2005 Volvo S80 SE from UK and Ireland - Comments

So far nothing major has gone wrong with the car. As delivered to me there was a buckled wheel and rusting wheel locking bolts. Both were fixed without question by the supplying Volvo dealership.

There is no record of any warranty work for the car on the Volvo computer system either.

Early days though, I will report back as the miles go by with updates on the cars progress!

For most people, the S80 seems the most conservative choice in an already unadventurous Volvo range. Despite this, it appeals to me on several levels. Mostly because I prefer the proportions of saloon cars, but also because I love the high equipment levels offered on executive motors. Helpfully, the lack of demand in the second hand market keeps prices right down for nearly new, low mileage examples. After owning a 2001 V70 in the past, I was keen to get back into a Phase II Volvo, but didn't need the estate of the V70, which left me with a choice between the smaller, sportier S60 and the behemoth S80.

For me it was an easy choice, the S80 just oozes class and style. The interior feels a little more special than the S60 and comes better equipped.

Of more importance, the S80 has a better seating position, more rear legroom and a bigger boot. Not that the boot is especially large, just bigger than the S60s!

On the toys count, there isn't much to wish for really. The long equipment list includes: rain sensor wipers, 6 CD changer with Dolby pro-logic sound, Dual Zone climate, built-in DVD colour sat nav, integrated dual-band mobile phone, heated electric memory seats and mirrors, bi-xenons, etc. Some of these features were standard, other options on what was once a dealer demonstrator.

Inside, the cabin is a very special place to be. The basic design dates back to the late 90s, but still feels ergonomically perfect. All the controls are exactly the right size, shape and position. The best way of summing up the ambience is as a well decorated lounge that you can drive places with you. It's comfortable beyond words. My first journey in the car was a 750 mile round trip to visit relatives, the car effortlessly soaked it up like a trip round the block.

However, this is no drivers car. The sheer width of the car plus uncertain steering doesn't encourage back road blasts. Also, if the car encounters ruts in the road at speed it tends to jump worryingly over them, giving a feeling of losing all grip.

For motorway driving it has got it nailed however. Only a slight amount of wind noise faults it at all.

Whether around town or changing lanes at speed, the combination of the torquey 5 cylinder diesel engine (officially 163bhp, but known to produce more like 176bhp) and the smooth 5 speed autobox makes life easy.

Nonetheless, this is an older generation diesel now and it does show. The amount of vibration and noise at idle is not ideal. It's far from intolerable, but not anywhere near as good as the latest diesels, even 4 cylinder ones.

Don't expect to be beating much off the lights, this is not lightening quick, just adequate. Official 0-60 is a fraction below 10 seconds. In gear performance is very satisfying though.

Fuel economy is good for such a large car with an autobox. I'm averaging around 38-40mpg, with long runs achieving up to 45mpg. A colleague with the 2.9 petrol S80 spends most of the time getting low 20s economy, so I'm very happy with mine.

The biggest problem I have with this car is the image. Being in my early 30s, it's just not seen as the norm to be driving a big saloon car like this. However, to my eyes the S80 looks great and it's the most stress free means of getting from A-B I've ever had.

And for that, I'm more than happy to put up with the quizzed expressions when I tell people I drive such a barge!

I've also taken advantage of the Volvo's clever extendible audio system to add a fully integrated iPod solution. It works really well, with the iPod fully controlled by the stereo and steering wheel controls and track information on screen. I went for the iMIV solution and would recommend it to others.

Now all I need to do is get rid of the doggy smell left by the previous owner and their unrestrained mutts (dog hair everywhere) and all will be well! I like dogs, but don't much like my car smelling like a dog that needs a bath. A bit of Oust and the passing of time should cure it soon enough.

Sounds like a nice car... but youre too young for it. Im in my 40s and would considder it in about 5 years.

But the problem is this. What does a < 40 yearold do if he likes a big saloon? (and don't say BMW 5 series or Merc E class)

Original Reviewer here. I kind of agree with your comment.

