What are Volvo cars most renowned for? Most people would say safety, especially crash safety. When you think of a Volvo, you think of tank-like strength but with a pleasing design. Volvo has made many models over the years, but one of its best-known models was the Volvo S80.
The Volvo S80 was a long-running executive sedan created by Volvo Cars, the first one rolling off the production line back in 1998 and the final example in 2016. In that 18-year production run, it was lauded by groups such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its crash-testing performance. It was eventually replaced in late 2016 with the S90 sedan.
We take an in-depth look at the Volvo S80, particularly the first models from its second generation, manufactured in 2007 and 2008. Let's start with some basic background information.
Background: Volvo S80 Development
First and Second Generations - Overview
There were two generations of Volvo S80 cars, the first produced from 1998 to 2006 and the second from 2006 to 2016. It was marketed as an executive sedan, with each generation built on a different Volvo "P" platform, the first generation on P2 and the second generation on P3.
The second generation of S80 cars was thrust into the public eye when it became the IIHS top safety pick in 2007. The S80 scored the highest "good" rating in its IIHS crash test for frontal, side, and rear impacts. It was named "Top Safety Pick" due to these scores.
The first generation of S80 cars totaled ten different gasoline models from 1998 to 2006 and three diesel models, with engine displacements ranging from 2.0L to 2.9L. The second generation included 17 gasoline and 9 diesel models, with engine displacements ranging from 1.6L to 4.4L.
Over its long production history, both generations of Volvo S80 cars received certain upgrades, facelifts, and minor modifications to develop the model further. These included new engine options in the first generation, standard AWD being added in 2000, and some significant changes to the styling of the front grille.
On second-generation models, major facelifts were carried out for 2010, 2013, and 2014, but other new features were added almost every year, especially after 2010. Added features included near infotainment systems, new turn signals, headlight washers, rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlamps, and many more.
Safety
It's less of a surprise that this seemingly humble luxury sedan won such high accolades with the IIHS in its second generation after how poorly it did during the EuroNCAP tests in its first generation. The overall safety rating for the adult occupant was rated at 4-stars and 29 points. Still, the pedestrian rating was only 2 stars and 14 points when it was judged that pedestrians being hit by the Volvo S80 were "facing a very aggressive front end."
Despite that minor blip, the car was still regarded as safe overall, especially for the driver and passengers within the car. The first-generation test model was from the 2000 model year and included front seatbelt pretensioners, seatbelt load limiters, and multiple airbags. Volvo has a reputation for implementing new safety technologies quickly into its cars. After all, they invented the 3-point safety belt as we know it.
Second-Generation Volvo S80 (2006-2016): What the Reviews Said
Next, we'll take a closer look at second-generation S80 models before looking at two specific examples from 2007 and 2008. What were reviewers at the time saying about the S80? We've created a composite view of some positive and negative aspects.
On the Good Side - Volvo S80 Strengths:
Unsurprisingly, the Volvo S80 received its highest review scores concerning its safety and reliability ratings. It was fitted with great features that were not necessarily common in many other cars: traction control, stability control, up to six airbags, and anti-whiplash head restraints. Service intervals were spaced at 18,000 miles, so you didn't have to worry about spending so much on maintenance.
Other positive areas in which it received solid scores were fuel economy, utility, and comfort. The official mile-per-gallon rating for the S80 DRIVe 1.6L diesel was 68.9 mpg, with emissions as low as 109g/km. This makes it one of the cleanest and most fuel-efficient sedans on the market. It did have limited horsepower at 114 hp, though. The car was large and spacious inside, with plenty of primary storage, but the trunk left quite a bit to be desired (see below for more).
On the Negative Side - Volvo S80 Weaknesses:
The most negative comments tended to be leveled at both exterior and interior design. The outside was obviously firm, and that safety attracted many buyers, especially those looking for a safe family car. Still, other executive vehicle buyers were more interested in BMW models with a sportier, more appealing aesthetic. In its final years, the S80 underwent several facelifts to try and raise its visual appeal, but it remained a car that people tended to buy despite its looks rather than because of it.
Another weakness was that despite its size, the engine choices didn't deliver much power. As discussed above, the fuel-efficient diesel option was only 1.6L displacement and only managed 114 hp. One more disappointing factor was the trunk. For a sedan with such a large exterior, it was unusual for it to have only 14.9 cubic feet of trunk space. Rival BMW 5 Series models at the time were offering 18.4 cubic feet. This lack of upmarket feel, engine power, and rear storage all counted against the S80 in its second generation.
One more negative thing was depreciation, but in the longer term, it helped some of the popular models become sought after as pre-owned vehicles.
Volvo S80 2007 and Volvo S80 2008 - A Closer Look
In this section, we will look in particular at two of the most important model years in the second generation, which are from 2007 and 2008. These were the years after transitioning from the first generation. Users of the 2007 and 2008 models have praised them highly, especially after buying them as used cars.
Main Features
The Volvo S80 2007 was available either with a 3.2L straight-six engine or a 4.4L V8 engine, the latter of which also featured 4WD. It had a set of 17" alloy wheels, which could be upgraded to 18" with the Sport Package, available on both trim levels. The 2008 Volvo S80 offered the same options but with an additional T6 4-dr AWD model featuring a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine.
Safety features were the most prominent attraction, and the 2007-2008 models included the following, then high-tech, items as standard:
- Anti-lock disc brakes
- Front-seat side airbags
- Full-length side curtain airbags
- Anti-whiplash front head restraints
- Seat belt pre-tensioner system in all 5 seating positions
- Tire pressure monitoring system
Volvo also offered blind spot monitoring on these models, which was quite early for this technology. In addition, there was a heartbeat monitor that could detect if someone was still in your car after the alarm had gone off. In all, the safety and security of the second generation was the main attraction point.
Volvo S80 2007; Volvo S80 2008 - Prices
For the 2007 S80 model, according to Edmunds' estimates, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,522 to $5,135.
For the 2008 S80 model, according to Edmunds, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,121 to $6,148. The addition of the turbocharged 6-cylinder engine for the 2008 model year made a difference in desirability.
Summing Up: Volvo S80 - A Safe Set of Wheels, If Nothing Else
Those looking at used S80s now are attracted mainly by the many safety features of the car. It makes a great, affordable family vehicle, especially when you factor in the depreciation. With heavy depreciation, models from as recently as 2016 can be snapped up for $20,000. In 2016, when it was new, the MSRP was at least $43,450 for the most basic model. That's a lot of depreciation in just a few years.
It remains a safe set of wheels for those who want a reliable and secure bargain. If you're chasing something with a little more visual appeal, you might look elsewhere, like the pre-owned BMW 5 Series.
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