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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  Defective Shocks - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Len - December 13 - 10:03 am

  Car was delivered with 2 defective rear shocks, Dealer could not replace them because they are on national backorder. After a month they received replacement units they were installed, Brought car back to dealer. The replacements were also defective

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  Still Thrillen - 2004 Volvo S60
  By DwBMan - December 11 - 7:16 am

  I really fell in love with this car on my first test drive. Good power and quality for a decent price. I have never had a problem with squeeky brakes. For those who have the six speed, I would suggest using your downshift to brake your speed. Many who are not used to a stick often crystalize the brakes and the rotors by using them too much. Dont be afraid to rev this engine on the downshift - it is half the fun of a performance car.

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  Best Car for $3,500!! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By killmitchell@gmail.com - December 8 - 6:32 am

  I found this amazing car last minute on craigslist. I had previously owned a 2003 BMW 3-series that was riddled with problems and kept my wallet pretty slim... I needed AWD/4WD because I go to school in an area where it snows a lot. I have yet to report on how the AWD is in the snow but Ive been disappointed so far with how it takes off in the rain (maybe its because of the KUMHO tires)... In terms of reliability, Ive gotten the oil changed 2 times already at my local Volvo dealership, both times, theyve said the car looked amazing and needed nothing. I may get the Transmission fluid done on my next visit because sometimes from 1st-2nd gear it flares after a long highway drive. My particular car has the sport seats but doesnt have the GPS or the Xenon headlight option... bummer. The seats feel amazing, even after sitting in the car for 7+ hours non-stop!!! The back seats seriously lack leg-room and the turning radius absolutely sucks.... Aside from those two negatives, Id totally recommend this car to anyone! Mine of course was a 2 owner car, very well taken care of at the dealership/volvo indy shop. After 11 years, this car still looks amazing and people still ask me if its brand new. Take care of it, feed it premium fuel, only use synthetic oil, and itll return the favor!!!

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  Great car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Kerrigan - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I had been looking at cars for about 6 months. I really liked the new body style of the Volvos. I owned an Audi A- 4 and I was waiting for the lease to expire. Well, I finally bought a car (a new Infiniti I-30). After owning the car for a few months, I felt like it was too big/touring sedan for me. So, I looked at the BMW 325 and MB C240 and decided upon the Volvo S-60. It was the right size and equally priced to the BMW and MB (was a little higher).

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  ultimate sleeper - 2005 Volvo S60
  By sleeper - December 6 - 9:40 pm

  For anyone wondering what the S60R can do flat out on the super highways of germany (AUTOBAHN). Well let me tell you. When I first test drove the demo car I was sold.The dealer told me to break it in at least 3000 miles and then drive it how you want. So I did just that.After the 3 was up I was trying to race everything I could.For those who dont know on the Autobahn there is (NO) speed limit.I took it to the max.It tops out between 155- 160mph. It gets there Quick. I would run the car at 150mph for 3 hours straight (no problem). Cars I blasted. bmw 545i, boxer porsche,all audis period. Hell the only thing that pushed me out the left lane was the 2006 M5. Everything less was NO match for it.

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  I just dont get it - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Jaxster - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Doesnt 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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  Best Decision I Ever Made - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Annette - December 2 - 3:00 am

  I compared many car models including Acura, Lexus, and Volvo and researched for months. Buying this Volvo was the best decision I ever made. Not only is the car sleek and sexy but it is amazingly fun to drive. It has the subtle and streamline sophistication that I love. My highway commute is about 30 miles per day one way and driving this car makes it so much more enjoyable. Wood trim in the interior is nicely done in a rich dark wood, leather is fine quality.

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  Great used car purchase - 2004 Volvo S60
  By KeepKeysAwayFromWife - December 1 - 4:50 am

  Purchased 04 S60 2.5T in May 09 with ~60k miles for ~$10k. Although not as tight or responsive as 91 Jetta GLI, car is fun to drive with adequate hp. Suspension is firm, but steering feedback is less than GLI. Seats are very comfortable, but not as snug as Recarros of GLI. MPG settling in around 21.5 with mix of very short daily commute with 1 hr drives to airport. Even with STC on, the car will squeal tires. Wife would not drive Acura CL, but regularly absconds with the S60!

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  Standard Safety Features - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Scott C. Wadley - November 30 - 2:43 pm

  This vehicle is very appealing from outside to inside. The features are very distinctive and attractive.

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  EXCELLENT CHOICE!!! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By INDIANAJONES73 - November 27 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE FIRST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED AND I AM VERY PLEASED WITH MY PURCHASE DESCISION. I DROVE THE JAG, BMW, AUDI, AND ACURA AND WAS BLOWN AWAY BY THE RESPONSIVENESS OF THE 2.4T. THE CAR IS NIMBLE AND THE RIDE QUALITY IS UNSURPASSED. THE HUGE LIST OF STANDARD FETURES ARE A GREAT BONUS AS WELL.