1999-2006 Volvo S80
History
Volvo used to be owned by Ford from 1999 until 2010, with Geely buying the company after the Blue Oval sold Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors of India in 2008. With Ford owning Volvo, numerous vehicles shared platforms and engines.
A product of Volvo's P2 platform (it is under Ford's D3 platform) is the S80 sedan, which was launched in 1998 to replace the S90/960. With Volvo's core philosophy being safety, numerous safety features were thrown including Whiplash Protection System (or WHIPS) and the SIPS (or Side Impact Protection System). Sales ceased in 2006 with the launch of the second generation S80 in that year.
Viking Cars Philippines, the one who distributes Volvos in the Philippines, brought in the S80 in 1999 to replace the aforementioned S90 line. From launch, the 2.0T and the V6 were made available while the 2.5T was launched in 2005 to replace the V6.
Value and Costs
The good thing is that, luxury can be attained for the price of a budget car. Volvo S80s are priced between P250,000-P450,000, definitely a bargain to be honest. And for those who are quiet and low key, a Volvo is a great choice. Understated luxury at its finest for less.
Volvo (and European) specialist shops are on the rise physically and online, so purchasing your parts isn't trouble. With both engines possessing turbos, make sure they work properly and are cleaned. No known problems, so you get a reliable vehicle that you will enjoy.
Exterior and Interior
Boxy lines that afflicted Volvos of old are no more. The new styling is more sleek and distinct, with smooth lines from the front down to the rear area. So sleek we shall let the design speak for itself. Timeless, indeed.
The best place to be in the S80 is the rear, since accommodations is generous. Front space is also decent, too. Controls are of high quality, which is definitely expected. The audio and climate controls are placed in the center, with some of them placed close to one another. Still, you'll love to spend time inside the cabin.
Engine
Most S80s sold locally have turbos in it, and the base of them is the B5204 1,984cc inline five that has 180hp at 5,400rpm and 240Nm at 5,280rpm. Launched in 2005 is the B5254T2 2,521cc inline five which carries 210hp at 5,000rpm and 320Nm at 1,500-4,500rpm. The cherry of the cake is the briefly sold B6294T 2,922cc V6 which possess 272hp at 5,400rpm and 380Nm at 2,000-5,000rpm. How do they perform? Well, with the help of the turbo, both I5 engines are able performers but the power can be lacking for some. The 2.9 V6 is powerful, but since finding one is a challenge forget about it.
Driving Impressions
Isolation from the outside world is the theme of the S80. It pleases the passenger more than the driver since steering isn't great and the body quivers at curves. Road ruts are absorbed by the suspension and you can sleep soundly. If you want something fun to drive head to a BMW review in my website.
Verdict
There are two types of rich people: the ones who have arrived in a loud manner and the established ones. Low profile people belong to the latter category and the prudent choice is the Volvo S80. It does not handle like a sports car but it rides like a limo. Definitely a used car bargain.
The Good:
- Understated luxury
- Quiet
- Comfortable
The Bad:
- Dull to drive
- Less desirable
- Maintenance can be pricey
The Pick: 2.0T
THE SPECS
Engine: 1,984cc B5204 and 2,521 B5254T2 I5 turbo, 2,922cc B6294T V6 turbo gasoline
Power: 180hp @ 5,400rpm (2.0), 210hp @ 5,000rpm (2.5), 272hp @ 5,400rpm (2.9)
Torque: 240Nm @ 5,280rpm (2.0), 320Nm @ 1,500-4,500rpm (2.5), 380Nm @ 2,000-5,000rpm (2.9)
Fuel Consumption: 6-8km/L (city), 7-9km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear independent multi-link
MORE INFO
Price (New): P2,600,000-P3,800,000 (range from 1999-2006)
Price (Now): P250,000-P450,000
Rivals: BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes Benz E Class, Opel Omega
On Sale: 1999-2006
Resources:
http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-s80-18/
Contacts:
Volvo Makati - (02) 893-6621
Photos from http://paranaque.olx.com.ph/2002-volvo-s80-a-t-for-sale-iid-519905144
Contacts:
Volvo Makati - (02) 893-6621
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