2009 Volvo S80 Quality Review

March 21, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

sufficient head and leg room to take on a pair of average-sized adults or a trio of kids
Kelley Blue Book

it could have a bit more room in the backseat, but the space isn't what you'd call confining
Cars.com

slim center console and easily operated controls
ForbesAutos

Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that comfort and quality are excellent in the 2009 Volvo S80.

Cars.com says that "it could have a bit more room in the backseat, but the space isn't what you'd call confining"; Kelley Blue Book reports the Volvo S80's "60/40 split-folding rear bench has sufficient head and leg room to take on a pair of average-sized adults or a trio of kids." ForbesAutos observes that the 2009 Volvo S80 has an abundance of interior room: "the cabin is spacious and comfortable."

The 2009 Volvo S80 gets high marks for quality inside. Cars.com sums it up pretty well: "The materials are all soft to the touch, the leather is plush and the seats are ultra comfortable. What's left to want?" ForbesAutos especially likes the "slim center console and easily operated controls." ConsumerGuide, however, says that "materials aren't especially rich for a premium car," but even they admit the "cabin is decently appointed overall." They also report that noise levels aboard the Volvo S80 are "subdued, but not as quiet as many luxury-class competitors...both 6-cylinder engines growl under acceleration." Edmunds is a bit more critical of this 2009 Volvo model, however. While acknowledging that the Volvo S80 interior has the auto industry's "most supportive seats [and] its cabin has all the expected amenities, it lacks the unrestrained elegance and exacting quality of competitors' interiors."

Automotive.com says its reviewer "found the steering wheel controls a bit fussy at first, and hard to use, but owners will figure them out quickly." The reviewer at Automotive.com is a fan of the fact that "a menu system tailors the seats, rearview mirrors, climate control, audio, navigation, and the amount of steering wheel feel in the car's speed-dependent power steering system."

According to Kelley Blue Book, "the somewhat modestly-scaled 14.9 cubic-foot trunk" can be expanded by dropping the backseats, providing a pass-through opening. Cars.com, however, isn't pleased with the storage space in the 2009 S80, declaring that "the small trunk was a bit of a surprise" and noting that "it's not exactly deep or tall, so large suitcases have to be wedged in tightly."

Conclusion

The 2009 Volvo S80 offers an outstandingly comfortable interior—though the appointments might not meet everyone’s tastes.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:sufficient head and leg room to take on a pair of average-sized adults or a trio of kidsKelley Blue Bookit could have a bit more room in the backseat, but the space isn't what you'd call confiningCars.comslim center console and easily operated controlsForbesAutos Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that comfort and quality are excellent in the 2009 Volvo S80. Cars.com says that "it could have a bit more room in the backseat, but the space isn't what you'd call confining"; Kelley Blue Book reports the Volvo S80's "60/40 split-folding rear bench has sufficient head and leg room to take on a pair of average-sized adults or a trio of kids." ForbesAutos observes that the 2009 Volvo S80 has an abundance of interior room: "the cabin is spacious and comfortable." The 2009 Volvo S80 gets high marks for quality inside. Cars.com sums it up pretty well: "The materials are all soft to the touch, the leather is plush and the seats are ultra comfortable. What's left to want?" ForbesAutos especially likes the "slim center console and easily operated controls." ConsumerGuide, however, says that "materials aren't especially rich for a premium car," but even they admit the "cabin is decently appointed overall." They also report that noise levels aboard the Volvo S80 are "subdued, but not as quiet as many luxury-class competitors...both 6-cylinder engines growl under acceleration." Edmunds is a bit more critical of this 2009 Volvo model, however. While acknowledging that the Volvo S80 interior has the auto industry's "most supportive seats [and] its cabin has all the expected amenities, it lacks the unrestrained elegance and exacting quality of competitors' interiors." Automotive.com says its reviewer "found the steering wheel controls a bit fussy at first, and hard to use, but owners will figure them out quickly." The reviewer at Automotive.com is a fan of the fact that "a menu system tailors the seats, rearview mirrors, climate control, audio, navigation, and the amount of steering wheel feel in the car's speed-dependent power steering system." According to Kelley Blue Book, "the somewhat modestly-scaled 14.9 cubic-foot trunk" can be expanded by dropping the backseats, providing a pass-through opening. Cars.com, however, isn't pleased with the storage space in the 2009 S80, declaring that "the small trunk was a bit of a surprise" and noting that "it's not exactly deep or tall, so large suitcases have to be wedged in tightly." ConclusionThe 2009 Volvo S80 offers an outstandingly comfortable interior—though the appointments might not meet everyone’s tastes. 2009 VOLVO S80 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "subtle wedge shape is effectively reinforced by a sweeping roofline and prominent shoulder ridges" Cars.com: "dull as a doornail" Automotive.com: "much larger grille opening, a sporty bumper and under-grille treatment, larger ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

With front-wheel drive and a large interior, combined with several performance engine upgrades, the Volvo S80 competes with a wide range of luxury sedans. The Mercedes E-Class and the BMW 5-Series both offer V-8 versions and all-wheel drive, as well as extensive safety features, while the new Acura RL is a good competitor, with a new face for 2009, standard all-wheel drive, and a V-6 powertrain. For those who wish to be a little more flamboyant, the V-8-powered Jaguar XF is worth a look; performance in the XF is near the head of its class, and while the S80’s interior is quite stark, the XF’s is warm and classy.

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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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