Should You Buy a VOLVO S80? (Test Drive & Review 2.4 D5 Exec) 

The main selling point for any Volvo's for me are the seats. They are the most comfortable you'll ever sit in, only equalled by those in the Saab's.

I have a 2008 Executive 4.4 V8 AWD that has been with me for ten years and has driven nearly half a million miles with zero engine problems. It's great to wake up every day to the sound of an atmospheric V8. It's a shame they don't make cars like this anymore. Be well 💪

Bought a 2009 D5 one of these at auction for £1500 in 2020. 80k miles. replaced the front bumper, rear shocks and serviced it. 40k miles later its been to the Arctic circle and back, crossed Europe, been a daily commuter and doesn't skip a beat! It also turned out to have the Polestar Tune! Best car I've ever owned, they don't make cars like that any more!

I drive a Volvo S80 V8 here in Sweden and I am very satisfied. A wonderful car to drive and ride in. It is from 2007 with full equipment.

I had a S60 with the D5 engine, the most comfortable car I ever had, but had the turning circle of an aircraft carrier one trying to go around a mini island properly, had the embarrassing moment of reversing and having another go

This was my car for 7.5 years. Absolutely loved it. The most comfortable motorway mileage muncher in existence imo. Not a pleasant ride off motorway. I miss the regular massage of my cocksix!! Love these reviews. Been well looked after if someone is planning to buy it. Not been in any accident. Front camera not mentioned. Also got city safety that saved me from a low speed crunch.

I love the honesty from High Peak Motor Reviews. No BS , just straight talking...keep the reviews coming please. Thank You

Nice entertaining video Matt. The S80 was a game changer for Volvo styling when it was introduced. My Dad had a 2.4 petrol auto and it was a great motorway cruiser.

Your unique delivery with your reviews creases me up, always a pleasure and opens the eyes to the often forgotton options.

Reminds me of why I ended up slowly falling in love with my old 9-3T. Wasn’t as much fun to drive as the 1 series coupé I had previously, but the fact that it could handle anything thrown at it and every occasion with absolute aplomb, I couldn’t help but appreciate the effort that had gone into practicality of design. I’m now needing another motorway eater and while the S90 might be too big for living near a city centre, you’ve given me the idea the S60 could be worth a look.

I have a 2010 XC90 V8 with the massaging seats. It is an ideal companion for covering 800 miles in one day. Even with the current fuel prices, I still love the Yamaha V8. The rumble under load is such a joy.

I ran one of these a few years ago. Fantastic seats, plenty of 'go' from the 2.4D motor. It was an 07 pre facelift. Faults - massive turning circle, obstructive gearchange and a less than brilliant ride. But it was superb constructed and a fantastic car for long trips.

Especially enjoyed this video. You have great wit - always makes me smile. More Volvo reviews when you can. 👍

Nearly at 200k Matt! Brilliant 👏 Can't believe I've watching your videos for almost 3 years now. Still the same down to earth reviews and no ott stuff. Keep it up man.

Great video Matt. My first Volvo was a 2002 S80 which I bought in 2005. It felt like I was sat in my armchair at home it was that comfortable.

Such a nice car. It’s a good alternative for those who loved SAAB’s. I think they are great cars, always made durable vehicles that can eat loads of miles. Great vid, as always! Cheers

I've never owned a Volvo but I really like this one, I don't think the styling is that bad, put it this way, it's not the worst looking car that I've ever seen, I do like the interior, the wood effect really stands out and makes it look quite plush, everything looks close to hand, so easy to reach when you're driving and the £220 for the road tax isn't that bad either in my opinion plus as you said, the safety record for their cars is really good, keep up tbe great work Matt, your videos are always top notch, that's why I enjoying watching them so much.

Love Volvos. I am from the US but see a ton of them over here. They are really quite nice and I like their designs. It's conservative but not boring, which is hard to pull off. I would say that their seats are almost more comfortable than any other car manufacturer, even Lexus.

My dad owned a 240 gl back in 1983 loved that car always had a soft spot for Volvos

I still have my V8 and I love it. Wish to keep it as long as possible, even if I almost don't drive it anymore around the city.

Really enjoy these videos. I think the format works because it’s just you, one single person and they are the perfect length. Please don’t turn into Top Gear by spending more time making too many stupid jokes and less time on the car

I nearly spat my cuppa out at the coccyx joke 🤣 your humour and content work well together. Keep them coming and as always great video

Your best video yet IMO. Very enjoyable, great jokes, honesty and thorough, a fine mix. keep it up mate. Please review a Renault Laguna Mark 3 with a 2.0 diesel 150bhp if you can. Thank you. I really enjoy your channel & content.

