2009 Volvo S80 Safety Review

March 21, 2009

SAFETY | 10 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

since the early 1970s, a Volvo Traffic Accident Research Team has been on call 24 hours a day to immediately respond to the site of Volvos involved in an accident within their immediate vicinity
MotherProof

breakthrough safety gizmos we hadn't seen until very recently
Cars.com

can ready maximum braking force if a collision is imminent
ConsumerGuide

The 2009 Volvo S80 gets a perfect 10 for safety from editors at TheCarConnection.com, a tribute to its excellent safety pedigree.

Safety has been a high priority with Volvo since it started building automobiles—and the 2009 Volvo S80 definitely benefits. Cars.com reports that the Volvo S80 continues this tradition with "breakthrough safety gizmos we hadn't seen until very recently." MotherProof explains that "since the early 1970s, a Volvo Traffic Accident Research Team has been on call 24 hours a day to immediately respond to the site of Volvos involved in an accident within their immediate vicinity." The reviewer appreciates the importance placed on collecting "data on how the vehicles performed in real-world crashes, including researching police and medical records in conjunction with the accident."

This year's Volvo S80 receives the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick, scoring the highest ratings in front, side, and rear crash tests, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives this 2009 Volvo five stars in every crash test. Cars.com points out that "no other luxury cars in the segment managed that feat."

Kelley Blue Book reports the Volvo S80 has, as standard safety features, "anti-whiplash (WHIPS) and side-impact protection (SIPS) systems, Dynamic Traction and Stability Control, anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Assistance and front, front-side and side-curtain airbags." J.D. Power notes that the 2009 Volvo S80 offers additional protection for occupants in the event of a collision with "a transversely mounted inline-6 powerplant—an uncommon engine arrangement, but a necessary contributor to the high safety ratings the S80 earned." ConsumerGuide is impressed by the optional adaptive cruise control with radar assist that "can ready maximum braking force if a collision is imminent."

Edmunds praises the 2009 Volvo's optional Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which "uses warning lights mounted on the A-pillars to alert the driver when another vehicle pulls up in the S80's blind spot."

Conclusion

The 2009 Volvo S80 absolutely shines when it comes to safety. Its list of available safety features simply can't be beat.

SAFETY | 10 out of 10Expert Quotes:since the early 1970s, a Volvo Traffic Accident Research Team has been on call 24 hours a day to immediately respond to the site of Volvos involved in an accident within their immediate vicinityMotherProofbreakthrough safety gizmos we hadn't seen until very recentlyCars.comcan ready maximum braking force if a collision is imminentConsumerGuide The 2009 Volvo S80 gets a perfect 10 for safety from editors at TheCarConnection.com, a tribute to its excellent safety pedigree. Safety has been a high priority with Volvo since it started building automobiles—and the 2009 Volvo S80 definitely benefits. Cars.com reports that the Volvo S80 continues this tradition with "breakthrough safety gizmos we hadn't seen until very recently." MotherProof explains that "since the early 1970s, a Volvo Traffic Accident Research Team has been on call 24 hours a day to immediately respond to the site of Volvos involved in an accident within their immediate vicinity." The reviewer appreciates the importance placed on collecting "data on how the vehicles performed in real-world crashes, including researching police and medical records in conjunction with the accident." This year's Volvo S80 receives the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick, scoring the highest ratings in front, side, and rear crash tests, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives this 2009 Volvo five stars in every crash test. Cars.com points out that "no other luxury cars in the segment managed that feat." Kelley Blue Book reports the Volvo S80 has, as standard safety features, "anti-whiplash (WHIPS) and side-impact protection (SIPS) systems, Dynamic Traction and Stability Control, anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Assistance and front, front-side and side-curtain airbags." J.D. Power notes that the 2009 Volvo S80 offers additional protection for occupants in the event of a collision with "a transversely mounted inline-6 powerplant—an uncommon engine arrangement, but a necessary contributor to the high safety ratings the S80 earned." ConsumerGuide is impressed by the optional adaptive cruise control with radar assist that "can ready maximum braking force if a collision is imminent." Edmunds praises the 2009 Volvo's optional Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which "uses warning lights mounted on the A-pillars to alert the driver when another vehicle pulls up in the S80's blind spot." ConclusionThe 2009 Volvo S80 absolutely shines when it comes to safety. Its list of available safety features simply can't be beat. 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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