2004 Volvo S80 2.9L naturally aspirated

Summary:

Great car if you take care of it

Faults:

Some wear on the seats.

Bushings went bad at 93000 miles.

Trunk latch and HID headlamp ballast went bad at 90000 miles.

General Comments:

Generally, if you take care of a car, it will last. This is especially true with Volvos. They make great cars and will last forever if you take care of them and do the recommended maintenance. I change my oil every 4000 miles, as opposed to 7500, which is what Volvo recommends. Mine is not a turbo, but I would only use full synthetic in the turbos, as oil sludging with conventional is a common problem.

The cabin and seats are excellent, perfect for a long trip. You cannot imagine how comfortable the seats are; they are amazing! This car is very heavy (~3700lbs empty), so don't expect the best acceleration with the 2.9L naturally aspired engine (193bhp). I wouldn't consider it underpowered, but keep in mind this is not a race car. That said, this car just feels solid on the road. Volvos are known for their safety, and I can see why, as the car just feels safe and solid.

Reliability is been good thus far, with only a few minor issues. Keep in mind that parts will not be cheap, like a comparable Ford or Chevrolet. As I said, if you love (and maintain) your Volvo, it will love you back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th April, 2011

2004 Volvo S80 T6 2.9 turbo

Summary:

Most unreliable car I have owned in 35 years

Faults:

I have had continual problems with the car stalling, starting when the car was 3 years old and 50,000 miles. Over a 2 year period, the car has been in the shop 6 times costing over $2,500. The Volvo dealer doesn't appear to be capable of identifying the problem and fixing it.

General Comments:

Continual stalling is a significant safety problem.

The competence of the dealer service personnel is questionable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th September, 2009

2004 Volvo S80 2.9 2.9 liter

Summary:

It is a great car, but does not hold value

Faults:

Nothing has really gone wrong.

It is a little cramped for me on a long drive. (I am 6 feet tall)

General Comments:

The styling is great.

The fuel economy is acceptable.

The car drives great and has a very stable feel.

My problem is that I paid $35,000 for the car 12 months ago and get offered over $23,000 trading on $50,000 vehicles.

I am told that the 2.9 is a negative and that the $5,000 dealer cash on the car when new had to be deducted from trade value.

What kind of logic is that?

Anyway, by their numbers, the car has dropped 30 to 40 percent in value in 12 months.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th November, 2004

2004 Volvo S80 2.5T 2.5 turbo

Summary:

A great deal for the money at the end of the year

Faults:

The only problem identified was the trunk failing to open with the remote on the key unit. The problem was fixed by pressing one button on the console that I had engaged by error. I called the dealer and they walked me through the fix w/in minutes.

General Comments:

This is my first Volvo and it drives like a dream. The handling is precise, quick and sure.

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The engine is sufficient to move in and out of traffic like a rabbit.

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Highway response is very good. At 3500 rpm the turbo kicks in and there is a perceptible burst of power for passing or cutting in and out - or getting out of the way.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2004