2001 Volvo S80 SE 2.4 170bhp from UK and Ireland

Summary:

If you want to arrive at your destination discreetly and refreshed buy a Volvo S80

Faults:

Faulty FNS shock - both replaced along with sway bar links.

Broken plastic retaining clips in drivers door window - broke twice.

Clicking from steering column on acceleration and deceleration - fixed by dealer using a thicker grease under warranty - no recurrence.

Metallic knock from rear of vehicle audible at slow speed - fixed by dealer under warranty - no recurrence.

Electronic Throttle Module.

Electronic Control Unit.

Numerous bulbs required regular replacement.

General Comments:

If space and comfort are your primary requirements in a car you really should have the Volvo S80 on your shortlist.

My 2.4 non turbo has had two mountain bikes, two suitcases and other paraphernalia loaded inside it and still managed to return over 40mpg when driven sensibly on long motorway journeys.

The comfort is second to none and results in favourable comments from everybody who travels in it.

Fuel economy for such a big heavy car is really remarkable. Around town it has never dipped below 20mpg and it has often exceeded 40 mpg on long journeys.

I've graded reliability as 6 purely because of the two major problems which stopped it in it's tracks; ETM and ECU issues

Dealer service is good, but comes at a price.

This is a wonderfully discreet, supremely comfortable, reasonably economical, executive car with an excellent music system and every creature comfort you could wish for.

When the ECU packed up on it and I decided to replace it the only real replacement option for me was another one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2006

2001 Volvo S80 SE 2.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A very comfortable and safe ride

Faults:

Car was delivered with alarm and immobilizer faults. In the first month of ownership, Volvo had the car for 3 weeks. It took 3 attempts, in total, to resolve the problem - a faulty component and a loose connection.

The door seal (driver's door) was incorrectly fitted and fell out.

Rear position lights are regularly reported as failures, but merely need to be removed and re-inserted; bad contacts here.

In all other respects the car has been completely reliable.

General Comments:

The S80 is the most comfortable car I have driven.

It is the 170 BHP option and is very responsive both on acceleration and braking.

Traction control is first class and it really feels safe; like driving a sofa on rails.

My only criticism is the turning circle. It is really quite atrocious. This is the first front wheel drive I've owned. They can't be all as bad as this can they? A pity since, in all other respects, this is a fine car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2004

3rd Jan 2006, 10:24

The turning circle is a big problem on these cars (also S60 and V70), this is due to leaving enough room under the bonnet to mount in-line 5 and in-line 6 cylinder engines transversely (sideways). That's due to the FWD, but FWD cars designed to use 4 cylinder or V6 engines are not as bad, thanks to the narrower engine.

28th Aug 2006, 04:09

Transversely mounted engine is not the problem. My 580 T5 has the same engine, and the turning circle is fine, if not very good.

2nd Jan 2008, 09:35

I assume you mean "850" T5?

The turning circle on these was better than the S60/V70/S80 Phase II models because of the requirement to fit the in-line 6 cylinder engine on this chassis. That wide engine was never fitted to the 850 or V70 Classic (Phase I cars). See the comments above! :)