Acura
TL
Volvo
S80
Acura TL vs Volvo S80: 2013 Comparison
The short answer
The Acura TL offers fuel economy, while the Volvo S80 excels at power instead. Choose the Acura TL if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Volvo S80 if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
TL
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment for sport sedan regarded as Acura's golden era defining model, praised extensively for powerful smooth J-series V6 engines delivering effortless acceleration, engaging driving dynamics balancing sport and comfort, timeless elegant styling (especially 3rd generation 2004-2008), premium ELS audio system rivaling luxury competitors, spacious comfortable interior, and Honda reliability enabling routine 200,000-300,000+ mile operation when properly maintained. However, widespread criticism centers on catastrophic automatic transmission failures (primarily 1999-2005 models), fragile interior materials creating cracked dashboards universally, peeling driver seat bolsters, poor Honda paint quality with premature clear coat failure, excessive torque steer (FWD models), oil consumption issues (3.7L V6), and camshaft wear problems (2009-2014 3.7L engines). Overall consensus indicates 3rd generation (2004-2008) represents peak TL era combining stunning design with improved transmission reliability versus predecessors, while 4th generation (2009-2014) delivers superior performance through SH-AWD and 305 hp output though controversial "beak" styling polarizes opinions.
Best version to buy
Type S 6-Speed Manual (2007-2008) The 2007-2008 Type S with 6-speed manual transmission represents ultimate TL specification combining 286 hp VTEC V6, sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, limited-slip differential, iconic "waffle" BBS-style wheels, and manual transmission eliminating catastrophic automatic transmission concerns entirely. The 2007-2008 final production years benefit from refined production quality and resolved early 3rd generation issues.
Known issues
- ⚠• Catastrophic automatic transmission failures (1999-2006 primarily), complete 2nd gear failures, oil jet clogging, inadequate cooling, premature wear 80,000-120,000 miles typical, replacement cost $3,500-$5,500, Honda extended warranties c…
S80
Overall
Sentiment is divided by generation and is heavily dependent on maintenance history and specific powertrain. For the first-generation S80 (P2 platform, ~1998-2006), owner feedback is largely negative regarding reliability, with the twin-turbo T6 model and its automatic transmission singled out as particularly problematic and expensive. These early models are described as comfortable, smooth-riding, and safe, but are characterized as high-maintenance vehicles that become financially burdensome once issues begin.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version. However, strong warnings are given against specific configurations: the first-generation (P2) T6 with its automatic transmission is widely advised against due to poor reliability.
Known issues
- ⚠**First Generation (P2, ~1998-2006):** * Automatic transmission failure (especially on T6 models): Very frequent. * General high cost of repairs and maintenance: Very frequent. * PCV system clogging: Recurrent.
- ⚠**Second Generation (P3, 2007-2016):** * High maintenance and repair costs: Very frequent. * Oil consumption (3.2L engine): Recurrent. * Transmission fluid neglect leading to potential issues: Recurrent.
The verdict
The Acura TL is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Volvo S80, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Volvo S80 is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Other comparisons
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura TL or the Volvo S80?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Acura TL and the Volvo S80. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Acura TL or the Volvo S80?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura TL or the Volvo S80?
The Acura TL is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.2 L/100km combined versus 11.9 L/100km for the Volvo S80, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura TL or the Volvo S80?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Volvo S80 than the Acura TL. See the known issues comparison above.