Used 2000 Volvo S80 Sedan Consumer Reviews
My Volvo's affair with my mechanic
After putting more than 275000 miles on my '92 Pontiac Bonneville (with no need for engine work - just liked to have brakes and tires), I decided it was time to retire the old workhorse and buy a little luxury. I bought my Volvo S80 at a used car dealership, where I noticed that the warning light for the airbag was on. The dealer said the Volvo mechanics could reset that sensor - apparently not! Turns out that Volvo put the airbag SENSOR under the driver's seat carpet. The used car dealer STEAMED that carpet, thus ruining a $1000 sensor. My car's now in the shop for the second time in three months. Volvo engineers ought to be taken out and shot for what they've done to this car!
Never again
It's a shame that a top notch mfrg. like Volvo would let the engine quality slip to non existent.Yes, it's safe and comfortable, but high maintenance-- unbelieveable. In one year, I spent over $4k in tires (only 2 types fit the rims) and constant repairs i.e. every 10k youhave to clean the electronic throttle (I did twice in a yr) or it will surge. Never again!
Great Car
Lots of complainers on here, but so far no major problems with my purchase. One instance of fuse blowing on Driver Motorized Seat, but easily fixed. Definitely purchase extended warranty on any vehicle you plan to purchase. Excellent handling in turns, very comfortable seating. Great acceleration on freeway, especially when passing. Great sound system. True luxury feel with excellent safety features and handling.
Great Car Until It Breaks
Had my S80 T6 for 18 months from 22K to 40K miles. During that time, the following failed or broke: upper strut mounts (2), oxygen sensor, mass flow sensor, motor mount, lower control arm, strut assembly, front brake rotors, ABS control unit, turbo oil return line, dashboard clock, ignition switch, turn signal switch, headlight assembly, exterior trim piece, door trim piece, etc., etc. Additionally, when I sold it, one of the turbos was blowing oil and the transmission shifts had gotten mushy (neither of which the dealership was willing to correct). Other than that, it was the best car you could ever own. It was fast, handled great, and was very comfortable. It also got about 20 mpg.
Don't By A 2000 Volvo S80 T-6
This car is horrible. I purchased this car used and I have had problems with ever since. My car is in the shop every 3-4 months for things other than regular maitenance. This car has had two recalls on it since I have owned it. I had to replace the ECU and the power steering rank. Luckily I had the VIP select warranty. I have prolems with the engine stalling while I was in freeway traffice along with my daughter in the car, I have had to have the radiator replaced, amongst other things. I have owned this car for a year and half and it's been in the shop so much that I just should have stuck with a Honda Accord.
Very nice w/ drawbacks
I bought mine used at 70,000 miles and have put over 40,000 on it in just over one year. The ride is excellent, the interior is extremely comfortable, and it looks grrrreat! I have had the throttle control valve replaced for about $1,000, after dumping $600 on same problem and cleaning of the injectors. You will know when the throttle control valve gets dirty when the idle RPMs go up and down and the computer automatically shuts off the cruise while going down the highway because the RPMs are not steady enough. If yours gets dirty DO NOT bother having it cleaned once to avoid the cost of replacement. Replacement can be delayed but not avoided. Just get it replaced and save some $$.
Volvo must go
Great car if you can afford to keep it in repairs. Dealership must live off of the income from service dept. Transmission replaced at 80,000. Various other expensive problems.
Should be as reliable as Volvo used to be
I purchased this car with 54k on it, mostly for volvo reputation of durability and reliability (not any more). I have to change the power steering rack ($900) Cooling fan (before they make a recall). Every visit to volvo dealer is like going to HELL, they charge you for the aire you breath. Every thing typically cost you 10 times compared to the same issue in an american or Japanese car. I am already looking for either Honda or Toyota.
Luxury at a bargain price
I fell in love with the styling of this car the first year it was introduced--not the brick that Volvo enthusiasts admire. This is the most exciting automoabile I ever owned. But it's not just the looks that make it so great. It is a teriffic touring car, with a combination of smooth acceleration with power to get you into or out of the flow of traffic at will, and the comfort to drive for hours without fatigue. Navigation system is first rate. Backup radar has paid for itself several times, preventing rear end damage backing up in tight quarters. It's been a very reliable car, the only issues being cooling fan and battery replaced under warranty. Despite the power, highway mpg is 27.
