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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Solid sports sedan - 2013 Volvo S60
By tomhager - December 1 - 8:45 amTraded in my Acura TSX after the second timing chain went out, test drove a T5 AWD and was hooked -- great combo of comfort and fun. Drove it through a late-night thunderstorm in the Oregon mountains and felt perfectly safe -- the thing corners like its on rails. Love the power and quiet.
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217,000 and going strong - 2004 Volvo S60
By birddogphil - November 28 - 12:25 pmI have driven this car for business for the last 8 years.This is my second Volvo in recent years and I consider this S60 to be as close to the perfect car for me as I will ever get.With the 2.4 engine,I think the performance is good but obviously not stellar.Reliability,comfort,style,MPG are however all stellar.Keep a few extra bulbs on hand,change the oil and do regular maintenance and do what I am planning to do-keep driving this car for 300,000 miles and then decide if I should look for a new ride.
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Turning ratio difficult in urban areas - 2004 Volvo S60
By msl - September 18 - 10:00 amShould have taken some close U-turns on the test drive. With 18" wheels, it is almost impossible to perform a U-turn in city with 4 lane traffic. So concerned that I looked at moving back from AWD to a T-5 and with only 2,000 miles, the "book value" had decreased $14K from what I paid 3 months earlier. Fun to drive on highway, not in city.
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Mixed Bag - 2005 Volvo S60
By Dan - August 28 - 10:53 amExcellent performance, though road noise is a bit excessive at times. 30,000 miles on the car and its been in the shop five times for various repairs: electrical issues, switches failing, very harsh "buzz" on AM radio caused by poor shielding (still not resolved completely) AWD went out at 25K (acted like FWD only, no power to rear), all fixed under warranty but I expected better from a $40-45K car. On the upside, average mileage (combined city/hwy) has been 25.6 for 20,000 miles (nice!) and gets 32 Mpg on level highway (55-60 mph). Relatively comfortable for 3-hour per day commutes. Turning radius of the Queen Mary (good grief this thing is hard to get in a small space!).
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best in class - 2004 Volvo S60
By cjs - August 22 - 2:00 amI love this car. I drove pretty much everything in the class, BMWs, Nissans, the Passat, Infiniti G35 and I35. Each car and make has its strong suit but I think Volvo has really created the best all-around car here. One cautionary note here, I leased mine sight unseen (another dealers inventory) and really wish I had the 17 inch rims.
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Not ready for prime time - 2004 Volvo S60
By NRFPT - August 22 - 2:00 amA fun car to drive but the build quality is not up to par. Have already had the rear brake pads & rotors replaced due to squeaking and the replacements also squeak. Also have a disturbing vibration in the shifter when in 5th gear. Volvos position is that the vibration is inherent in the design of the car.
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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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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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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.
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swede is in - 2004 Volvo S60
By rpaecm - June 30 - 10:00 amvolvo - best value, who needs german performance? are we driving on a track. comfort, economy, value at 65% of the price
