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:

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  stealth Q-ship better than my old A4! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Gomansfield - March 4 - 11:16 am

  This Volvo is a far cry from the old 240 I had out of college. Low, muscular stance with the 18" Pegasus wheels, adjustable suspension, and 6 speed manual backed by a high-tech 300 HP engine make this a serious drivers car. This kids fit fine in back and the fold down seat is handy. Seats are the best in class and the sound system rocks both with the optional sirrius sat. radio and the ipod adapter. Need a place to store coins, and side and rear shades would be nice touches. Bought my 05 for about $38K, well under sticker. This put the R in a whole new price range where it easiy out shines the competition that I shopped (Acura TL, audi A4, and the G35).

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  Very Good Car/Great Value - 2014 Volvo S60
  By darkhorse2 - February 27 - 5:15 pm

  I just picked up my S60 a few days ago after comparing quite a few cars. Audi A4, Buick Regal, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Cadillac ATS, BMW 3 series & Mercedes new A class. The Volvo was overall the best choice for me as an everyday car. It does all things well and represented a great car for the money. A bit more money than the fully loaded Ford, Buick and Honda but with better quality and features. The same feel and features of the Audi, Mercedes and Cadillac but without a higher price tag and the horrible excuse for a back seat.

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  More than meets the eye - 2002 Volvo S60
  By REICHOWJR - February 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Volvo. I wanted a safe vehicle for my family as well as one that stands out from the rest of the bunch. We have loged over 4500 trouble free miles averaging 29 plus mpg on the freeway at 75 mph. The paint quality is near perfect as well as fit and finish. I wish I had seats in my home as comfortable as the ones in the front of this car. Our 2 and 4 year old kids fit comfortably in their car seats in the rear with enough leg room so their feet are not in our backs. The 2.4 T has plenty of power through most of the power band. The front of the car feels a little heavy when pushed hard into a corner but otherwise handles well.

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  Not at bad car at all - 2006 Volvo S60
  By cobradriver - February 16 - 3:23 pm

  This is my first Volvo and was purchased as a second vehicle to my 2006 BMW 530. I am pleased with all of the safety features of this car although stability control is an option unless you purchase the T5 or R variant. Volvo has come a long way from the traditional "box" styling and is easy on the eyes. Financing/leasing deals are very attractive right now on the S60...more so than any other car that Volvo is selling currently. This is a lot of bang for the buck for what you get. The turning radius could be a lot better and the radio could use a little attention but all in all this is a very competent, safe, and in a Volvo kind of way a satisfying car to drive...Coming from a BMW loyalyist

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  Great Car even for the youngsters.... - 2003 Volvo S60
  By matt1540 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Being the 1st car my wife & I have bought, we could not ask for anything better. After driving all other cars in the class, the Volvo won our hearts over. Even though we took some ribbing for Volvo being a family car, the S60 has style and flare and the turbo has enough punch to have fun out on the road.

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  volvo s 60 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By larry lambi - February 5 - 5:23 pm

  the best luxury car i could find for under 36k & i test drove them all bmw, mercedes, audi, cadillac cts, jag.. far more interior room then them all and i am a big guy 5`11,, 300 pounds so i know about interior room space..the performance is great the turbo gives the car great boost,, the front seats are the most comfortable seats of them all they are outrageous.. plus they are also heated great for the back...

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  Original Owner - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Rick - February 2 - 9:23 pm

  Ok so I have only put 7000 miles on this car in three years yet all the time I enjoyed every minute of it. The first S60 R I owned in 2004 was a lemon and returned then I got this one the metallic green with atacanda leather and every option. This car is fast and furious and drives better than my 75 Corvette by far. Ill never get rid of it. I have had almost zero problems.

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  2014 S60 R-Design with Platinum Package, BLIS, Climate package - 2014 Volvo S60
  By mps_ - February 2 - 4:03 pm

  So far I like this car and it is fun to drive. It works very well as a daily driver and has some good kick, although it is still far from a sports car. I have one major issue with this car. Volvo has built heating elements into the windshield (small wires every few millimeters). At night all lights reflect off of these wires and makes the lights blurry. It is a huge safety issue and is extremely annoying. Due to this issue alone, I am not sure if I will keep this car very long. Although it is nice to have a heated steering wheel, skip the Climate Package if you buy this car.

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  My Second Volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By chancellor - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Volvo, going from a 2000 S70 to a 2004 S60 2.5T. The turbo makes this a fast, fun to drive, sporty car. The premium and sport packages provide a high-end feel and a solid drive. Its admittedly not as roomy or comfortable as the S70, but the ride is substantially improved. The stereo is also excellent. While its probably not the fastest car on the road (I test drove an Infiniti G35 that was superior in speed and handling), its fast enough and has enough of a luxury feel to rate the car highly.

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  Not too pleased with my S60 2.4T - 2003 Volvo S60
  By mikey1atl - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been to the dealer several times about the following issues. 1. Transmission jerks when shifting between lower gears. Your head jerks against the headrests at slower speeds, like between stop lights. Also, hesitates off the line 2. When the a/c compressor kicks in it makes a rattling sound that is loud enough to be heard over talk radio! 3. Creaking sounds in the cabin. 4. Steering off center, have to hold it at start. All repeated problems over my 5800 miles.