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:

• 

  Find a good mechanic - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Mike - November 20 - 3:53 pm

  A fun car to drive, but with 85,000 miles Ive had my list of problems. With extreme heat (like in Las Vegas) expect the "wood" interior paneling to peel off. Fuel cap door, like many other posts have said, will break. Dont bother fixing it....it will break again. Headlights, buy them in bulk because you will replace them every couple months. Dropped a pretty penny on struts, tires and brakes, but that is my fault for buying a used car without getting it checked out by a mechanic first. New battery, fuel pump, and fuel filter, and it still wont start until you try it a couple times. 20 mpg isnt quite what I had expected from a sedan.

• 

  Love Hate Relationship - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Dennis - November 20 - 8:03 am

  If only the car was out of the shop long enough to enjoy driving it. I have owned this car for 5 years. Very high maintenance costs and major repair bills. Volvo seems now just like daddy Ford - hide the design flaws and fix only when the lawsuits and/or government finally steps in and forces the issue. I would love this car were it not for problems with the very heart of its performance-the electronic throttle module. Almost guaranteed to break - so much so that they have now agreed to warrant the darn thing up to 200,000 miles - and theyll replace it only after making you spend thousands in diagnostics and pre-repairs. Then, they replace with the same defective designed part! Unbelievable

• 

  IKEA on wheels - 2009 Volvo S60
  By PeterJax - November 19 - 11:16 am

  My first Volvo. It looks nice in an IKEA sort of way...some like it, others dont. Seats are very comfortable. Silver metallic paint finish is amazing. Body feels sturdy. Interior controls at first seem strange but you later realize that they are well thought out. Good fuel economy for a car that weighs this much, yet the turbo gives it kick when you need it. Good overall drive, nice mix of sport and luxury.

• 

  Cool and Reliable Car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By shop74 - November 14 - 4:33 pm

  I purchased mine 5 years ago used at a Volvo dealership with 55k miles on it. No major problems with it whats so ever. I replaced the alternator 3 years ago and that was only out of pocket expense at about $600. It has 125,000 miles on it now. I just went back to dealership to have fuel pump replaced and they did free of charge because of an extended warranty still on that part!!! Love my car and glad I did not sell it last year. I am keeping until it wont run anymore. Love foreign cars, Volvo for life. Worth every penny. The red paint looks still brand new. I have had a Lexus, BMW and Mercedes but love the Volvo reliability.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By ROYBOY - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is well designed thoughout the handling, comfort and style. It grabs the road so well I cant imagine needing the AWD feature. We drove from San Diego to Las Vegas in the rain and it drove like a dream. The cabin noise level is great. This is our second Volvo and the not the last.

• 

  BEST VALUE - 2003 Volvo S60
  By TV - November 14 - 2:00 am

  WHEN CONSIDERING OTHERS IN THE PRICE RANGE, THE VOLVO WAS THE WAY TO GO. EVERYTHING I NEEDED. FWD TRACTION CONTROL AND VOLVOS WINTER DRIVE MODE DOES INCREDIBLE IN THE SNOW. GOOD TORQUE AND PLENTY OF SPEED. WHO NEEDS A POWERHOUSE? SIMPLE PRATICAL, STOP BUYING THE STATUS SYMBOLS! THINK. VERY RELIABLE

• 

  S-60 AWD give it a look - 2003 Volvo S60
  By pictel_fc - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I tested the Audi A4, Acura TL,BMW 325, all good cars, but I found the Volvo to be the best all around. Although I only have 1k miles on the car, I am very pleased with my decision. Plenty of pick-up, very comfortable seats, well thought out interior, decent ride,handling,and braking. In my opinion one of the better looking exterior designs in its class. I would definately recommend. With the $4,500 "rebate", youd be hard pressed to find a better bang for the buck.

• 

  Last Volvo Ever - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Dennis - November 6 - 3:33 pm

  The gas filler cap leaked on the car since the first full tank of gas.Service simply stated that they could not duplicate the problem so that is where we stand. Seat belt locks, so it is sometimes impossible to lean forward to see oncoming traffic. The overall quality and value leave a lot to be desired. I wish I would have kept my Infiniti, it would have been seven years old now but it was a much better car.

• 

  Best of the Best - 2004 Volvo S60
  By S. Agnihotri - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Superb power, superb style, head turner, fantastic road grip, excellent inner settings, luxury at par, great power, great in turns specialy on mountains and no regrets at all from changing Benz CLK 230 for VOLVO S60 R. Highly recommended.... If any one has idea of accessories for S60R then please email me..

• 

  S-60 Feeling Safe - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Dr.- Dr. - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Love it!