Used 2003 Volvo S80 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Volvo for Strife
netxpert, 10/02/2003
2003 Volvo S80 T6 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased a brand new 2003 Volvo S80 T6. The first time that I opened the hood I discovered that the car has significant rust and corrosion problems. The problems were brought to the dealers attention immediately after purchase, however after several months, the factory has done little to address the situation. Neither the dealer or the factory seem to care about customer satisfaction. There customer service rates an F.
Mixed Results with the Volvo S80
Ronald Jay, 03/06/2003
2003 Volvo S80 2.9 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall, a good car but with some notable problems. The car failed to start when almost brand new and the dealer asked if I had another set of Volvo keys on the same keychain! It appears that their keys contain a microchip that has caused starting problems if together(this was not the problem in my case and they couldn't diagnose the cause). The dealer never mentioned this problem when I bought the car. Windshield wipers are weak and the car is not nearly as good as my old 1997 Saab 9000 in the snow. I have had difficulty making it up some very low inclines with very little snow on the ground. Comfortable seating in front and back.
Acceleration Hesitation
Harder99, 01/18/2004
2003 Volvo S80 T6 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We purchased the car for its safety performance and chose the T6 model for the performance and added features. The car is fantastic except for one problem: hesitation during acceleration. The car hesitiates between 1st and 2nd gear under moderate to heavy acceleration. After four trips to the dealer I discovered the hesitation problem is designed into the car to save the tranmission. Volvo is working on a software patch, however, I was told the acceleration hesitation will always be noticed. Why make twin turbo model if the throttle is cut during acceleration?
Volvo S80 T6
S80_T6, 03/21/2003
2003 Volvo S80 T6 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Volvo S80 T6 has been a joy to drive. The T6 provides power for that quick acceleration whenever needed, and a smooth and comfortable ride cruising along the highway. A sound system that is second to none, and innovative safety features make the S80 the smart alternative to more expensive BMW 5-series or the overrated Audi 6.
Volvo Lemon
Bob Reynolds, 11/22/2002
2003 Volvo S80 2.9 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Absolute worse new car I have ever purchased. Dealership service had car first 4months more than I did. Service dept. drove more miles than owner, over the first four months. Local service dept. can not fix problem without bringing in specialist who works with Volvo Sweeden. Problem worse than ever and dealership now saying nothing more they can do. We now have to change our driving habits to try to be safe in the $40k vehicle. Cannot pull out into traffic because we are not sure what car will do. (Either bog down or tramission will slip). 5 visits to service and they can't fix it. They said that Volvo might have a fix in the future.
Very Comfortable, Little Else Going For It
G, 04/09/2019
updated 04/15/2022
2003 Volvo S80 2.9 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is by far the most comfortable I have ever driven, and performs its purpose as a safe comfortable cruiser adequately. Reliability seems variable. Many online seem to like this, but mine has never once worked properly. It constantly told me various electronics are not working, and stalls at random below half a tank. Also the stability control is worse than useless in the snow, cutting power at inopportune moments such as entering intersections in slush, or getting oneself unstuck from a snowy driveway. I have replaced the fuel pump for $700 at a Volvo specialist's garage, which was cheaper than a dealership would have done it for (regular mechanics would not work on this car in my area). As someone with sporty tastes, the 2.9 trim is lacking. The acceleration is at best marginally faster than my previous 30 year old Honda Accord that made just over 100 HP, and steering/handling is vague at best and occasional disconcerting in the apparent lack of connection to the wheels over bumpy roads. The car also torque steers noticeably under acceleration. Overall a decent car for someone who wants to be insulated from the road and float down the highway, if they can stomach new BMW maintenance with none of the performance typically associated with it. It makes sense why my grandmother bought it, but it doesn't work for a broke college student.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great ride
vikingpwr, 04/26/2009
2003 Volvo S80 2.9 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Silky & Smooth beauty
yelled, 05/09/2003
2003 Volvo S80 T6 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I think the person who complained about the "born with" nose, not enough power to accelerate into traffic, and heavy steering wheel must got a real lemon or not talking about the same car. Steering is actually on the lighter side for Eurpean cars. It's quiet and smooth even over NYC pot-holes. Avoiding them is just as fun. No problems what so ever so far and I am keeping my fingers crossed. I like this car over often troublesome and stiff BMW's. Especially when my neighbor's BMW gets stuck during snow. I love floating by with my cushy seats with fwd.
Don't Cheat Yourself...
morgieboy, 04/05/2003
2003 Volvo S80 T6 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Don't cheat yourself with the 2.9 Spend the extra 4500 for the T6 package.
I like my S80
S80Jim, 12/26/2002
2003 Volvo S80 2.9 4dr Sedan (2.9L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 7 months, I have been impressed by this car. Very comfortable to drive. The exterior looks set this car apart since it is not another "me-too" look. Interior is well laid out and seats are very comfortable - even on long drives.