2003 Volvo S80 Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 20 mpg
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
Suspension and steering systems that can't keep up with the T6's engine performance, gets pricey with options.
What's New for 2003
Only minor changes are in store for Volvo's flagship sedan. Rain-sensing wipers and On-Call Plus telematics are newly available features, and two new colors, Titanium Grey and Ruby Red, dress up the exterior.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great ride
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo S80 2.9 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Best car ever had,worst dealership!nothing major yet,replaced the oxygen sensor,4 times the headlight bulbs ,trunk lock.Very fast break rotors replacement and they(the dealer) wouldn't turn the rotors.Radio's AM very poor reception,problem with the A/C but it got fixed during warranty and knock on wood warranty's expired and hope not to see a mechanic for a long time.
Favorite Features
Stylish,comfortable seats if not the best seats ever !!Great radio sound!!
Suggested Improvements
More Ponies,better mpg..right now around 22mpg,BETTER HEADLIGHTS component.Radio's at an angle that don't see the display when the sun hits it.Better trany!
Major disappointment
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo S80 2.9 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Purchased car with 33000 miles and have been beset with any number of very expensive problems. The most expensive problem was replacing the fuel pump at 43000 miles at a cost of $1000 dollars and suffering an overwhelming smell of gasoline for a month afterward. Now there is a check engine warning that shows a code of failure of fuel system. The estimate on replacing the sensor is in the neighborhood of $800 dollars. The suspension system needs realignment every two thousand miles or so. Am on the third set of tires. Continually replacing headlight bulbs and other bulbs. I am 82 years old and have drive Volvos for years and I do not misuse a car. Am bitterly disappointed with this car!
Favorite Features
Car is comfortable and gets good mileage. However driving with a continual fear of breakdown is maddening. Volvo should be proud of this rolling laughing stock and its need to be repaired.
Suggested Improvements
Jack the horn button up and drive a Japanese car in under it!
Excellent cruiser
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo S80 T6 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
Review
Volvo has a fine automobile in the S80 T6. Mine has been trouble free; the key to which is regular maintenance. I also recommend a transmission service or flush every 40,000 - 50,000 miles at the dealer. If you plan to keep the car for several years, the servicing you do will pay dividends. This is a fantastic automobile for long trips and highway driving; especially good for moving people in comfort. Fuel economy is much better at cruising speed on the highway; you'll see dramatic drops in start and stop city driving. Highly recommended!
Favorite Features
Seats! No one does seats like Volvo!
Suggested Improvements
Better cup holders, power adjust stearing wheel, rear heated seats would all be nice.
Good car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo S80 2.9 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is an excellent car. It's fun to drive, and it gets good gas mileage. I consistently get 430 miles to the tank. The only problem I have is that the rear passenger speaker produces static. Other than that, the car accelerates well, takes turns well, hugs the road and has plenty of amenities. The trunk is very large. The hinges fold into the side and not into the well of the trunk. It gives you more space. That's especially important when you are grocery shopping for a family of 5! Overall, it's a great car.
Favorite Features
Interior and exterior design, trunk and accelerator.
Suggested Improvements
Improve the sound system. Get rid of the static.
S-80 T-6 Excellent Vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo S80 T6 Elite 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
Review
I bought this vehicle in late 2002 as a replacement for the exact same vehicle (including color) in a 2001 model. The 2001 was terrific and this one has been even better. I bought it in CA but live in TX now. The drive across country was very comfortable and I take this car whenever I have to go on long trips. This is my NINTH Volvo since 1974 - but I've had lots of other vehicles as well. The lease just expired on this one but I bought it and will keep it for a long time to come. Volvo of Orange County CA is the best dealer coast to coast. I've had Volvos from Boston to Houston to California but V.O.C. is the best!
Favorite Features
By far the best feature is the comfort of the seats. Whether on a short drive or long journey, its always comfortable. After 10 hours driving I still feel great. The sound system and handling are terrific too. SAFETY is awesome. I was T-boned in this one and walked away fine.
Suggested Improvements
Re-configure the built-in telephone so it can be programmed for use on any cellular carrier rather than limited to Cingular / AT&T.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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