The Good
The 2005 Volvo S80 offers a comfortable and refined ride, appealing to those seeking relaxed cruising. Its reputation for safety provides peace of mind, a key emotional factor. Practical buyers appreciate its relatively simple engineering (compared to rivals), potentially leading to better reliability and lower running costs. While not a sports car, it offers adequate performance for daily driving.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2005 Volvo S80 include potential electrical issues, particularly with the climate control system and sensors. Suspension components, especially bushings, can wear out. The automatic transmission, particularly in the T6 model, should be checked for smooth shifting and any signs of slippage. Inspect for oil leaks, a common Volvo issue.
2005 Volvo S80: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.9L Inline-6: Available in the base S80.
- 2.8L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (T6): Offered in the T6 trim.
- Horsepower:
- 2.9L Inline-6: Approximately 200 hp.
- 2.8L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (T6): Approximately 268 hp.
- Fuel Economy:
- 2.9L Inline-6: Estimated 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.
- 2.8L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (T6): Estimated 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway.
- 0-60 Times:
- 2.9L Inline-6: Around 8.5-9 seconds.
- 2.8L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (T6): Around 6.5-7 seconds.
- Towing Capacity: Not generally recommended or advertised for towing. Negligible towing capacity.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base S80: Leather upholstery, power driver's seat, wood trim, automatic climate control, premium sound system, alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, side airbags, and front and rear head curtain airbags.
- S80 T6: Adds the more powerful twin-turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded interior trim. May include features like a sunroof and upgraded audio system, depending on optional packages.
- Safety Features (Standard on both trims):
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)
- Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
- Driver and passenger front airbags
- Side airbags (front seats)
- Curtain airbags (front and rear)
2005 Volvo S80 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2005 |
| Make | Volvo |
| Model | S80 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | All-Wheel Drive 2.5-T |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Mid-Size Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Sweden |
| Manufacturing City | TORSLANDA |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 3737 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 57.20 inches |
| Overall Length | 190.90 inches |
| Overall Width | 72.10 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 109.90 inches |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2.5L L5 DOHC 20V TURBO |
| Engine Size | 2.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $38,140 |
| Invoice Price | $35,887 |
| Delivery Charges | $695 |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2005 Volvo S80 Have?
The automatic transmission, especially in the T6 model, is a potential weak point. Owners have reported issues with harsh shifting or slippage, potentially requiring costly repairs or replacement. Oil leaks are also common, often stemming from the valve cover gasket or other engine seals.
While Volvo has a reputation for safety, the 2005 S80 has had recalls, primarily related to potential fuel leaks and issues with the supplemental restraint system (airbags). Checking the vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website will reveal any outstanding recalls. Long-term reliability can be a concern due to the age of the vehicle and the potential for age-related deterioration of rubber components and electrical connections. Pre-purchase inspections are highly recommended to identify potential problems.
How long will the 2005 Volvo S80 last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety was a strong suit for Volvo. Standard safety features included:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)
- Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
- Driver and passenger front airbags
- Side airbags (front seats)
- Curtain airbags (front and rear)
Crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were generally good for the 2005 S80, reflecting Volvo's commitment to safety. It typically received high marks for frontal and side impact protection. Keep in mind that safety standards have evolved significantly since 2005, so these ratings should be considered in the context of the vehicle's age. While optional navigation systems were available, they were rudimentary compared to current systems. The focus was primarily on passenger safety and comfort rather than advanced technology.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2005 Volvo S80 Prices and Market Value
2005 Volvo S80 Cost of Ownership
2005 Volvo S80 Fuel Efficiency
2005 Volvo S80 Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2005 Volvo S80 Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
2005 Volvo S80 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2005 Volvo S80 Compare to Other Sedan?
Reliability is a mixed bag. The Lexus ES generally outperforms the Volvo in reliability. German rivals can be expensive to maintain. In terms of price, the S80 was often slightly more affordable than the German options when new, and this difference is amplified in the used market.
Alternatives to the 2005 Volvo S80 include:
- Lexus ES 330: Offers superior reliability and a comfortable ride.
- Acura TL: Provides a sportier driving experience and a good balance of features and reliability.
- Infiniti G35: A more performance-oriented option with a stylish design.
Ranks #1960 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 1960 | 2005 Volvo S80 | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2005 Volvo S80 a Good Sedan?
Scud25 on August 20, 2020
Most reliable car I've owned.Drove this car up to 220k miles and it still has tons of life in it. Safe, sturdy, reliable! Never broke down, never had an engine light. This car is rock solid!
Phil on May 23, 2019
Good handling and fun to drive.Very good handling ,also with awd that's great for bad weather. Fun to drive and so far very reliable transportation. One owner took very good care of ir
White fox on September 18, 2017
Pretty good carIt's a pretty good car. It's pretty easy to tune. It's fun to drive as well. And the all wheel drive is killer.
Proud S80 Owner on September 17, 2010
Great Value & ReliableAll in all, the S-80 is a great car for the price. I find the exterior design very attractive and the interior roomy and comfortable. It handles well and is fun to drives. Most important, it is a safe reliable car. I only wish I bought it with the upgraded stereo.
jtttt on September 16, 2008
fantastic!Just purchased a 2005 volvo s80, the car is fantastic, great look great interior, the car rides very smooth. I did alot of looking into other vehicles bmw audi a6 mercedes e class 2004 and 2005s but for the price for this car you cant beat it, esp if you get one cert pre-owned. i would highly recommend this car.
volvo fan on April 24, 2008
safe and funwow, I love my S80. much more room than my last BMW. I really like the quality of the interior leather and the workmanship in all aspects of this car.
Rugby fan on November 13, 2006
My Volvo is really for lifeHaving hurt my back playing rugby many years ago, any car's most essential quality for me is the comfort of the driving postion. I purchased a Volvo S80 D5 Se Lux a month ago and it is a dream. The external colour (cedar green) and internal colour ( beige leather) have led people to say..What a beauty! Wow! Have you won the lottery? etc etc The driver's seat (heated upholstered leather)is the most comfortable I have ever driven with multiple controls to alter angles, depth and distance. The performance is amazing and the mpg averages 42. Great figures for such a big car! There is an abundance of "toys", and the stereo is a great sound. The Sat Nav is spot on and there are too many nick-nacks to mention.
Scud25 on August 20, 2020
Most reliable car I've owned.Drove this car up to 220k miles and it still has tons of life in it. Safe, sturdy, reliable! Never broke down, never had an engine light. This car is rock solid!
Phil on May 23, 2019
Good handling and fun to drive.Very good handling ,also with awd that's great for bad weather. Fun to drive and so far very reliable transportation. One owner took very good care of ir
White fox on September 18, 2017
Pretty good carIt's a pretty good car. It's pretty easy to tune. It's fun to drive as well. And the all wheel drive is killer.
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.