1999 Volvo S80 SE 2.9

Summary:

Snug, stylish and individualistic

Faults:

ABS unit broke, costly to fix. The emissions warning light came on a couple of times recently, which I guess may be the ETM problem?

There was an oil leak once which drained the engine almost dry. Fixed and been OK since.

Generally reliable, but the odd expensive problem does crop up sometimes.

General Comments:

Very comfortable and doesn't ever leave me stranded...yet!

Lots of gadgets to play with and plenty of room for all the family.

Only real issue is poor fuel economy. Low 20s is normal around town. Then again, the performance and smooth 6 cylinder engine note more than makes up for it!

Had a couple of knocks on the car, it's just so big and easy to bounce off things...

Medium wave radio reception is sometimes poor and the sat nav doesn't seem to like post codes?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2008

1999 Volvo S80 SE 2.9

Summary:

Looks good and is comfortable, but hugely expensive to maintain and the computer on this early S80 i

Faults:

The main complaint has been the on board computer which, from 60,000 miles onwards, has consistently produced a range of faults none of which have had any bearing on the actual mechanical condition of the vehicle. The false readings on the computer have, however, affected the performance. A fault on the computer noted that there was a brake failure. This was incorrect, but the computer then automatically cut the engine which created dangerous driving conditions. The cost to repair the computer fault was almost £400. Then the computer showed that there was an emission service problem. This again was incorrect and there was nothing wrong mechanically. Currently there is a computer fault noting that an urgent transmission service is necessary. Again there is nothing wrong mechanically, but the computer is now influencing the acceleration so that the engine is running at a thousand revs higher than it should. The costs to repair the computer are expected to be another £500! I have lost all interest in the car and cannot wait to get rid of it particularly as all service costs are high and regular repairs are necessary and expensive.

General Comments:

The main plus of the car is comfort although the suspension has become more bumpy and noisy despite replacement of track rods.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th July, 2005

1999 Volvo S80 s80 2.4 SE (140) 2.4

Faults:

Disk brakes are pitted and need replacing a 400 pound exercise.

The Emission Warming light keeps on coming on and going out. Volvo informed us to keep on driving its fine.

General Comments:

A superb car.

A bit on the large side for handeling in tight car parks.

Goes like the clappers on motorway, even in 2.4 liter form.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th October, 2004

9th Apr 2005, 20:24

Try to find an "Advance Auto Parts" that has the codes to reset your computer (ridding you of the Emission Warning). You could also have a bad O2 sensor, causing you to lose a lot of gas mileage (getting maybe 15mpg), and you will not pass inspection if that error light comes on.

13th Feb 2010, 07:20

I own a 1999 140hp 5 cylinder S80. It's now 11 years old and has 122000 miles on it. It still runs good and I find it beautiful.

The maintenance on a regular basis that must be religiously made are just two. Cleaning the electronic control unit every three months, and changing the oil and filters ever 10000km. So far she's still my uber babe! By the way, mine has manual tranny. I intend to keep her for life!

Arolf.