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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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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DON - 2004 Volvo S60
By none123 - June 11 - 10:00 amThe second day I owned the car I got stuck! Volvo has still not found the problem (2 months later). Certainly, things like car trouble will happen. But the truly concerning issue is the TERRIBLE customer service I have received from the dealership. (Another interesting defect I found was that the interior lights dim when the hazard warning lights flash...good luck looking at map while you are stopped by the side of the road.) My advice...dont make the same mistake I made. Spend a little more and buy a Mercedes.
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Glorified Yugo - 2004 Volvo S60
By Doug - May 12 - 3:56 amI can agree with the safety and reliability written about this car. The comfort is just marginal. What destroys this car is the turning radius! The car is slow and the gas mileage is average. The interior is sooo small. I have a child seat in the back and it takes over the backseat! Being 62" is a real problem with the interior size. Overall, I would never get another Volvo!
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NO MORE VOLVO - 2002 Volvo S60
By No More Volvo ! - March 27 - 11:40 pmBought used in 2005 at 48,000 miles; regularly maintained after purchase. Engine death at 108,000 miles. Told it was "sludge" plugging the turbo, (despite our regular oil and filter changes.) Every minor thing cost an arm and a leg to fix. Blinker kept going out (short somewhere in system - ate bulbs like candy). Very expensive cost of ownership. The transmission was threatening to go, but the engine went first.
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Not at bad car at all - 2006 Volvo S60
By cobradriver - February 16 - 3:23 pmThis 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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Not too pleased with my S60 2.4T - 2003 Volvo S60
By mikey1atl - February 2 - 10:00 amI 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.
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Volvo curse - 2004 Volvo S60
By Dianne W - December 15 - 10:00 amWeve owned our brand new 2004 S60 2.5T for 10 days and its been at the service dept for more than half of the time weve owned it. The night we drove it home, we noticed a vibration-shimmie which, after 3 attempts, the dealer has been unable to diagnose and repair; they have balanced the tires, changed the tires and the problem has not been resolved after three attempts. Weve put more miles on the loaner cars than our own car, lemon law here we come. We bought a BIG, EXPENSIVE problem; we never expected this to happen with Volvos reputation and the amount of money that we spent, but it did!
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I just dont get it - 2002 Volvo S60
By Jaxster - December 3 - 2:00 amDoesnt handle as well as a BMW, isnt as comfortable or user-friendly as a Lexus, costs more than either. View is limited, gas mileage is atrocious, turbo has significant lag time. On the plus side, front seats are extremely comfortable and car handles quite nicely if not spectacularly. On the whole though, I cant wait until my lease is up.
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better alternatives - 2004 Volvo S60
By not for me - October 8 - 12:40 pmIve had this car for about 2 and a half years and am looking forward to getting rid of it. I traded in an f 150 for this car because of gas mileage and I still wanted 4wd. Ive spent over 6k in repairs, keeping the truck was a better idea. It looks good on the outside, but with new tires and awd winters are still difficult. Gas mileage is good but too many awkward things. When I turn left it makes an odd noise, but drives fine. The carpet inside has torn in odd places. If I use the cd/cassette player the drivers side speakers dont work. I cant warm my car up without being in it because you cant lock the doors with the other keyless remove with the car running. I wont be buying another
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Could have been a lemon - 2001 Volvo S60
By old one - October 2 - 10:53 pmWe purchased the Volvo S60 based on reputation. We were very disappointed. The car was always in the shop for one thing or another. Also frustrating, was having the car fixed and maintained. Finally, after less than 2 years of having the car, the sway bar broke. We turned it in, purchased a Maxima and have been happy since. Additional note - the only seat comfortable to ride in was the drivers seat. The back was very uncomfortable.
