 4 3.9

Test 3.2 averaged 19.9 mpg. Test V8s averaged 17.8 mpg, 20.1 with more highway use. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
Ride Quality

3.2 V8 Class Average
7 7 8.4

Base suspension is comfortable, composed. Four-C adjustable suspension provides generally compliant ride, but Comfort setting allows too much float over humps, while Sport and Advanced settings can trigger jiggle over bumps and washboard surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking

3.2 V8 Class Average
6 6 6.8

S80 never feels sporty, but handles with controlled competence. Four-C suspension's Sport and Advanced settings reduce body lean in turns. Sport Package's steering-force-level choices range from light to moderately heavy, but the steering never feels sports-car firm. Nice, tight turning radius. AWD adds a measure of security in slippery conditions but isn't available with 3.2 models. Worry-free braking aided by optional adaptive cruise control, which readies brakes and sounds an alarm if the system detects a possible collision.
Quietness

3.2 V8 Class Average
7 7 8.5

Cabin is subdued, but not as quiet as many luxury-class competitors. Six-cyl engine growls under acceleration. V8 has a bit sportier exhaust note, but sounds more refined overall. Little wind noise. Noticeable tire thrum on some coarse surfaces.
Controls

3.2 V8 Class Average
6 6 7.4

Easy-to-read gauges. While the control layout is simple, the abundance of buttons can seem complicated. Some are set low, requiring a quick look away from the road. Navigation screen pops up from dash; system includes hand-held remote control. Available Blind Spot Information System can be useful, but it occasionally gave false readings.
Details

3.2 V8 Class Average
7 7 8.5

Cabin has quality feel with rich wood or aluminum trim.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.2 V8 Class Average
8 8 8.9

Comfortable, supportive seats with enough settings to make most backsides happy. Manually adjustable tilt/telescoping steering wheel and lumbar support are appreciated, but they are usually power operated in this class. Thick roof pillars obscure view to front corners but not to rear.
Room/Comfort (rear)

3.2 V8 Class Average
5 5 8

Decent room, but toe space is cramped below front seats and leg room diminishes with front seats far aft. Seatback may be too firm and angled steeply back for some tastes. Easy entry/exit.
Cargo Room

3.2 V8 Class Average
5 5 5.2

Low liftover, nonintrusive hinges, and standard split folding rear seats are pluses. Trunk's small opening won't permit loading of large boxes.
Value within Class

3.2 V8 Class Average
5 6 5.7

Volvo's redesigned S80 is stylish and comfortable, but it can't match the brand cache and the sportiness or pure luxury of the best in this class. Six-cylinder versions trail rivals for power and aren't offered with all-wheel drive. V8 versions are more in line with luxury buyers' expectations, and their prices undercut V8-powered competitors.
Total Score

3.2 V8 Class Average
67 68 78.6
Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score
61
Average Score
78
High Score
87
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2007 Volvo S80 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/26/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
3.2 4-door sedan $38,705 $36,418 $695
AWD V8 4-door sedan $47,350 $44,544 $695
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
3.2
Powertrain
3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, cupholders, fold-flat passenger seat, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, power-folding rear headrests, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, theft-deterrent system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Front and rear fog lights, 225/50R17 tires, alloy wheels.
V8 adds to 3.2:
Powertrain
4.4-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
245/45VR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
3.2, V8
$3,915
$3,365
Ventilated front seats, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights, speed-sensitive power steering w/driver-adjustable force level, driver-selectable and computer-controlled adjustable shock absorbers, 245/40YR18 tires. Requires Climate Pkg.
Climate Pkg.
3.2
$1,150
$988
Heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, headlight wipers/washers.
Audio Pkg.
3.2, V8
$1,795
$1,543
Upgraded sound system, satellite radio.
Safety
Blind Spot Information System
3.2, V8
$595
$511
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
3.2, V8
$495
$425
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
3.2, V8
$2,120
$1,823
DVD entertainment system
3.2, V8
$1,995
$1,715
Adaptive cruise control
3.2, V8
$1,495
$1,285
Personal Car Communicator
3.2, V8
$495
$425
Keyless access and starting, security status, alarm.
Satellite radio prep
3.2, V8
$95
$81
Interior air quality system
3.2
$250
$215
Std. V8.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
3.2, V8
$475
$408
Premium paint
V8
$625
$537
225/50VR17 run-flat tires
3.2, V8
$995
$855
Chrome alloy wheels
3.2
$1,495
$1,285
Includes 245/40ZR18 tires.
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2007 Volvo S80 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Volvo S80 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 112.0
Overall Length, in. 191.0
Overall Width, in. 73.0
Overall Height, in. 59.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 3486
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 17.0
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.5
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.9
Rear Head Room, in. 38.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.2 /195 4.4 /269
Horsepower @ rpm. 235 @ 6200 311 @ 5950
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 236 @ 3200 325 @ 3950
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed automatic 19/28 17/25
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Volvo S80 4-door sedan
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%. Side-impact 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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 12/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/unlimited --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Sweden
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2007 Volvo S80 Review:
5. 
Volvo S80 Photos

6. 
Volvo S80 Full Review

7. 
All Volvo S80s

8. 
All Volvos


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