2008 Volvo S80 Review

November 3, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

still unmistakably Volvo
Cars.com

Classically understated...a lean, well-tailored appearance
Kelley Blue Book

artful detailing and logically grouped controls
Automobile

TheCarConnection.com notes some mixed reviews on the styling of the 2008 Volvo S80, but most lean toward the positive.

According to Edmunds, the "2007 model year brought a full redesign for the S80," but it "didn't change drastically in size or appearance" of the four-door sedan. Cars.com concurs, saying that although with the S80 "Volvo has shaken the boxy look it made famous, the S80 is still unmistakably Volvo." Another reviewer there says the "sculpted body mimics other recently redesigned Volvos," while pointing out that the current model "uses the technique to its best effect to date," thanks to more angled headlights. They were less impressed with the rear of this 2008 Volvo model, however, describing it as "dull as a doornail." Kelley Blue Book, on the other hand, praises the outside appearance of the Volvo S80, reporting that the "subtle wedge shape is effectively reinforced by a sweeping roofline and prominent shoulder ridges."

While Edmunds has little to say about the exterior of the Volvo S80, it holds the opinion that the interior lines are "clean...and the understated wood trim has the look of paneling versus the usual shiny veneer." This is more or less in agreement with Kelley Blue Book's assessment of the 2008 Volvo's "well-appointed cabin," which "reflects a Swedish-modern mentality." They and other reviewers consulted by TheCarConnection.com especially like the Volvo S80's "elegant slim-line center stack that houses the audio and climate control switchgear." In discussing the redesigned interior the S80 received last year, Automobile gives kudos for "artful detailing and logically grouped controls that create a clean look without gimmicky hideaway panels."

Conclusion

The 2008 Volvo S80 is relatively easy on the eye with its rounded, aerodynamic profile.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:still unmistakably VolvoCars.comClassically understated...a lean, well-tailored appearanceKelley Blue Bookartful detailing and logically grouped controlsAutomobile TheCarConnection.com notes some mixed reviews on the styling of the 2008 Volvo S80, but most lean toward the positive. According to Edmunds, the "2007 model year brought a full redesign for the S80," but it "didn't change drastically in size or appearance" of the four-door sedan. Cars.com concurs, saying that although with the S80 "Volvo has shaken the boxy look it made famous, the S80 is still unmistakably Volvo." Another reviewer there says the "sculpted body mimics other recently redesigned Volvos," while pointing out that the current model "uses the technique to its best effect to date," thanks to more angled headlights. They were less impressed with the rear of this 2008 Volvo model, however, describing it as "dull as a doornail." Kelley Blue Book, on the other hand, praises the outside appearance of the Volvo S80, reporting that the "subtle wedge shape is effectively reinforced by a sweeping roofline and prominent shoulder ridges." While Edmunds has little to say about the exterior of the Volvo S80, it holds the opinion that the interior lines are "clean...and the understated wood trim has the look of paneling versus the usual shiny veneer." This is more or less in agreement with Kelley Blue Book's assessment of the 2008 Volvo's "well-appointed cabin," which "reflects a Swedish-modern mentality." They and other reviewers consulted by TheCarConnection.com especially like the Volvo S80's "elegant slim-line center stack that houses the audio and climate control switchgear." In discussing the redesigned interior the S80 received last year, Automobile gives kudos for "artful detailing and logically grouped controls that create a clean look without gimmicky hideaway panels." ConclusionThe 2008 Volvo S80 is relatively easy on the eye with its rounded, aerodynamic profile.  2008 VOLVO S80 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "still unmistakably Volvo " Kelley Blue Book: "Classically understated...a lean, well-tailored appearance" Automobile: "artful detailing and logically grouped controls" TheCarConnection.com notes some mixed reviews on the styling of ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Volvo S80 slots in between the usual European, Japanese, and domestic competition, thanks to its front-wheel drive and large interior. The Acura RL is a good competitor, with a new face for 2009, standard all-wheel drive, and a V-6 powertrain. The Mercedes E-Class comes in a wide range of flavors, as does the BMW 5-Series; both offer V-8 versions and all-wheel drive, as well as extensive safety features.

Next Steps:

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See the Volvo S80 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

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