I see quite a few cars for sale with the heating and ventilation for the seats turned on at the same time (and turned to max), presumably to show that tit's all working. I like the S80, it's an old school cruiser with none of the modern desire for sportyness and flash looks.

We fitted one of those humongous footstools in the boot a few years ago, it swallowed it like a hearse!! Didn't touch the sides, great vid again Matt 👍

I use a volvo xc70 as my daily. So comfortable and very reliable. Volvo are very inoffensive cars and extremely safe . Brilliant reviews love your chanel keep up the great work .

I watched your review of the S90, and I thought you were a little underwhelmed by it. I bought one as soon as I could afford one after they came out, and love it. It's simply brilliant, and in my eyes, one of the best looking cars on the road. I bought it 4 years ago when it was 9 months old with 8k on the clock, for less than half the 64k list. ( inscription pro model). I have no plans to ever get rid of it, which is a very new thing for me. Love the videos. The Defender one was pure gold.

Great review and nice car. Keep up the great work Sir

I owned one, the same D5 - awesome, quick off the mark, and comfortable cruiser, brilliant car

Think that's the appeal of Volvos for me , understated class 😊❤

This is what Audi should have built. It’s Handsome, honest and hardy. I adore the little quirks you mentioned and the little styling queues … it just removes the anonymity and vagueness that an Audi brings. The Mayor of Caerphilly (don’t laugh) he had one for about 6 years as his official car (flag pole on the wing et al). Keep em coming Matt

Nice car always like volvo well made safe andin a beautiful colour great video hope you are well best wishes ian ps I’ve seen that N10 volvo

Love these. Especially the twin turbo D5 like you're driving there. Looks like a very nicely spec'd one too. I agree the handbrake is annoying, odd location and opposite to how you think it should work... Is this one you've got for sale?

Nice, every few months a Volvo appears on High Peak Autos. Thank you very much, good fun!

We have the XC60 in the same spec and colour, it is a fantastic motor. It’s quick enough, roomy, also very comfy. I kinda think it’s understated cool too. But you are right about the parking brake thing 👍

My Husband and I have driven Volvos since 92 and we wouldn't drive anything else. Our current Volvo is XC60 D5 AWD AUTO 2012 one owner car. Could you please put up the XC60 video again Matt. I love your honest opinion and your car knowledge is legendary. I love your enthusiasm in the car trade you are su h a genuine person. X

Another good honest review (as always). If you ever get one in please do a V40 test/review? I have one and love it

I'm from the U.S and i own a 07 4.4lv8 s80, easily my most favorite car ive ever owned, the sound is absolutely incredible, its so unbelievably comfortable and surprisingly fun to drive.

I've had a V8 one for the last 4 years and it's been great. In the time I've had it, I've put a set of tyres, wishbones and rear bushes on it. I also put fresh adaptive dampers on it as I got a brand new set for a really good price. The Dynaudio sound system is lovely. I keep thinking I'll get rid of it and get something new for the sake of it, but I'm a bit attached to it now. I like the sound of it too much.

I Have a v40 and it's the most comfortable car I have ever owned, still looks modern after a long proud run. As you say the radio & sat nav are a bit of a flaff to use but I intend keeping my 3 yr old v40 for a long time.

Most definitely. My father in law owned a t5. Fantastic piece of kit. Very under rated in my humble opinion

Great review. Had a 2.5Tauto SE-Lux and was impressed by the space,driving position and comfort. As you stated the audio system is impressive. I loved the finish with two exceptions, that plastic flimsy parking brake switch and the leather wears badly getting very shabby. The performance was slow, the Saab 9-5 it replaced was a rocket with the comfort of the Volvo.

Best year to me is the 2010 V8 AWD with the executive package. Adaptive cruise control and massaging seats make this a great cruiser

Had one for four years. Loved it.

Congratulations on reaching 200k subscribers! Onwards and upwards!

I am buying a 2015 S80 T6AWD this week. Thanks for your advice.

Beautiful stylish cars these S80s. High bonus is that they almost never attract dodgy drivers, when they age they only get a bit shabby ☺

Illuminated cup holders 😳 I don’t know what to say Matt! Almost your dream car 😂 great review as usual 👍🏻

I had a 2005 Volvo S60 D5 Diesel manual. Great engine and Volvo have the most comfortable seats.

Cracking video. Smiled throughout. Good info too.

