The engine (when it works properly) is awesome, no problem towing the boat. The seats are the best. Cabdrivers in Sweden love the car for this. And of course it is a very safe car.

Reliability. My car has spent more than 2 months at the dealer for various problems. Lots of parts changed and software updates. Still there are 10 unresolved issues. I do not like it. Volvo must resolve this or they will be in big (bigger?) trouble.

I love driving my T6 as long as it works. I spend 4-6 hours a day driving it and it doesn't make my back hurt at all, something other cars do. The performance is very good. Love to see the face of BMW-drivers when the big, boxy Volvo leaves them in the dust. Top speed is more than enough and the tourque in the engine makes it possible to tow heavy load without any major problems.
It's a good car but some units have had a lot of problem and that makes dissapointed owners.
If you plan to buy a S80 do a lot of research, talk to the dealer, talk to the mechanics and talk to other owners. If you are unlucky, you might end up with a car like mine and you will most likely regret your choice.

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For the price the car is better than other similar cars. But the qualityproblems makes it a bad buy.

Great styling, comfort and ride. It always turns heads. The only car I've ever owned that I could drive endlessly on a trip without getting stiff and cramped--no need to switch seats with the wife! The seats are that good. Cockpit layout is the best I've seen.

The ride is smooth and quiet, especially considering the powerhouse under the hood. The Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) really works to control the car in a skid/slide situation--a much under-rated and little-praised option that could save your life easily.

The 6 airbags surround you, including ones that inflate between driver's and passengers' heads and the side glass, where so many serious head injuries occur. The WHIPS has won awards for innovation in preventing whiplash injuries due to rear end collisions.

Upgraded sound system is superb (you can imagine yourself in a live concert), and I much prefer the 4-CD in-dash to any number in the trunk mounted units.

Takeoff (acceleration) and landing (braking to stop) are phenominal. You can pass motorists ahead of you in a flash--the T6 is a rocket. Trunk is spaceous by my standards. On-board computer is quite accurate in measuring gas mileage and predicting miles to go before empty. Navigation system is easy to use and screen is at eye level on top of dash, so you don't have to take eyes too far off the road--in fact, with the voice commands, you seldom have to look at it. And with a remote control for the copilot, the driver does not have to fiddle with it at times when it would to dangerous.

The doors close tightly and seal well. The paint finish is excellent, especially with a good quality wax job. The car is very high tech, with advanced multiplex electrical system and approximately 17 computers that monitor/control everything.

Rearward visibility is not the best, especially for backing into tight parking spaces; but the optional back-up radar system compensates for that and quite well. The last door to close must be closed with some force, but that's because the car is so airtight, so really not a complaint. Some people complain about the stereo controls, especially switching from AM > FM > CD (with a knob), but once you become familiar with the system, it's not so bad, and steering wheel controls of volume and CD track are nice. Some complain of torque steer, but I don't find it to be a serious problem. The 17" tires make a bit of highway noise, but not enough to interfere with conversation, even at high speeds, and the stereo can block it all out pleasantly, if you desire! My battery was defective and was replaced under warranty after 7 months--the multiple electronic systems, computers and navigation system draw down the battery, and I had a habit of spending a lot of time programming the nav system while sitting in the car before starting the engine and driving off.

In my judgment, Volvo has done an excellent job of providing a near perfect balance between comfort, handling and performance. I'm past the age of racing (though I don't hesitate to use its power to pass others or get into the flow of traffic effortlessly on the freeway), so the torque steer is not an issue. And, I don't want a car that is noisey or stiff-riding. The often-praised "feel for the road" of a BMW translates into less comfort than I now demand. The S80 fits my needs as a luxury car but one that is not boring and bland. I think when you compare it with the 528, LS400 or E320, you have to conclude that you get MUCH more for your money in the S80. Reliability of the 1999's was not so good, but our 2000 has had only a couple of minor flaws that were corrected. For such a complex vehicle, it has been very reliable. I don't think you can expect perfection today in any car. If you want the MOST reliable car, you probably should consider the LS400, but you will be missing out on the excitement of the S80.

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BMW 528, Lexus LS400, MB E320 - no comparison, really

luxury factor, great sound system (best I have heard), dvd navigation system is one of the few systems I have enjoyed using because it is very simple and there are never any satilite failures. The DVD w/ 2 monitors in the rear comes in handy on long road trips. Great handiling and ride for a car of it's size (better than BMW 540 and Lexus LS400/430) I could go on forever.

Kind of a steap price to pay, but well worth it once you get to know the T6 engine :)

This is a great all around car, I have done extensive reserch into the 1999 model year, and since that was a first year for the S80, and also the year ford took over most of volvo there were great distractions in getting the recalls fixed and taken care of, this is at least my teory on this problem. But in 2000 there have so far been no recalls and 2001 as well. But my 2001 executive edition is the best car I have ever owned, and I have either owned or driven each of the cars listed above, it is by far the best out of all of them except for the BMW 740, just because it is larger and is far more expensive. I can easily reccomend the S80 to any one looking in the $40,000-$60,000 luxury range!

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BMW 540 & 740, Cad. STS, Lexus LS430, Linclon LS, and MB E430

Love the sound system, Comfort features of the car and styling.

Where do I start!! So far we have had to replace Tie rods(40K), Ball Joints(38K RECALL), Original stereo(99's and some 2000 will make a crackle noise when playing some cd's in pro logic mode. The stereo in the 2001 works fine), SHIFT LOCK SOLINOID was getting stuck, Break Fluid Resevoir leaked break fluid causing noise while steering. Should I continue..... Software in car has had to be updated several times, Passenger visor mirror light not working(had to be replaced), now we are getting a vibration in the driver door.

