2002 Volvo S80 Review

The Volvo S80 sedan is the flagship of the Swedish automaker's line, so it's fitting that Volvo is offering a version of the car as its 75th Anniversary Edition. The anniversary model commemorates the first Volvo auto, which was built in 1927. The special new model has unique standard and optional features including twin seven-inch video/ television screens in the back of the front head restraints--and a rear armrest-mounted refrigerator that cools to 36 degrees and can chill three bottles of Pellegrino.

You even get four Swedish crystal drinking glasses. Among other special items is an umbrella mounted under the trunk lid, which swings well up out of the way on struts to reveal a large trunk. A folding rear seatback allows the trunk area to be enlarged.

Volvo has modified the anniversary model's rear seat and relocated it slightly rearward to create a few more inches of rear legroom, although all S80 models have a roomy back seat area to begin with. The front-seat area also is spacious. A plaque states that the new model is one of 500 anniversary models made for the United States. At $45,995, this is one of the most costly S80 sedans, but Volvos never have been inexpensive. Even the base S80 is $38,450. Powering the anniversary model is a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged and intercooled six-cylinder that generates 268 horsepower, lots of torque and fast acceleration.

However, this is a front-drive car and all that power causes torque steer during hard acceleration; this means that, as with all turbo S80 sedans, the anniversary model darts a bit to the left or right when the throttle is floored hard. It's nothing to worry about, although new owners might be taken a little by surprise. The turbo engine is remarkably smooth and quiet for such a fairly small motor in a pretty large sedan that weighs about 3,600 pounds.

The engine works with a smooth four-speed automatic transmission, which upshifts seamlessly and downshifts quickly. The S80 debuted for 1999 and hasn't changed much. It still looks good, with nicely sculpted styling and a posh but no-nonsense interior, which has comfortable seats, large controls and even aimable, closeable air vents on center windshield posts for rear passengers.

However, the pop-up front cupholder, which accompanies a regular front console cupholder, has an awkward design and seems flimsy. The cockpit is so quiet that wind noise is noticeable at highway speeds if the sound system is switched off. About that sound system: it's overly complicated in the anniversary model and has radio station readout numbers that are hard to see in bright sunlight. The base model's 2.9-liter, non-turbocharged six-cylinder has 194 horsepower, which seems just adequate for a luxury sedan designed to compete with rivals such as BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

However, there also are turbocharged $43,100 T6 and $49,950 T6 Executive models with a 2.9-liter six-cylinder that generates 268 horsepower and very quick acceleration. All engines provide estimated fuel economy in the high teens in the city and the mid-20s on the highway. The front-wheel-drive S80 models are well-equipped and loaded with safety features. They include front side air bags, curtain side air bags and whiplash protection front seats. There also are all-disc anti-lock brakes and a traction control system. Turbo models have more advanced traction control.

This is the first modern front-drive car to have an inline (not V-shaped) six-cylinder engine mounted sideways to allow more crush space in case of a front collision. The S80 is no sports sedan like a BMW. For instance, it's quick power steering is too light and doesn't provide above-average road feel. The car also doesn't quickly change lanes as adroitly as European sports sedans. And the S80 has a rather somber nature that seems to say "take it easy'' instead of "let's GO!"

However, handling is good, thanks to an all-independent suspension and large wheels and tires. The turbo models have bigger wheels and tires and a firmer suspension for better handling than the base model. All S80 models have a supple ride and stop quickly and surely--despite a rather soft brake pedal. The S80 is more luxurious than sporty, but that's no bad thing. With today's congested traffic, luxury often can be appreciated more than all-out performance.

VOLVO S80

Prices
$38,450-$49,950
Likes
Roomy. Fast with turbo engine. Many safety features. New 75th Anniversary model.
Dislikes
Soft brake pedal. Overly light steering. Complicated sound system controls.