Waste of money
I bought this car used 4 months ago and have brought it back to the dealer 3 times for repairs including faulty locks, broken heater fan, shocks, constant stalling while driving, gloppy engine oil, throttle replacement. It's a total lemon. Don't buy one!
Didn't know how bad
This car has been a maintanence nightmare. A lot of warranty repairs to suspension and drive train. 12K mile interval between brake jobs. My cost of maintainence has been $187/month since I bought the car...not including gas.
Very Costly Driving Pleasure
I love everything about this car except it is as reliable as a newspaper in a hailstorm. It only has 50k and the following already has had to be repaired: front struts, bearings and plates, ABS module, oxygen sensor, front bushings, motor mount,has oil leak that mechanic said to wait until I see oil on ground, engine light currently on?, just recommended tie rods to be replaced by mechanic-can wait on that.
worst vehicle ever
Got to be the worst car ever made take heed of all these poor reviews they're not making this stuff up, Suspension, electrical, AC the list goes on. Seat leather worn through, constant software problems or so the dealer says. The user who said 187/mo maintenance isn't exaggerating. We've got extended warranty and still shell out a thousand a year. One positive note, I've decided to buy a jaguar knowing it couldn't be any worse and I won't mind putting money into a car that has a bit of class. If you need a reliable car get a Camry.
Avoid this car at all costs
Bought this car in 5/05. So far: - Sunroof broke - SRS system broke (three different sensors needed replacement) - AC System broke - Oil Leak (Trap/Seals/Pan) - Engine Light constantly So far, about 5K in repairs for this car. Edmunds just told me that the car is worth between 6K and 8K depending on who I sell it to. These cars are pieces of junk, don't retain value, and is worth more to me if I drive it off a cliff.
Never again...
Bought 4 years old with 27k on it. 55k miles now. Know why the low miles, spent most of its life in for repairs. I spent $1200 on new shift solenoid per Volvo, which didn't fix 2nd to 3rd gear shudder. Then told me only remedy is $3500 new tranny. Didn't do that yet. Numerous phantom electrical problems. Repeated trips to clear codes, with a minimum $50 charge each time. If you are thinking of buying this model year, run away as fast as you can. See message boards and reviews. Ford didn't even own Volvo yet, so can't lay blame there. But it is a GM tranny, go figure. Will never buy another Volvo, have owned 17 vehicles in 35 years, this is worst buy far, more problems than all others combined
Good buy!
We have really been thrilled with our S80. It is fun drive, looks sharp, is incredibly safe, and has been very reliable.
Reliable Fun
I started out loving the car. Right after it went out of warranty I had a number of small issues. My dealer recommended that I contact the regional manager and I complained to him that all my miles were expressway and I was unhappy that these problems occurred. He authorized the dealership to take care of these and I was not charged. Thanks Volvo customer service! I have had very few problems since then and currently have 238,500 miles on the car. I have driven and would buy a new 2007 Volvo S80, but I do not like the new center console and the way my knee hits up against it is uncomfortable. As much time as I spend in the car comfort is important so I am now looking at a competitor's car.
My Volvo
I bought the car new. It is a wonderful car to drive although I have had a number of electrical and mechanical problems. I have severe arthritis and the seats are the most comfortable of any car I've ever owned and adjustable to many positions. I love the power and the instant response and feel it is the safest car on the road today. The only reason I'm considering another make is reliability. I've never owned a car with so many problems.
Worst Vehicle Every Purchased
Probably in the top 5 worst cars every made. 7yr old car, with 89k mi. Here is the short list: Warning lights constantly going off. Engine constatnly surges, even after multiple trips to dealer, multi software downloads and new throttle installed. Transmission is slipping. ABS system failed. Already replaced front bushings, struts, strut mounts and bearings. After 2nd set of new rotors, still vibrates like crazy when stopping. Cloth interior drooping, seats cracking. Sunroof brackets coming off. Headlight assembly is bad. AC fan vibrates and makes noise. Incredible depreciation rate! Owe $6500 on car and will have to put $3 to $5k to fix tranmission. Volvo won't help! Warranty ended in '06.