I DO NOT SUGGEST THE 1999 S80, Maybe I got a lemon but from what I have read above seems like similar problems. Going to buy another Toyota!! Have had my 4Runner since 1997, never seen the shop! except oil of course. :)

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Unbelievable styling, excellent acceleration, build quality, passenger room, interior materials, safety features up the wazoo, comfort- leather is plush and cozy, electronic systems, a very solid feeeling car that hugs the road, Volvo reliability, quietness, wood paneling

Poor rear visibility (throughout the back window), memory programming (using a dial), air tight doors can be tough to open, lack of space in the trunk, very weak power steering

Volvo's flagship sedan is incredible, built to near perfection. I have never been in such a smoothe, quiet car. The only gripe is very weak power steering, but it is not a big deal. Recommended HIGHLY to anyone looking for a luxury car.

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Infinite I30, Chrysler Concorde, Isuzu Trooper, Honda Accord- Blows them away

Bold styling (except for the Honda-like tailghts); very comfortable cabin. THe seats are simply the best of any car I have driven. Great sound system. The turbo power is awesome when it kicks in. Excellent value for the money, especially when compared to the BMW, MB and Lexus.

Reliability! Unfortunately this car has spent much more time at the dealer in the 20 months I have owned it than all the prior cars (2 Nissan Maximas and a Mazda 929)I have owned in the past 10 years! Electrical problems, engine problems and general body integrity. And dealer service leaves a lot to be desired -- they are friendly and sympathetic, but every time they need a part it is 2 or 3 days to get it in stock. Other than poor reliability, my only other complaints are a tendency for the wheels to spin when starting out from a stop and, as others have noted, an extremely limited range on the remote door opener ( the opener on my old Maximas worked from as much as 150 feet away; the Volvo's barely can open the doors from 10 feet away).

This is a great car, except for the reliability factor, and unfortunately that is a big "but" that makes me cautious about recommending it to others. Mine is a 1999, so perhaps those early quality bugs have been worked out, but the experiences have soured my opinion of Volvo quite a bit.

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Fantastic styling...particularly the rear. Loaded with options. The firm leather seats are much nicer than my parents BMW 7 series. One of the best air conditioning systems I have come across...very logical. Great sound system. Large number of safety features are standard. Many cleaver features. Great on long trips. Very solid without a single problem yet. (Knock on wood)

The gas mileage is OK, but it could be better...Mercedes leads in this class (how do those guys in Stuttgart do it). The suspension should be a little more firm. Maybe some more low end Torque, but I'm getting picky now. The remote door opener could have better range.

This car is tough to beat. It comes loaded with options and is very well built. If speed and handing are all that you are concerned with, get a BMW 5 series. But for those who want an all around sporty luxury sedan, this is it. Volvo really has thought of just about everything in this car. The seats, air conditioning, and stereo are just about as good as I have experienced under $100,000.

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Test drove an A6...very similar in terms of features, but the Volvo seemed to be a bit more solid...like the syling a little more. A friend has a BMW 5 series...fantastic driving car, but small back seat/trunk and the interior needs to be restyled. The BMW's dash is horrible...dated.

Comfort, performance, safety and styling

Dreadful and serious reliability problems. Transmission problems, front end problems. Body hardware falling off and deteriorating. Dealers are clueless to fix the problems, and Volvo doesn't want to know about it, and unwilling to offer assistance.

I love this car but I couldn't recommend it to anyone unless you enjoy spending time in dealerships. My car is an early example, so you expect some birthing problems, but you also expect the manufacturer to step up to the plate and get the problems fixed right. Volvo's policy seems to be sell it and forget it; it's your problem.

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BMW 5 series. The 5 series is a much better handling car, less roomy and comfortable, but well sorted out.

Beautiful new Volvo look, safety features, powerful and energetic powerplant, Geartronic shifting. The seats are perfect, plus an amazing Surround Sound stereo(worth the $1000!). Dropping headrests, roomy rear seat, steering wheel controls, trip computer, gauges, and just all the convenince and design prowess.

Black on black are not ideal colors(bought it used). Has funky tailights, and the wheels accumulate brake dust very quickly. Sensitive one-touch windows, lousy cupholders(but there are 8!), no real console storage. The climate controls work very oddly, they could be much simpler; same for radio. Don't like the fake wood, degrades the cabin a bit. The 60/40 rear seats plus pass-through are hard to use, due to ridiculous safety reasons. A few build quality and electrical issues were present, mainly because this was a very early model.

Got the car for $33,150, and had the financing done at dealer. Salesperson was very nice and we had minimal dickering over the price. He knocked it down from $34,950 and included some free stuff. Overall, this is one great car. Just as capable as the competitors, and, although a little different, costs less comparably equiped. It even sells as well as the 5-series!
'Nuff said.

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Tested Saab 9-5, Lincoln LS, BMW 328i, Acura TL, even Cadillac Catera and a 300M. Only the first three had a chance, but the Volvo was better and was a great deal as well. It did have 32K miles on it, but I know my S80 will last to 100+.

Excellent autobahn cruiser. Very comfortable on trips, plenty of luggage space. Wonderful sound system, better than my friend's BMW 7 series.

Electronically governed speed limit. I know in the States it wouldn't be an issue however, in Germany there are times when 130 mph just doesn't seem like enough. Remote door and trunk opener is not sensitive enough. My wife complains it is a safety issue when she is trying to open the car. It is by far the worst remote opener we have had on any car. The opener on our Jaguar is significantly better. Wheels are difficult to clean, a lot of brake dust (there has to be a price for Autobahn driving)

$41,000 Military sales price in Germany. All options except the navigation system. I would recommend this car to anyone. The T6 is needed in Europe, possible not in the U.S. Sorry, hey I didn't make the ridiculous speed limits.

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BMW 525, Cadillac STS. The Volvo is the best hands down.