Overview & Reviews
The Volvo S60 is an established yet unconventional member of the entry-level luxury sedan segment. It competes in a class dominated by cars with normally aspirated six-cylinder engines and bucks the trend by offering a choice of two turbocharged engines, an inline-5 and an inline-6.
Styling is another area in which the Volvo S60 is unique, as this midsize sedan's body lines show off a modern and pleasing Scandinavian design aesthetic. Inside, the S60 strikes one as more functional than luxurious in its ambience, but it's hard to find fault with its carefully considered ergonomics and orthopedically designed seats.
There have been two generations of the S60. Those considering the first generation as a used car should find it easy to like, though in its later years it became increasingly outclassed in terms of performance, features and interior room. The newer S60 is fully competitive, however, thanks to a sportier, more engaging drive and an improved interior.
Current Volvo S60
The 2012 Volvo S60 is a midsize luxury sedan available in three trim levels -- T5, T6 and T6 R-Design. Each successive trim brings a more powerful engine and sportier suspension tuning and styling accents.
Standard feature highlights of the T5 include 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, power-folding rear headrests, Bluetooth and a full-featured eight-speaker sound system. The T6 adds a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels and leather upholstery. The T6 R-Design adds more power, a firmer suspension, special styling tweaks, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a sunroof and sport seats. Optional highlights include keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, a 12-speaker premium audio system, adaptive cruise control and a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system.
Power for the front-wheel-drive T5 is ably provided by a turbocharged inline-5 engine with 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive T6 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the T6 R-Design again means all-wheel drive, along with a more powerful version of the same engine good for 325 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard across the board.
In reviews, we've found the latest S60 to be a comfortable, sophisticated and well-behaved luxury sedan with plenty of power regardless of trim level. The option of an all-wheel-drive version is nice for those who live in inclement areas of the country. The S60's only major drawback is a slightly cramped backseat compared to roomier rivals.
Used Volvo S60 Models
After a one-year hiatus, the S60 returned, redesigned for 2011. Initially, this current-generation S60 was available only in T6 form. The following year brought the entry-level T5 and high performance-themed T6 R-Design trim levels.
The first-generation Volvo S60 was produced from 2001-'09, and was a replacement for the S70. Initially, it was offered in base 2.4, midlevel 2.4T or range-topping T5 trims. The S60 2.4 came with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine that produced 168 hp. The turbo 2.4T had 197 hp. The most powerful engine was the 247-hp 2.3-liter five-cylinder in the T5. An all-wheel-drive model called the 2.4T AWD joined the family in '02, and all models received enhancements to traction control and engine management systems, resulting in improved response.
In 2003, the AWD sedan switched to the 208-hp 2.5-liter engine, prompting Volvo to rename it the 2.5T AWD. In '04, the hot-rod 300-hp R was added to the mix, sporting a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, 18-inch wheels, performance tires and bi-xenon headlights. All S60 Rs were all-wheel drive, and buyers could choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Also that year, the front-drive S60 2.4T became the 2.5T, as it, too, picked up the 2.5-liter engine.
For '05, the Volvo S60 received an exterior and interior refreshing. The T5 got a bump in hp to 257 and a few other upgrades. In '06, Volvo dropped the base 2.4 model and upgraded the 2.5T AWD model with a new all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction. The following year, all '07 S60s received revised front fascia styling. For 2008, the high-performance R model was dropped, and no significant changes occurred for '09. There was no S60 for 2010.
In reviews, we found this S60 offered a ride biased more toward comfort than speed. Handling was adequate, but the limits were modest on 2.5T and T5 models. However, shoppers should take note of the many mechanical and equipment changes made through this generation's run, as newer models offered more performance and features. Judged on its own merits, the Volvo S60 should be satisfying to own, but savvy consumers should also check out the S60's many competitors as they may offer more refinement and, for enthusiasts, a more involving drive.
User Reviews:
Showing 31 through 40 of 904.00-
great car - 2003 Volvo S60
By redrider1121 - August 3 - 2:00 amgreat looking and driving car,love the quality of interior for money paid.
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Fun to drive, with a few design quirks - 2005 Volvo S60
By PJ - July 28 - 7:40 pmI purchased this as a certified preowned, and have loved it ever since. While there definitely is some turbo lag and torque steer when you punch it, its still pretty darn quick. Just make sure you hold the steering wheel tightly when you floor it. The seats are so comfortable in the front, but the back seats need more leg room for my two kids. I love the simplicity of all the Volvo controls, but some need changing. The heated seats should turn off automatically when you turn off the car. Also, the door lock button only has one button for both lock and unlock. It should have one for each. Finally, the key fob has a slight delay, and my kids are always a bit too quick on the doors.
