2008 Volvo S80

by Jo Ann Holt

My only regret in driving the 2008 Volvo S80 AWD is I didn’t get to drive this powerful, comfortable car enough!  I spent several days in meetings while the beautiful Blue Metallic 4-door sedan sat in the parking lot, unused.  Then we took a short trip to Austin and my beloved (typical guy that he is) insisted on driving “his” car.

I feel sure if we had been driving the Volvo we would have not only made better time (if I was allowed to drive) but Texas might even have won the ball game. Instead we had to follow all those Kansas Jayhawks North on I-35 with their victory banners waving in the wind.

The Volvo has a 3.0 liter Turbo-charged 6-cylinder Alloy Engine with DOHC, continuous variable valve timing, with 281 HP and 295 lbs. ft. torque at 1500 RPM.  An Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle, it has 6-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift logic.  Safety features include tire pressure monitoring system, dynamic stability traction control, all the standard airbags including Volvo inflatable curtain side impact head protection system, front and rear, Volvo Whiplash Protection System in the driver and front passenger seats.

I especially liked the turn signal indicators in the outside rearview mirrors, the push button start, dual zone climate control, emergency trunk release handle, and integrated front and rear fog lights.  I also loved the power glass moonroof and all the elegant interior touches such as modern wood inlays and leather covered steering wheel and gearshift knob.  Driver and front passenger seats had 8-way configurations, and the driver’s seat had remote memory and lumbar support. 

Backseat passengers are quite comfortable with second row air vents, and their own center armrest and cup holders.   

The Volvo S80 sells for $42,045, and the premium sound system with Sirius Satellite Radio and climate package that included heated seats, Rainsensor windshield wipers, and high pressure headlamp cleaning plus destination charges brought the total test model price to $45,790.  Mileage reflecting the more stringent new 2008 EPA methods was 15 mpg in town and 23 on the highway.

If you ever get a chance to drive the 2008 Volvo S80, don’t pass it up.  I’m hoping my turn will come again soon.