My father had one as a company car and back then I just got my first car, a 325 e36 vert so for me it was such a boring car but after a few years I finally understood just how great it was. The seats are soooo good, and when he filled it up it had 1200km's of range! Great cars for people with good taste, his previous car was a Peugoat 607. Would love to see a video on one of those, seem to have vanished off the roads here

Nice video as always. Just can add. On the engines for this generation. They started from not advised to buy 1.6 Peugeot diesel, probably the most economical one 5 cylinder 2.0 diesel version with 163 horses. And top of the range diesel was D5 2.4 liters with two turbos. At stock 215 hp and can be pumped up easy to 275 hp. Ask me how I know. :) From petrols not to be advised to buy there was 2.0 non turbo version from Ford. Then most reliable 2.5t, there was also really nice 3.0 T6 engine coupled with awd system and of course it ended with 4.4 yamaha v8. Actually your car is sort of special it has highest trim level called Executive. Hense the massage seats, analog clock and there was an option for the cooler behind the rear middle seat arm rest. In terms of radio. You can switch the stations on the steering wheel by presing the arrow buttons. Dont think it is too hard. 😂👌🏻

I like the look of the interior and those comfortable seats sound very appealing. The exterior is rather anonymous but if you want a something different from the german gang of three then an S80 is well worth look. Personally I think I would still choose my XF but can see the Volvo's attractions!

I gave very serious thought to purchasing an S80 with that Yamaha-sourced 4.4L V8. It's a true wolf in sheep's clothing and the narrow angle V8 makes a lovely sound when you wring it out, too. Just the thought of blasting by a German uber saloon in what appears to be your grandfather's smoking jacket on wheels is priceless.

I used to drive N10, S80 D5 for 12+ years it was really comfortable and effortless to drive.

I liked this review a lot and the car also. A lovely every day type car

Currently for the last 12 moths drive a s60 d5 remapped to 250 bhp 500 nm torque its been faultless £30 road tax sitting at 47mpg and I bloody love it. get it on boost in 3rd not much can keep up with it. odd thing to say for a Volvo driver I know.

I once had a Volvo as a hire car. I have to say, I didn't mind it at all. I didn't leave me shaken and stirred but I was far from offended. There are some cars you wouldn't find me dead in but Volvo's are not one of them. I'm not rushing to g out and get one, just saying, is all. 🙂Thanks, Matt for the endless variety. Cheers.

Love your work 👍

I have been hoping for this one.

Just bought one, 171k miles - near mint! 2.4 geartronic, 1695! Dealer threw in half a tank of fuel. The most comfortable car I’ve ever been in. Went on the A34 and it was almost silent.

"Late for a nail appointment", my kind of humour, keep it coming. Great video as always.

What a lovely car.....love them !....great video .

I had a S80 with a speaker in the driver's head rest. Simply a solid and reliable car.

Great review. Made me laugh. Thanks for doing this.

I've done many trips from London to Glasgow in the S80. Best seats ever.

Great informative video once again Matt. I hope you get an opportunity to trail a Honda Legend (KB1) at some point.

​ @High Peak Autos Hi matt i checked all video you not done a review of the Fifth generation E90 bmw 3 Series what do you think of them? and i would like to see a new Q&A video, keep up the great content :)

Volvo are very underrated cars in my opinion. I had a 740se which I bought from my dad when I was younger. Obviously I didn't service it or properly maintain it being 20 years old. But by the time I part exchanged it for a focus. It had covered over 250k and didn't miss a beat.

What you wanna do (if you have money to burn) is buy the 3.0-litre T6 AWD and get it tuned. Good for around 350bhp stage 1 If I recall. There are a few V60 Polestars (with same engine) sitting around 410bhp without too much changed on the engine.

The D5 is one of the nicest sounding diesels ever made albeit a bit loud and clattery at idle, bet it would grow on you if it was your daily driver.

Yes Matt I like this Volvo S80 . Lovely all rounder of a car . Comfortable affordable Classical. Ues I would like to buy this car . Well done for showing us this video . Kevin from rainy ☔ Radcliffe

Recently drove a S80 from 01‘ and those seats I am telling you, were the most comfortable I’ve ever been in(I’ve sat in the newest teslas,bmw,). My parents have a XC90 and it feels like a tank.

Another great and honest review! I own 3 Volvos- all of them with the d5 engine. And I totally agree about the noise....it´s not something you want to listen to or go "wow oh yeah! !....the reason I own them is they are very solid and reliable cars. One thing they´re definitelly not is exciting..:) I´ve got the XC70, V70 and the S80- the first generation after facelift. I actually like the first gen after facelift better than the second gen and that´s the reason why I never bought one. Anyway, for the kind of money an older Volvo can be bought today is a total bargain! And driving a Volvo is a very different feeling to driving, say, a Škoda Octavia...which we had from new and traded for the V70 :) One last thing- I´ve actually owned 4 of the S 80s throughout the years (all of them first gen after facelift) - it took me a while to figure out the right combination of engine and gearbox....the D5 automatic it is! Although, if I wanted to buy the second gen of S80 I think the best one to buy is the T6...however not with today´s prices of fuel :)

bought my 07 s80 v8 for $900 and it only ever needed wheel bearings. had it almost a year. undeniably the most reliable car I probably will ever own. only around 400 s80 v8s in the US as well, and mine is fully specd out

Always loved these cars look great

My Dad has a 2010 Volvo XC 60 with a 2.4 5 cylinder diesel DRIVe and its the only diesel engine I've seen that pulls to the redline without dying off and it's Never given any trouble since he got it 3 years ago

Absolutely love this car

ahhh you need to test drive the S80 D2! everyone will be inspecting your boot then =)

Great review. I’m looking at one of these after already owning a Volvo. My current car, a 2009 Citroën C4, is rather terrible in pretty much every way possible so I think I need to switch back to Volvo. It just makes sense considering I drive 120km on my daily commute to work and back.

