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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Wow - 2004 Volvo S60
By Volvo - January 10 - 10:00 amThis car moves. Can beat just about any other car off the line and can keep up with the best. Highway speeds, you pop her into 6th gear and she purrrrs at you. Safe, strong and maneuvers well for a car of its size and weight. Amazing look. MUST get the 18" with Pegasus titanium rims. Perfect combination of sport and luxury. Mercedes and Lexus are shaking in their boots, especially with the MY05s on their way.
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Love this car - 2002 Volvo S60
By Texas - January 8 - 10:00 amGreta Car havent had any problems.
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Disappointed - 2004 Volvo S60
By M - January 5 - 9:10 pmThe car is nice looking and safe, but beyond that I have not been impressed. The turning radius is terrible, it takes about 5 turns to get out of a parking space. The automatic key lock has a prolonged delay, and I find myself waiting for my doors to open and lock. The car makes noises when you turn left, and the dealer said "thats just what this car does". Brake pads are not covered under the warranty and they needed to be replaced at 15,000 miles. Overall not impressed with the Volvo, and would not buy another.
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S60R Sport fun and comfort - 2005 Volvo S60
By Volvo S60 R - January 5 - 7:50 amIn looking for a car that would provide good sport handling and still be comfortable to drive on a long trip, the S60R was the perfect choice. The Continuous Control Chassis is great for when you want to hit the corners hard or if you want a nice smooth ride. Good torque curve delivers power over a wide range.
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An excellent car - 2003 Volvo S60
By pault - December 27 - 2:00 amIm very pleased. Rock solid build, no unnerving shimmies rattles or shakes. To date, not a single glitch has arison - the car has been bullet- proof. Great styling, rich feature set, and veeeeery comfortable (at least in the front seat). Surprisingly good fuel economy.
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very good car - 2001 Volvo S60
By anwar - December 22 - 11:23 ami bought my volvo s60 for the safety features and looks,so far so good.
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I highly recommend joining the club! - 2004 Volvo S60
By pythonfan6 - December 22 - 10:00 amThis isnt a soccer moms Volvo. Please dont by one if you dont intend to DRIVE it and know what it means to control a wolf in sheeps clothing. The acceleration is a kick in the seat of the pants. Fling it around a couple of tight corners and you truly appreciate all the computers that make cornering a dream. I doubted the Active Chassis system until I drove the car. The difference between the settings is very noticeable. The ride is silky in comfort, comfortable but aggressive in sport, and stuck to the asphalt-track ready in advanced. Everything you loved about Volvo, only 1000 times better.
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SAFE! - 2006 Volvo S60
By puttjunk - December 20 - 10:26 pmWe were bothered by the high repair costs until we were recently rear ended by a car going 45MPH while we were stopped. All worth it after seeing the incredible damage to her car (probably will be totaled) while ours was not only driveable but barely touched (repair costs TBD). The WHIPS system really worked to reduce the feel of the impact and our 2 year old in the back seat didnt even know we were hit. If safety matters, the S60 is an excellent choice. We often joke that we feel like we are driving a tank - but this time were grateful that we were! All the little electronic issues seem worth it now.
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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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AWESOME SWEDE - 2004 Volvo S60
By ODIN - December 15 - 10:00 amIve had the car for about 2 months & Im still impressed. Car has tremendous grip. Turbo boost peaks at low revs giving superb & effortless off the line acceleration. Seems much quicker then specs suggest. Great auto transmission, almost never feel it shifting. Tremendous brakes & AWD, never heard the tires squeal even under emergency conditions. Accelerates 0-60 within .1 sec of the more $ auto T5 & R models & R model REQUIRES changing to winter tires. Had that pain with my last car. Added on a Magellan navigation system. Absolutely awesome. I cant get lost no matter how hard I try. Overall a great everyday car.
