2002 Volvo S80 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

With its distinctive styling, luxurious interior and excellent reputation for safety, the often overlooked S80 deserves consideration.

Pros

Loaded with outstanding safety innovations and features, impressively fast in T6 trim, spacious backseat.

Cons

Confusing interior control markings, suspension and steering systems that can't keep up with the T6's engine performance level.

What's New for 2002

As a follow-up to the S80 T6 Executive, Volvo has released the T6 Elite, which combines the increased rear legroom, wider rear door openings and interior luxuries of the Executive with the convenience of a rear bench seat, thus providing room for five. Additionally, all S80s will get Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA), enhanced traction control performance and improved throttle management, resulting in quicker response in everyday driving situations. Other improvements include color-coordinated exterior trim (rather than the usual black moldings), an emergency release trunk release handle and the availability of a DVD-based navigation system and xenon headlamps. New exterior color choices are Pearl White and Black Sapphire. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of its first car, Volvo heightens comfort levels for rear-seat passengers with a special trim level. The car's wheelbase is the same, but special door hinges allow for a wider door opening in order to access a roomier rear seat. Executive leather upholstery and a sunshade are standard. A rear-seat entertainment system with dual 7-inch screens can play DVD, television or a video game. Another option is a refrigerator in the rear center armrest. The Special Edition S80 can be distinguished by the body-colored bumpers and moldings.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

nice to the eyes

Written by: nice car on 06/01/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2002 Volvo S80 2.9 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl 4A)

Review

When the Volvo s80 first hit the market in 1999 I took a liking to it. I now own one and love it but I really don't like the fact that they won't do recalls for the front struts because I went to get mine checked and they were not very surprised that my struts were rattling and going out, they said it has been very common with Volvo, a very irritating noise and it make the car sound really junky, but other than that it's a very nice car if you can deal with a rattling front end.

Favorite Features

heated seats, steering wheel audio control, unlike most I love the front seat headrest and just the overall design

Suggested Improvements

better struts for the money,stand by your name and do a recall on crappy struts

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Not Too Shabby

Written by: GG on 06/25/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

2002 Volvo S80 T6 Executive 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

It's comfortable, safe, plenty of cupholders, plenty of leg room, gorgeous interior. You can't really ask for much more as far as the interior goes. I love the heated seats in the winter. It handles nicely, and its pretty fast for what it is. I'm not sure if I'd go as far to say that its the best car I've ever owned, but it is a beauty. I've had some problems with the tail lights, when I shut the trunk they'll go out and I have to whack them a bit to get them back on. The winshield wiper fluid got disconnected, not sure why. I poured fluid in the resevoir and it just poured out onto the driveway. Car won't start if the gas gauge needle hits the red area.

Interior is very well made. Heated seats work great, heat up very fast. I've never seen a windshield defrost quite as fast as this one does, its amazing. Very comfortable ride. Headlights are insanely bright. Trunk is very roomy, love the fold down seats. Overall great looking car.

Gas mileage is my biggest problem, but it is a luxury sedan, so I'm not sure I can complain too much. Value depreciates way too fast, its a shame. This car has odd little problems, which are quite expensive to fix. Brake dust is excessive.

Well built superior quality

Written by: John D on 11/20/2007


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	8

Well built, still very happy after 5 years+ of daily usage. 67k miles with zero problems. A pleasure to drive. Good mileage on highways. Everything works fine, distinctive design, swedish engineering.

Comfort and spacious, best in class seats, great torque from 30 to 65 mph, outstanding hifi system, very reliable.

Inexplicable very low reselling value, limited color selection,

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Comfort and Style

Written by: Jude Rafeal on 04/30/2007


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

Replaced transmission under warranty at around 67K miles. Makes me wonder if this car is a keeper. What else might go wrong when it is not under warranty? Otherwise, I like the car very much. I am a Boomer and always wanted a Volvo in college.

Ride and heavy feel on the 2.9 is what I like most. Also it takes regular gas. Style is Boss and progressive.

Radio is confusing.

quirky but overall fun to drive

Written by: paul on 01/25/2007


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

2002 Volvo S80 T6 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

bought this car certified used from a volvo dealership and have had it for a little over a year now and put 20K on it. other than a couple of fuses and other minor electrical problems, i.e., dome light comes on when i hit a pothole, etc, the car rocks! awesome power, maybe too much for front wheel drive but i would never complain about that. i still find the design impressive and this still feels like a sold luxury car. comp'd to the e class and 5 series, and this totally was no brainer. has been very reliable and never in the shop for anything other than routine maintenance.

T6 turbo, body design, quality of interior materials.

radio controls, both dash and steering wheel, are not intuitive, and actually might even be counterintuitive. lots of break dust on alloys. quirky electrical components.

2002 Volvo S80 Consumer Ratings & Reviews