2014 Volvo S80

Other brands have caught up, but Volvo maintains its deserved reputation for safety innovation and quality fit and finish. Volvos also stand out for its attractive exterior styling and for having some of the nicest interiors in the industry, with especially comfortable seats. The brand’s XC line of SUVs range from compact and two-row to midsized and three-row. Volvo also sells sedans and station wagons, along with several EVs, ranging from small to large. Most of Volvo’s new cars scored average or below-average in our reliability rankings, and the infotainment systems on many models are less intuitive than what you’ll find in competitors’ cars. Our testers have also found that Volvos aren’t great at absorbing bumps, and have average fuel economy. Among used Volvos, some models have proven to be reliable enough to earn our recommendation.

Redesigned for 2007, the S80 showcases Volvo's latest safety features and gets two new engines. The smooth V8 was developed by Yamaha and used on all-wheel-drive models, while front-wheel-drive S80s get the 3.2-liter six-cylinder. A turbocharged six-cylinder joins the line soon. The optional blind-spot monitoring system and radar-based active cruise control work well. Another system can warn the driver if the car is following too close, which can be useful for inattentive drivers. The rear seat is less spacious and access is somewhat compromised compared with the previous generation S80. Handling has been slightly improved, but the ride remains a bit stiff.