Had an S60 2.4T for seven years and it was sooo comfortable. Was looking to change it for the V90 when it came out but the Volvo dealer near me was so disinterested in selling me one I went and bought a 5 series.

"I've had more stressful baths" 😆😆 On top form in this video, it is so funny!

I purchased one of these around two months ago. I originally wanted a D4/D5 LUX model but settled for a D4 SE NAV. I commute around 150 miles 4 x a week. Pros: -Cheap road tax (D4 models and below) -Heated seats are great -Heated steering wheel is great -The air conditioning is strong -The vehicle is incredibly spacious and practical for a large executive saloon -The seats are very comfortable Cons: -Turning circle of a bus -Engine could be more refined -Gearbox could be more refined Recommendation: I would recommend buying a D4 LUX model, if one isn't available then go for the D5 version. Yes, the road tax is more and the MPG will be slightly worse, but the the additional safety features and gadgets will more than compensate the extra running costs; especially if you do a lot of mileage.

Yes Matt.... The D5 still has a good sound :)

I have a 2001 Volvo S80. The seats are amazingly comfortable.

I love the sound of my 5 cylinder Volvo, I've got a X C 70 which is basically the same motor and it's the best cat I've ever had and the fact that Volvo drivers are very loyal to the brand which I think speaks volumes, so they may not be a BMW 5 series but they are so much more 👍

D5's are great, if you can get them decatted. I did see one such car but I suppose it's down to how stringent your MOT tester is. My mate's wasn't decatted and it was in limp mode more often than Quasimodo. Rapid, with a manual box when it wasn't though, even the older 185 BHP version he had.

There was also a 2.5T petrol - I know because I have one. I love the understated comfort and great seats of mine.

I have a Ruby Red 2010 S80 with the T6, straight 6, 3.0lt turbo petrol, engine. Here in Sydney I have never seen another one like it so it must be pretty unique but no one ever turns a head. It's a great car to drive, cruises well and has enough acceleration for all but burning off V8's, and Teslas, at the lights. Only down side for me is fuel consumption is a little high and it has the turning circle of a super tanker. I'm just about to click up 200,000km and am not at all interested in changing cars. Love it.

Mondeo, Titanium X, heated and cooled;)

I've been in the back of first gen about 15 years ago I loved the seats and space but since then I forget they exist. Now I seen your review I like it as a comfy discreet daily. I have to admit the boot size is disappointing. The d5 engines sounds fine well better than a 4 cylinder diesel anyway

Volvo cars departs from the other makes that seems like it's competition. It's a very different driving experience. Other than their power, they're never known for their handling. But the experience of flying under the radar, comfort, great sound system and most of all knowing that they are build with a lot of thoughts on safety kinda make driving and owning one that much more enjoyable.

Have had two S80 great cars - luxury on the quiet.

Enjoyed the review, was thinking of one recently in fact almost clicked buy it now, wife forced me to buy an XC60 instead. You're in the minority for sure on the D5, I've got one and love that rumble. Brilliant engine.

Had one of these absolutely best car av owned never missed a beat smooth auto box also

You can heat and cool your seats at the same time in many different models of Mercedes too 😁

Love it, its a really good daily

Really nice car, love the interior though I’m no fan of wood and I’m a radio guy like yourself so that would probably annoy me. Another great bit of content 🙌🏾

We had one of these, a first generation with the 2.9 petrol engine...don't know if it was a 4 cylinder or an inline 6 engine though. It was great for road trips, but most mechanics not knowing how to work on these and the issues it had (I was too young to care anyway), in 2009 we sold it and got a 6th gen Camry...which we still have till this day. I still miss that car and would get one in a heartbeat if I can find one in good condition and a mechanic who won't destroy something while doing regular service or minor repairs.

I’ve got a 2011 XC70 with 225,000 on the clock. Not been the most reliable, has cost a small fortune in repairs for both me and the previous owner. On the plus side it’s very comfortable and the mother likes it. I can assure you it’s not only Manchester where the dab doesn’t work. I’m not far away in a semi rural area, and the dab plays up on an almost daily basis