Reliability Nightmare
Pretty much everything that can break on this car did break. In a single 18 month period we replaced an oxygen sensor, a mass air flow sensor, a motor mount, both lower control arms (under recall), an ignition switch, an ABS control unit, two upper strut assemblies, a piece of door trim, the computer thumb wheel stalk, the dash display, and an oil return line. The last straw was Volvo's refusal to replace a turbo that was blowing oil through the engine. Also, the transmission was slipping at 50,000 miles. A terribly made car from a company that has no interest in keeping long-term customers.
Great Power but Poor Reliability
When Consumer Reports notes that this is one of the poorest used car buys, listen to them. It is an incredible car in its interior quality, power, and road handling; but the fun stops there. I have spent so much time in the dealership with the front suspension, climate control, engine and transmission issues that it is on the rack more than the road. The vehicle reliability is incredibly disappointing and you should really think twice before buying. Between the poor dealer service and the dismal quality and reliability, I will never buy another Volvo. For the same money elsewhere you can get so much more.
Good Buy
Best car I owned. Had the car for three years, only rutine maintenance performed. Wish radio was more user friendly, small complaint for an excellent car.
Fun and Comfort
I love it! It is very comfortable and has a quite and smooth ride. The Volvo S80 handles very well. No complaints from my long legged friends who sit in the back. The back seats are comfortable too,
2000 Volvo S80 T6
What a sweet, sweet car. It's responsive and a joy to drive. More than enough power. Supreme comfort. No major problems at all.
Best Car I ever owned
Our family has been buying Volvos since 1980, and this is by far the best one yet. Fast, comfortable, and great sound system.
Volvo S80
Like the car, little slow on exceration. A little noisy on Freeway. Great Space and comfort...
Prepare Yourself :-(
Had Honda's my whole life and wanted to move up. Mistake. Great car if you can get it cheap and know a Volvo technician. Currently at 68K miles. Transmission replaced at 52K. Battery died during that time. Needs new rotors ($$$) each 40K miles. Replaced throttle control unit and sensor. Countless new lightbulbs. Replaced ignition antenna. Volvo Service at Dealerships are great......they have to be! READ EDMUNDS MAINTENANCE GUIDE for TSBs!!! Next car will be a Honda.
Best Car In Its Class
Best car I've ever owned. Performance, safety, security, ergonomics, comfort are tops. Outstanding follow up support from Bob Penkhus service department. If there's a problem, they will fix it. No problems here.
Lemon
The S-80 is avery comfortable and good looking veh, but it has been the most unreliable veh I have ever owned, in the last 3 years the car has been in the shop over a dozen times, and for weeks at a time. The head gasket blew at 4000 miles, the electrical system, a nightmare, the transmission does not function properly. All of this Volvo acknowleges, but they will not step up to the plate and get me out of a lease that only has 3 months remaining. My car is currently in the shop and has been for the past week and a half. I will never buy another Volvo!
Time for something different...
On the plus side, very comfortable vehicle inside, also great looks. Unfortunately, many trips to service dept after only 24k miles for suspension/electrical/ problems mostly. Unacceptable for a 40k+ automobile. I think I'll go back to Japanese cars next.
Unreliable Volvo
We have had this car for two years. In that span, it has broken 15 times, for items such as suspension, electrical, mechanical and ignition.
Great Car To Drive To the Shop
In a period of 18 months the following failed: ignition switch, oxygen sensor, mass flow meter, motor mount, upper strut mount, headlight assembly, brake rotors, ABS control unit, turn signal assembly, turbo oil return line, front strut assemblies (2), door trim piece, turbo oil seals, etc. It also had a nasty habit of throwing black brake dust from the front rotors down the side of the car. The really bad part is that if it had been even somewhat realiable, this would be an unbelieveable car. It is nice to look at, very comfortable, relatively easy to work on, and it is very cheap on the used market (probably due to the horrible reliability).
cruising comfort
I've had this car for 2 years and have only done regular maintenance and oil changes. Very comfortable car, great for road trips. I would definately recomend Volvo to anyone!
Best Car In Its Class
Best car I've ever owned. Performance, safety, security, ergonomics, comfort are tops. Outstanding follow up support from Bob Penkhus service department. If there's a problem, they will fix it. No problems here.
Volvo S80 2000
When shopping for a new vehicle, the choose of models included BMW 5, 300E Mercedes, and the STS Cadillac. At 6'2" the Volvo was the most comfortable and provided front wheel drive. Along with a cheaper price tag.