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A Realistic Review - 2004 Volvo S60
By 1st European Car - July 28 - 2:23 pmI bought this car looking for an AWD sedan that was good on gas, fun to drive and affordable. After a long search, I settled on the Volvo. Ive probably read over 15 editorial reviews, scoured consumer feedback, etc. on this car, and owned it for about a week now, so here is the deal. Reviewers say this car is not the most luxurious, not the fastest nor has the best design. However, it does do all of these things very well, so I think its the best value of any domestic or Euro sedan. Its extremely comfortable, fast enough and holds the road well, without the hefty price tag of a BMW or Lexus. I love this car, and received a lot of compliments in the short time Ive owned it.
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2004 Volvo S60 - A Vehicle with Class - 2004 Volvo S60
By CLASI LADY - July 23 - 10:00 amSo far, this vehicle is not only comfortable, the ride is so smooth, you do not even feel the road. The sound system quality has greatly improved and the standard options add a great deal of value to not only the vehicle but to your insurance premium. The relocation of the mirror switches is a God send. The look and feel of the vehicle whether admiring it while parked or while driving in it, shows a great deal of class. This has been one of the best vehicle purchases I have made so far.
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This Volvos the One! - 2005 Volvo S60
By dm - July 18 - 12:40 pmThis car hasnt provided me with as much excitement since I picked up my new 1978 Triumph Spitfire. Obvioulsy not even close to being the same kind of car, but...I said "excitement." Blending a sleek, well engineered, and sporty design, an incredible 300 hp, turbo-charged powerplant, and an incredibly well designed interior, this car surpasses my best expectations. When someone in their 50s can get into a vehicle like this, and look like hes not trying to relive his youth, and yet enjoy it as though he was - Volvos design team has reached its pinnacle. My kids dont laugh at me either - their jealous!
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pretty close to perfect - 2012 Volvo S60
By easternpadad - July 12 - 11:42 pmdriving it for a couple of months, but no snow yet. Great feel - - a blast to drive. There is a learning curve on some of the tech features, but not too bad. We feel great about the car
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Most problems & expensive repairs Ive ever experienced - 2003 Volvo S60
By buddynbrandy - July 12 - 2:30 amI bought this car in the hopes it would last a long time. Acceleration sensor went out, the car wouldnt move at take off. About got me killed. $250-$300 to repair. Transmission has slipped since I bought it at 4 years old in 2007. Its getting worse, all fluids, etc have been checked, I have taken excellent care of this car, maint. etc. I heard a strange clanking noise, come to find out, I needed a drive shaft, which was $1400.00 to repair. I have to sell this thing to keep from having to spend thousands on a new transmission. I noticed that its using more gas as time goes on. Never again. I get sick to stomach. Dont buy one, go honda or toyota... Warning: Money Pit!
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Too Much Fun for Short Trips - 2004 Volvo S60
By T5A-S60R - July 11 - 2:00 amThe S60R is clearly the best undercover performance car Ive ever driven. I traded my Volvo T5 for it just after it was released in April 2003. Its power is exhilerating and it has a lot of "pedal" in gears 3 through 6.
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R-Fegnugen (if only that were Swedish) - 2007 Volvo S60
By Converted - July 10 - 12:30 pmExceptional. Fun car but not an ostentatious sports car. Compared to Infiniti G35, Audi S4, and BMW 330. Surprising power. Tight handling with the advantage of variable All-Wheel Drive. No problems with the R in mountain snow. Get this w/ a manual transmission for maximum fun. Great finishing touches on interior, gauges and electronics. Hwy fuel economy better than 30 MPG. Overall, good value for performance.
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Be Careful - 2005 Volvo S60
By The Eggman - July 9 - 5:13 pmI have a love/hate relationship with my R. I love the power, the styling, and the interior (especially the atacama leather). However, the turning radius is horrible. Can rarely complete a U-Turn without making it a 3-point turn. Also, if you live in snow country, THIS IS NOT THE CAR FOR YOU. While it performs OK in the snow, the low profile tires and wheels are no match for potholes. I have already blown 3 tires and bent 2 rims. Its no fun driving if you have to be totally stressed looking for potential (yet covered) potholes. Im trading mine in.
