Cars service manual

2006 Volvo S80 Reviews Specs

New for 2006

The 2006 Volvo S80 line is simplified with two versions offered, the 2.5T and the 2.5T AWD with the Premium and Sport packages now standard on both versions. The 2.5T AWD receives new all-wheel drive with Instant Traction, and standard equipment for both trim levels includes leather seating surfaces, a power glass sunroof, wood

inlays, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, watch-dial instrumentation, a power passenger seat, front and rear sport seats, and 17-inch “Stentor” alloy wheels. Willow Green is offered as a new exterior color.

Interior Design and Special Features

Comfort is a Volvo hallmark, and the S80 boasts soft, supportive seats and plenty of room to stretch out. The rear seat is exceptionally roomy, and there are heating and air conditioning vents in the B-pillars to keep the rear passengers at the perfect temperature. The control layout in the S80 could be better, but once you learn where everything is, it works well. Whether youre going on a long road trip or just heading across town, the 2006 Volvo S80 will deliver you in perfect comfort.

Safety

Four-wheel antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and emergency braking assist are standard, and stability control is optional. Every S80 comes with side airbags for front passengers, head curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, and whiplash-reducing head restraints. The Volvo S80 received perfect marks in all government crash tests, as well as a "Good" score, the highest possible, in IIHS frontal-offset testing.

Powertrains and Performance

The Volvo S80 is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder with 208 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations are available. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The four-door Volvo S80 sedan is available in one trim -- 2.5T. This model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, traction control, leather upholstery, a moonroof, burled walnut trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, a dual power-adjustable front seats with driver-seat memory, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, and an eight-speaker CD stereo. Options on the Volvo car include a DVD navigation system, the Four-C adjustable suspension, run-flat tires, HID headlights, a premium 10-speaker Dolby audio system and heated seats.

Roomy

Doors open wide to allow easy entry to the quiet interior, which comfortably accommodates four tall adults, or five in a pinch. The front seats are supportive, so are the rear ones, which sometimes isnt the case with even upscale sedans.

Controls for the audio and climate control systems are large, but the tilt-telescopic steering wheel needs more up-down movement. The front pop-up cupholders has an odd design that doesnt make it look as if it can be trusted. Solid rear cupholders slide out from the center armrest.

Major annoyance: Its virtually impossible to stop the front power windows once theyre zipping down or up with their "one-touch" feature. Rear windows dont go all the way down.
There are a decent number of interior storage areas, and the trunk is large. Its lid moves well up and out of the way on hydraulic struts, which dont let it bounce down and bonk you on the head. Rear seatbacks fold flat to enlarge the cargo area.
All versions of the S80 are solid and nicely built, but the car arguably comes off best in all-wheel-drive form.

Driving Impressions

With just 208 hp on tap in this 3,600-pound sedan, acceleration is merely adequate, and similarly priced competitors offer considerably more power. Overall, the Volvo S80 handles adequately for a large front-wheel-drive car, while the all-wheel-drive is well-suited for harsh climates. The optional Four-C adjustable suspension tightens up the handling a bit on twisty roads, but the S80 is no sport sedan. Ride quality, at least, is smooth and comfortable.

Ratings Snapshot
2006 Volvo S80 Sedan T6
Consumer Reports Overview

Highs: Interior room, crash tests.
Lows: Ride, agility, shifter, turning circle.

The S80 is a roomy front- or all-wheel-drive sedan, but its getting outdated. The interior is quiet, and handling is very secure but not particularly nimble. The ride is too stiff at low speeds. A 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbo is now the only engine. The front seats are comfortable and the rear is roomy. The trunk is large and has some well-thought-out details. Crash-test results are outstanding. A wide turning circle hampers parking maneuvers. Reliability has improved to average, allowing us now to recommend the S80. A 2007 redesign arrives in the fall.

MSRP Price Range $37,585 - $39,360
Invoice Price Range $35,365 - $37,033

Favorite Features

Heated seats, Turbo standard, Quiet, Smooth ride, Fast!

Overall Review

It is a great car for a family with power, safety & reasonable luxury.