Volvo S80 II (AS) (2006 – 2016)

Reliability score : 8.0/10

The Volvo S80 Generation II (AS), built on the Ford-derived EUCD platform (shared with the V70, XC70, and Ford Mondeo), is a premium executive sedan renowned for its exceptional ride comfort, understated Scandinavian design, and industry-leading safety features. Introduced in 2006, it underwent minor updates in 2009 and a more significant facelift in 2013. While it lacks the sharp driving dynamics of its German rivals, it excels as a long-distance cruiser. The engine lineup is incredibly diverse, ranging from economical PSA/Ford diesels to a Yamaha-developed transverse V8. This guide focuses heavily on the petrol variants, which offer excellent refinement, though buyers must be cautious of specific transmission pairings (notably the Ford Powershift) and early production quirks.

✅ Strengths

Exceptional seat comfort, arguably the best in its class.
Outstanding safety record and robust chassis construction.
High-quality interior materials that age very well.
Excellent rust protection and paint quality.
Incredible audio systems (Dynaudio / Premium Sound).
Smooth and highly reliable inline-6 (3.2 and T6) and inline-5 (2.5T) petrol engines.

⚠️ Weaknesses

Heavy chassis leads to accelerated wear on suspension components (control arms, bushings).
Ford Powershift transmission (on 2.0L 4-cyl models) is a major reliability liability.
Handling is safe but uninspiring compared to a BMW 5 Series.
Turning radius is unusually large, making tight parking difficult.
Infotainment system feels very dated, especially pre-2012 models.

🎯 Verdict

The Volvo S80 II is a phenomenal used car bargain for those prioritizing comfort, safety, and understated luxury over sporty driving dynamics. When equipped with the right petrol engine—specifically the 2.5T, 3.2, or 3.0 T6—it is a highly reliable long-distance cruiser. The Yamaha V8 is a future classic but requires careful vetting of the engine serial number and maintenance history. Crucial advice: Avoid any 2.0-litre 4-cylinder model (petrol or diesel) equipped with the Ford Powershift transmission, as the repair costs often exceed the value of the car. Early Drive-E engines (2014-2016) should also be approached with caution due to oil consumption issues. Stick to the classic Volvo 5-cylinder or the robust SI6 6-cylinder engines paired with the Aisin automatic transmission for a stress-free ownership experience.