Volvo's S80 is a solid, if unspectacular, entrant in the midsize luxury sedan market. For style and safety, this machine has impressive qualities that carry on the Volvo legacy.
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Photo by Volvo
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2007 Volvo S80
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About the 2007 Volvo S80:
Body style:
Sedan
Price:
$38,500-$44,000
Drive:
Front or four-wheel
Seating:
Two in front, two or three in rear
Engine:
DOHC 24-valve 3.2-liter inline-6 or DOHC 32-valve 4.4-liter V-8
Transmission:
Six-speed automatic
Miles per gallon of fuel:
19 city, 28 highway for the six cylinder, 17 and 25 for the V-8
WHAT'S SPECIAL:
When it comes to the normal driving that most of us do most days, this S80 is supremely comfortable. From the moment you get behind the wheel to the moment you pull in to the parking lot at work, you'll feel at ease with the smoothness of ride and easy-to-use features.
WHAT WE LIKE:
The simplicity of Volvo's interior is easy to appreciate, compared with other luxury cars that seem to resemble mission control at NASA. Pretty much everything in the S80 is right where you would have put it had you designed it.
WHAT ISN'T THERE:
True to form for Volvo, there's not a big wow factor with the S80. Yes, it's a luxury car, and yes, you'll be riding in some level of style. But if you're looking to turn a lot of heads in this, you'll have to have Beyoncé riding shotgun.
YOU OUGHTA KNOW:
The handling capabilities of the S80 are adequate. It takes turns cautiously and brakes obediently. The suspension seems moderately rigid and acceleration is efficient, not jerky. The optional V-8 engine creates 311 horsepower. The six-speed automatic transmission seems to shift effortlessly, especially in lower gears. Or you can flip the transmission over to manual mode.
EXTRAS:
There are safety features in abundance, such as the radar-based Collision Warning with Brake Support system that lets you know with a not-too-obnoxious beep if you are coming too close to a car that's in front of you. Stability control and air bags add to your peace of mind. Also, the approach light function lights up the interior and some areas around the exterior of the car when you walk up to it in the dark.
AND ANOTHER THING:
Volvo might sometimes take a back seat to other brands in the luxury market, but its quality and driver-satisfaction rankings remain high.
