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:

• 

  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.

• 

  Multi Volvo Family - 2005 Volvo S60
  By ABrown - October 9 - 11:40 pm

  Just purchased the 2.5T sedan. After 306,000 miles on my 88 240. Love the get up and go, gas mileage, and solid feel. My husband has an 86 240 wagon which he will replace with a 96 (he believes in recycling). We are a true volvo family impressed by the reliability and safety factor. Besides the safety factor, the key selling point for us was Volvos turning radius. That unfortunately has been replaced with a significantly inferior turning radius. Volvo whatever were you thinking????

• 

  Could be better ! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By myfirstvolvo - September 15 - 10:00 am

  The drive is definitely different from my last car a BMW to a Volvo. The sunroof was malfunction the day I got my Volvo. Luckily, the part was under warranty. Blew out an un-repairable tire after three weeks. Paid $150 excluded labor for a unique hard to find tire. The car consumed more gas than expected. I wonder what else might go wrong. I however like the redesigned Volvo that looks sporty and maintain its safety reputation.

• 

  2012 Volvo s60 T5 - 2012 Volvo S60
  By jiml94 - September 13 - 7:03 pm

  I have been a Volvo owner for 40 years owning Volvos from 1972 to 2012. The 2012 S60 has been a refreshing change from "Your Uncle Olafs Volvo". My 2012 has 22,000 miles and has been problem free to date. The OEM Continental tires have worn to unacceptable tread depth with (2) near sidewall flats and a cut sidewall near the rim edge. These low profile tires do not have a rim protection bead and my other driver has scraped the wheel rims near concrete curbs . I have recently changed out these tires for Michelin Pilot AS3 tires which has a nice rim protection bead. Car did not have a spare tire and I opted for a emergency spare which reduces trunk capacity a lot.

• 

  My S60 Saved My Life - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Bill - August 22 - 1:06 am

  05 S60 AWD. Spun last weekend on black ice. No time to brake. 65mph into wire retaining guardrail. Absolutely no injury expect a glass shard in my hand. The retaining wires stopped 6 inches from my head. The EMTs, Police, Fire, Insurance Adjuster and Autobody man all stated. If you were in anything but a Volvo you would have been decapitated!! I pick up my used 06 S60 FWD next week. Dont opt for AWD, slight jack up in rear gives funky handling, less mileage, more to go wrong, and noticible front to rear and back power transfers.

• 

  No longer a big Volvo fan - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Rob - August 19 - 11:10 am

  I have owned and loved 5 Volvos including this one and an XC90 that we still have. I bought the 06 S60 with about 47k miles on it and as soon as the warranty expired, it was in the shop about every 6 weeks with $500- $1500 repairs. A/C compressor disintegrated, then a A/C o-ring blew out (all during July and August), the engine air flow sensor failed twice, front end needed frequent alignment, right front passenger window would go up and down without me doing anything, the radio wouldnt change stations some times. Traded it in after 9 months on a 2009 Saab 93.

• 

  Sound Investment - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Loadmaster - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth Volvo my wife and I have owned. There have been two S70s and one V40. So far the S60 has been a sound investment. During the first weekend of driving, I put on approx 350 miles. Some of that was during a major snow storm following a New England Patriots game. The handling was very good during the storm. My wife and I have become true Volvo loyalists.

• 

  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.

• 

  GREAT and Terrible all in one - 2002 Volvo S60
  By DrQ - July 1 - 10:56 pm

  We bought our S60 in 2003 and we have been very happy with the performance of the car. Cosmetically however there is room for a world of improvement. The gas cover doors have a tendency to fall off (Ive seen at least 50 Volvos from 2001-2003 riding around without the cover since ours fell off while traveling on I-95). According to our mechanic (Volvo certified) they replace about 10-15 gas covers per month. The console door likewise has a tendency to become non-functional.

• 

  Volvo for Life - 2002 Volvo S60
  By SStevens - June 19 - 10:00 am

  As tradition and loyaty continues, Im now in my 3rd Volvo, a 2002 S-60 2.4T. So far its living up to its reputation. Its by far the most enjoyable model to drive.