I do feel too young for it. On the one hand I don't see why we should have stereotypes that barges are for old people and small hatches are for the young. On the other hand, I am still sorely tempted to trade it in for a sporty hatchback!

This is partly because of the fact that someone drove into the back of my S80 and it's presently in for repairs. In its place I have been given a brand new 2008 S80 SE D5 (185bhp) six speed auto. It is a much better car in every meaningful way compared to mine, so much so that I don't wish to go back to my old S80 at all!

However, I don't fancy spending large sums on a newer S80 and still feel that niggling doubt that it doesn't suit my image somehow. So, with that in mind I'm thinking instead of buying a nearly new Focus, Leon, 308 or something like that, that drives well and will entertain me, even if it cannot satisfy my lust for gadgets and comfort the way an S80 can.

Other than that, my S80 is now at 35k miles and is doing fine. No more problems to report other than the damage inflicted by others! It's just all so boring somehow.

Here is my dilemma, no smaller car with a sporting edge can truly match the comfort and luxury I desire, or at least not in my price range!

I suspect a BMW 130i M Sport with lots of option boxes ticked might do the trick, but affording it is another matter...

OR here again.

Latest update at 41k miles. Still have the S80, values have fallen so sharply in the last 6 months I can't really consider getting rid just now.

Besides, it's still growing on me and has so far proved reliable. The only exception to this is the climate system is blowing slightly colder air through the passenger side. Setting the passenger side to 25 degrees appears to produce the same warmth of air as the drivers side at 22 degrees.

After cleaning the fan and thermocouple the system improved slightly, but is still not quite right.

Other that that, I'm still happy with the car. Every time I look at the alternatives they're never quite good enough somehow. If only the handling of the S80 was better and I had one of the newer D5 engines, I can't imagine I'd ever want to change it.

Most of all, I still love the stereo, which is just perfect for my needs when coupled with the iMIV iPOD integration. Even the latest luxury motors have quite poor integration for iPODs or very small built-in hard disks. Until you can get 50+ GB of built-in hard disk and quality sound in a regular car, it will be had for me to give the Volvo up.

I test drove 5 different 2008 Volvo S80s and almost bought one. (Got a Lincoln MKZ instead.) The S80 has wonderfully comfortable seats, good acceleration, super quiet interior, no engine vibration at all, beautiful interior, stylish exterior. My wife was quite disappointed I did not buy the S80, partly for status, partly for the comfort.

One significant drawback was that to answer a cell phone call, the button to push was a dealer add-on that hides behind the steering wheel where you can't see it. The cell phone was actually a big part of why I was looking to buy a new car, because everyday I am driving 65 miles per hour when my wife calls to ask about who is picking up the kids from school today, and there I am struggling to pull my cell phone out of my pocket. And our city has passed laws for only hands-free cell phones allowed.

But the main thing was the steering feel was just too vague. Eventually I realized that my Mercury Sable had better steering, to which my car knowledgable friends "well of course, your Sable weighs 800 pounds less." If I was going to spend that much money for a new car, it had to better in every way than my Sable (which my MKZ is.)

On cars with the built-in GSM phone there are two buttons on the front of the steering wheel to answer/make or reject calls and buttons to go up or down in the menus.

The only time you need to take your hands off the steering wheel is to enter text messages or names in the address book.

I have a 1999 2.4 auto S80. Had it for just over a year.. it's on 85000 miles.

2 problems in this time. 1st solved at Volvo.. thermostat and temp sensor replaced..

2nd problem on going.. (suspension) or what seems la ack of it. renewed rear shocks and roll bar links. Rear end still seems to jump around when on long stretches of bumpy uneven roads.. makes the sunroof rattle.. shame as it spoils the car...

Past its MOT. Thinking of doing the rear bushes?

OR here again:

Finally sold the car at 45k miles. No further problems to report - it's been a very reliable car.

I've only sold it because of the difficulties in fitting appropriate child seats in the back and wanting to go for an estate, now my family is growing.

I will miss the S80 dearly. Fantastic car.

Forgot to say, climate problem was quickly and easily solved by a trip to the dealer, who re-calibrated the software. Wasn't expensive either.