Rear seat passengers enjoy more room than most on the aforementioned list, accommodating three adults with ease. Legroom is excellent when driver and front passenger are of normal height, and only slightly compromised when the front seats are pushed to their rearmost position.
Overall, the Volvo's interior ambience is uplifting. From the logical assortment of gauges to the unique approach to audio and heating and ventilation controls, that use dials and simple button actuated pictographs respectively, instead of the usually reversed push button and dial setup, it's an enticing place to experience the world. Dual climate control is expected in this class, but the controls sit closer to the passenger in the S80.
A large, deep 403-L (14.2 cu ft) trunk offers ample cargo capacity, with a relatively low lift-over height. Trunk-mounted seatback release levers are extremely convenient when loading longer items - the rear seatbacks on the 75th Anniversary model are fixed.
Safety features are par for the course in this luxury league. Dual stage front airbags join standard side-impact and curtain-type airbags for all outside occupants on the T6. Active headrests are included to help reduce whiplash in the event of an accident. Traction and stability control systems are optional while ABS is standard, of course.
In summary the Volvo S80 is a wonderful car. It offers most of the features its premium European competitors specify in base trim, and many they haven't even considered when fully equipped. How does it stack up dollar for dollar? That's for you to decide. One thing is for sure, Volvo has a tough group of challengers vying for its midsize sport/luxury business. After all, in this comparison only 2002 cars have been mentioned. Some of its rivals are either all-new or substantially improved for 2003. But that said the Volvo is worthy to be counted among the contenders. The S80 approaches luxury in a unique and very satisfying manner and deserves the attention of anyone in the market for this class of car.
Overall, the Volvo's interior ambience is uplifting. From the logical assortment of gauges to the unique approach to audio and heating and ventilation controls, that use dials and simple button actuated pictographs respectively, instead of the usually reversed push button and dial setup, it's an enticing place to experience the world. Dual climate control is expected in this class, but the controls sit closer to the passenger in the S80.
A large, deep 403-L (14.2 cu ft) trunk offers ample cargo capacity, with a relatively low lift-over height. Trunk-mounted seatback release levers are extremely convenient when loading longer items - the rear seatbacks on the 75th Anniversary model are fixed.
Safety features are par for the course in this luxury league. Dual stage front airbags join standard side-impact and curtain-type airbags for all outside occupants on the T6. Active headrests are included to help reduce whiplash in the event of an accident. Traction and stability control systems are optional while ABS is standard, of course.
In summary the Volvo S80 is a wonderful car. It offers most of the features its premium European competitors specify in base trim, and many they haven't even considered when fully equipped. How does it stack up dollar for dollar? That's for you to decide. One thing is for sure, Volvo has a tough group of challengers vying for its midsize sport/luxury business. After all, in this comparison only 2002 cars have been mentioned. Some of its rivals are either all-new or substantially improved for 2003. But that said the Volvo is worthy to be counted among the contenders. The S80 approaches luxury in a unique and very satisfying manner and deserves the attention of anyone in the market for this class of car.