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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  Great to Drive My Wifes Car - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Miner - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Wer letting our daughters use our stalwart 240 wagon at university. My wife wanted Toyota, Subaru maybe Honda, but not BMer, Mercedes, or Jag. Maintenance is concern. I drive Suburban and Ferrari. Volvo is great to run around town and highway is fine. Sport package and turbo helps. Mileage is ok--22. Steering is safe but not Ferrari. Breaks good. Sweet car!

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  So Far, So Good - 2003 Volvo S60
  By RegularGuy - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought this to replace my S40 (which was very poorly designed and built). Swore I would never buy another Volvo.. but at under $20,000 took the chance. Solid build quality, good ride, and nice quiet cabin. Even the base model is nicely equipped. Fun to drive (more power might be nice).. and comfortable (I am not a small guy).

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  Beware of Customer Service - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Savvy Driver - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car new coz we loved the look and reputation of Volvo. However, weve had major customer service problems as well as electrical problems. Also, it is very difficult to see to change lanes due to the head rests in the back and the way the car frame is built.

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  New 2014 S60 R-Design and online reviews - 2014 Volvo S60
  By spmatl - March 22 - 3:47 am

  I just purchased an S60 R-design and hope to pick it up today. Has the same specs as an Audi S4 but costs much less after negotiation. I assume the S4 has better driving dynamics but they just wont come down on price much for the car. I will update my review after spending a few weeks with the S60. Does anyone know where to find a good online video review of this car? Volvo has done a really bad job of getting this car in front of the car mags.

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  Ford Should butt out - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Andrew - March 11 - 6:03 am

  This car has been in the family since it was brand new. Its a pretty nice car, but its had a lot of silly little problems. In its lifetime, the wheel bolts rusted, the front bumper popped itself out of place. Just recently, went to get gas and when the attendant opened the fuel door it fell into his hand. This, from what I have seen, is a popular issue with S60s and V70s of this generation. The glove compartment door is now sagging, and the paint quality is very poor. Mechanically, the transmission seems a little screwy, causing the car to shake when you let go of the brakes after a complete stop. This is an awesome looking car, but unfortunetly its a bit unrefined.

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  Volvo or Ford? - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Drew - March 2 - 12:00 am

  This is my first Volvo, I have enjoyed it, however have had a few problems. The paint job on the window surrounds fell off and the plastic strips had to be replaced. A couple of spots on the hood where the paint has bubbled too. The bearings needed to be replaced once on the rear and twice on the front end.

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  A good car with some things to know - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Erik - February 24 - 7:50 pm

  I love this car. The suspension is not sporty and the seats are like home theater recliners, so I get a nice comfortable ride. At 64" 230 I fit easily in the front seats. The fuel economy is also surprisingly strong, I get about 27 MPG. So what are the drawbacks? The electrical system hasnt cost me any large dollar figure, but I always seem to have to replace bulbs. And when replacing a front head lamp, be careful, the housing is brittle and easily broken. Also, adults cant fit very easily in the back seat. Im glad I bought it, but I will look for something with a little more engine kick and a more spacious back seat in my next ride.

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  Still glad I did buy it. - 2003 Volvo S60
  By pj650 - February 21 - 11:30 pm

  I still love getting in and driving my car. The interior looks 10 fold better with the woodgrain package which I have. I solved the radio display by getting the windows a mild tint. The rattle I heard was coming from the spare not tight enough. All is well now.

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  Owned mine for 8 years - 2002 Volvo S60
  By johnc8551 - January 15 - 6:39 pm

  I bought my 2002 S60 used with 21K miles on it in 2004. It now has 110,000 miles on the odo, and Ive passed it along to my stepdaughter as her college car. I get it serviced regularly and it has not been overly expensive to maintain through my local Firestone service center. Its been an overall dependable car with only a few age related failures, such as alternator, water pump, strut mounts, etc. Nothing too big at all. The one gremlin this car has, and it seems to be rather common with this series, is that it eats tail light and headlight bulbs on a regular basis. However, these are easy to replace by the owner, and I now keep spares stashed with the spare tire in the trunk.

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  Lots of pros and cons - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Sara - January 12 - 3:26 am

  I bought a certified used S60 T5 from a great dealership. Unfortunately I moved and the dealerships Ive dealt with in Los Angeles are pretty bad with customer service. Calabasas Volvo in particular is horrible. Anyway, I do really enjoy the car, but have been frustrated with some random problems that I think are unacceptable for a "luxury" car. Pros: 1) Very comfortable, wonderful seats and beautiful interior 2) adequate power and muscular feel 3) safe and stable Cons: 1) The turning radius is AWFUL. I cannot make U-turns, period. Ever. Even turning around in a parking lot is tough. 2) Visibility is really poor. 3) CD wont play burned CDs, often gets "stuck". 4) random electrical problems