Acura TL vs Volvo S80
The short answer
Based on available data, the Volvo S80 comes out ahead of the Acura TL on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
TL
Overall
Owner sentiment is sharply divided by transmission choice rather than by the car itself. The 3rd generation TL (2004-2008) draws heavy criticism for its automatic transmission, which owners repeatedly describe as failure-prone, while the same car with the 6-speed manual is widely praised as durable and fun. The 4th generation (2009-2014), especially the SH-AWD with the 3.7L V6 and 6-speed manual, is regarded as one of the best sport sedans Acura built, with owners citing the combination of a naturally aspirated V6, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, four doors, and a manual as something no longer made.
Best version to buy
The 2007-2008 3rd generation TL and the 4th generation TL (2009-2014), particularly the SH-AWD with the 6-speed manual, are the versions owners most often endorse. The 2007-2008 cars are singled out for receiving a revised, beefier automatic transmission, and the 4th generation SH-AWD 6MT is called by multiple owners arguably the best sport sedan Acura ever made.
Known issues
- 2004-2006 automatic transmission failure: Frequency: very frequent. Owners report failures as early as 60,000 miles and as late as 190,000 miles, with multiple owners replacing the transmission two or more times.
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 Volvo S80 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Acura TL, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Acura TL is worth a closer look instead.
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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 EPA rates the 2014 Acura TL at 20–23 mpg combined and the 2016 Volvo S80 at 29 mpg, depending on the version.
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.