Overview & Reviews

A new high-performance model, the S60 R, will become available later in the year. Otherwise, minor changes are in store for Volvo's sport sedan for 2003. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, along with a stereo with a CD and a cassette deck, now grace the interior of the 2.4 and the 2.4T. The latter also gets foglights and wood dash trim in its standard equipment list. For the all-wheel-drive version, the 2.4 turbocharged engine receives a small bump in displacement and horsepower. Rain-sensing wipers and OnCall Plus (the telematics system) are available, and two new colors, Titanium Grey and Ruby Red, brighten the exterior.

• Long list of standard safety features, luxurious interior, powerful turbocharged engine in top-line T5 model, deceptively quick 2.4T power plant, available all-wheel drive.

• Handling lacks true sport-sedan precision, expensive optional equipment, torque steer in the T5 model.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 80.00

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  BEST VALUE - 2003 Volvo S60
  By TV - November 14 - 2:00 am

  WHEN CONSIDERING OTHERS IN THE PRICE RANGE, THE VOLVO WAS THE WAY TO GO. EVERYTHING I NEEDED. FWD TRACTION CONTROL AND VOLVOS WINTER DRIVE MODE DOES INCREDIBLE IN THE SNOW. GOOD TORQUE AND PLENTY OF SPEED. WHO NEEDS A POWERHOUSE? SIMPLE PRATICAL, STOP BUYING THE STATUS SYMBOLS! THINK. VERY RELIABLE

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  not really a good value for the dough - 2003 Volvo S60
  By karen frietsch - August 19 - 3:26 am

  very expensive. mediocre fit and finish. sport model will cost you in tires no matter how careful. noisy. uncomfortable drivers seating even with power adjustment. cramped. lots of plastic.blind spots.unimpressive for the money. dealership price gouging. running lights will also cost you in bulbs and they are a challenge to change.stereo is ok, not great.cant believe there is no homefinder garage door opening system. exterior dents easily. overall, i wouldnt recommend this car for the price. you can do better, for sure.

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  BAD IN THE SNOW - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Volvo Finatic - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 4 volvos. The s-60 being the 4th for my 18 year old daughter. I have owned mercedes,porches,and bmws. Volvos by far have always been more economical in my eyes. They do not have the power but they offer the protection. HOWEVER, I do not recommend using the s60 in the snow. My daughter got stuck 3 times in the past 3 snow storms that Connecticut had. The car gets no traction, slides from side to side is not a safe snow vehicle. I made a huge mistake by not buying the AWD s60, it is a DEFINITE must because this car cannot handle snow! She also complains that the heated seats are not warm enough.

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  Nice car, horrible reliability - 2003 Volvo S60
  By D - May 12 - 3:53 am

  The S60 has a solid, safe feel, which is ironic as it rattles constantly due to the harsh ride. The design inside and out is fantastic and timeless. Interior quality and ease of controls are excellent, but lacks storage space. Comfort is great, but legroom is tight in back. Visibility is horrendous, as is low speed maneuvering. The car is fun to drive when its pushed hard. Reliability is unacceptable. Ive replaced the starter motor, sensors, seat memory, and a bunch of other computer related things I dont know how to explain. The transmission is dying. The auto wipers have a mind of its own, as do the interior lights and the fuel gauge. The car makes lots of weird noises.

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  S60 rattles and repairs - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Jon - November 14 - 3:20 am

  I bought the Volvo based on price (5 speed was deeply discounted) and the supposed reliability. Other than an 88 Tarus I had as a company car, the Volvo has been in the shop more than any car I have owned. At 500 miles the cam sensor went out. So the first 10 days I owned the car it was in the shop for 6. Its has been in for rattles three times. Bad oxygen sensor needed replacing. Fog light "plug" fell out of the bumper. Lug nuts are rusting. And the rattles are still present. I like driving the car the car, the comfort and fuel economy,32 mpg highway at 70, but you have to live with a lot of minor issues that are annoying. Oh, and the check engine light is coming on sporadically.

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  Look Elsewhere - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Mr Disappointed - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I was heart broken upon my purchase of this car. I have had a slew of things go wrong with this car. They all revolve around the electrical and range from loosing power to the sunroof, to the thorn in my heel, the surging at stop lights and when im in drive and on the brake. This car rides like a dream when its moving, but the customer service coupled with a problem that has been ongoing for over a year have made my experience a bitter one at best. My advice to all is to save your money and invest it wisely, the maintenace costs with this car will kill you! Im talking $650 for a 30k service!! Thats ridiculous.

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  So Far, So Good - 2003 Volvo S60
  By RegularGuy - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought this to replace my S40 (which was very poorly designed and built). Swore I would never buy another Volvo.. but at under $20,000 took the chance. Solid build quality, good ride, and nice quiet cabin. Even the base model is nicely equipped. Fun to drive (more power might be nice).. and comfortable (I am not a small guy).

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  Still glad I did buy it. - 2003 Volvo S60
  By pj650 - February 21 - 11:30 pm

  I still love getting in and driving my car. The interior looks 10 fold better with the woodgrain package which I have. I solved the radio display by getting the windows a mild tint. The rattle I heard was coming from the spare not tight enough. All is well now.

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  First Impressions - 2003 Volvo S60
  By SF Bay Area Randy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I admit that I never thought I would buy a Volvo. The end of year incentives made me give it a look. Those incentives allowed me to get a 2.4T with sport, luxury, and touring package for under $30K. I kind of like the distinctive styling. Around San Fran Bay Area, 90% of the cars are Honda, Toyota or BMWs. I am glad I at least got something semi- unique. It is a nice car that has decent power. I am a little wary of how it will hold up, given some of the comments in here, but I tend to treat cars gently so I think it will last a long time. The gas mileage is OK. The fronts seats are very nice.

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  Great used value. Safe and sporty - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Popps - August 9 - 10:50 pm

  I love my S60, even with its flaws. In my opinion, the best looking body of any sports sedan. Great reliability history, especially for a Volvo. Lets hope they continue this trend. Ride is good. Peppy, but Id prefer a bit more power. (I have 2.4T) Interior design is fine, but could be a bit more refined for a luxury sedan. (See Infiniti) Gas mileage is surprisingly good. An excellent used value, as Volvos dont hold value like a BMW/Mercedes. Again, its not perfect, but I love mine and doubt youll do any better for the money in the used market.