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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  2012 Volvo S60 T-5 - 2012 Volvo S60
  By danf7 - December 10 - 7:57 pm

  The sign and drive offer coupled with covered maintenance made this car an exceptional lease value. I was also looking at A4, Acura TSX and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe but the horsepower, torque and features of the S60 far outweighed the competition. The car is fast especially in Sport mode. The Blind Spot Information System and City Safety are nice features and lowered my insurance! Ride is fairly quiet and comfortable. Steering with the Touring Chassis could be tighter. (The Dynamic Chassis may have addressed this issued but I didnt want to spend extra money.) Volvo Sensus is excellent and integrates well with my ipod and phone. A great entry level luxury sports car for the money.

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  First Impressions - 2003 Volvo S60
  By SF Bay Area Randy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I admit that I never thought I would buy a Volvo. The end of year incentives made me give it a look. Those incentives allowed me to get a 2.4T with sport, luxury, and touring package for under $30K. I kind of like the distinctive styling. Around San Fran Bay Area, 90% of the cars are Honda, Toyota or BMWs. I am glad I at least got something semi- unique. It is a nice car that has decent power. I am a little wary of how it will hold up, given some of the comments in here, but I tend to treat cars gently so I think it will last a long time. The gas mileage is OK. The fronts seats are very nice.

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  Not Too Happy - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Springer - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The first week we had the S60 it dumped antifreeze in our driveway and had to be towed away with a faulty radiator. The dealer told us no rental could be given because we didnt break down on the road somewhere. So much for their great roadside assistance. The power door locks are a perpetual problem. In for same repair 4 times. Dealer has ordered wrong parts and made us return yet again. Left turn signal works intermitantly. And by the way the pwer door locks dont work right again! I think its so safe because its always in the shop and not on the road.

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  disappointed - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Paul - November 7 - 8:53 pm

  This is a great looking car that has a number of design flaws and reliability issues. The turning radius is way too large, the low profile tires fail at an alarming rate as do various bulbs. The warning lights for the bulb failures override all other info until fixed whereas the low gas indicator is invisible. The radio/sound controls are counter- intuitive. There are a number of rattles that I cannot find/fix. Most annoying is that the dealership, Dalzell Volvo, Dedham Mass. They either defend the design or lie about the problems. Dealer: "Low profile tire flats, never heard of it." Tire store: "Low profile tires are definitely more prone to road hazard damage."

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  Pleased So Far - 2007 Volvo S60
  By ExMB - October 31 - 1:06 pm

  Just purchased this auto after turning in a leased Mercedes C300. I loved that car so stepping down is going to be a bummer. However, I am pleased thus far about the Volvo. Good ride, though not sporty at all, and quality seats help it. I like the safety record and the reliability prospects for the car.

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  Volvo for Life - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Stell - October 23 - 5:26 pm

  I have owned my S60 since 2001, just hit 70k miles. It has been reliable and saved my life in a highway spinout at 70+mph. I have been lightly rear-ended twice and I felt nothing, barely any damage, this car holds up and I feel SAFE! It does well on gas mileage for long highway trips but is a total gas guzzler in the city. It performs well in winter weather. I change the oil every 3500 miles and keep up routine maintenance. Car is really spacious and the trunk holds a lot. Overall it has been a reliable, safe, easy-to-drive car and I receive many complement on its looks.

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  A happy first-time Volvo owner - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Victor Kilo - October 16 - 12:56 am

  Never owned a high performance luxury sedan before..looked at many models. S60R fit the bill in terms of performance, style and price. Have owned it 4 months now, no complaints. Powerful, stealthy...and COMFORTABLE. This is a solid car. I have the 6spd manual w/17 in. wheels...you can get very good gas mileage with this car if youre not constantly leadfooting...which is hard to do considering the horsepower and the overall fun of driving the car. On my drive to work (25 miles one way) I can average 30+ mpg easily. Turbos are great for this, you can tweak the mileage in your favor if you drive it gently..but hey, who wants to always do that? You have to let it GO sometimes :-)

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  sport tires to week - 2006 Volvo S60
  By ben - September 5 - 6:23 pm

  The wife and I love the S60. It makes her feal special when she visits patients. We love the quality and the safety for us and our daughter. The sage green is a pretty color, not to flashy, but elegant. Car is comfortable for the three of us and can hold all of my wifes nursing supplies in the trunk. It is a rolling ambulance. The dash is clean and simple. The radio can blast METALICA very well. The sport tires are very week and are not worth the money. The seats are the most comfortable I have seet yet and I have driven Lexas, MB, BMW, and others. I am kind of round and they support me very well. Being Sweedish drew me to the car, but the comfort is what sold me.

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  Funnest car Ive owned yet! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Justin - July 31 - 10:46 pm

  I am a 24 year old college grad that needed a car that had curb appeal, but performance! I owned a 2003 S60 2.5t AWD but had found this car being traded in by the last owner when I was changing the oil! Its my best purchase yet to date. I have the areo ground effects package with 18 inch rims. I did a few performance upgrades and tunes, so its definitely not stock. Im pushing 438 at all wheels however I have 487 torque! Runs 11 seconds all day long. Great sleeper!

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  By a Acura or Infinity - 2002 Volvo S60
  By consumer8796 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  First of all the customer and dealership service for the vehicle is the worst I have ever had. Horrible. Vehicle stalled and left my wife and I stranded. I was able to start it again. Dealer advised loaner cars were a curtisy but not manditory. Also advised they would not provide a ride home for me if more then 15 miles. Honda here I come! Dealer advised car was fine!