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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  Experience the new Volvo!!! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By mtdewpc - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Volvo Ive ever purchased. It sure has a sleek and eye-catchy exterior design which takes peoples breathe away. Compare to other non-turboed European cars, its turbo lag really affected its performance - acceleration. But overall, its a excellent driving machine.

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  R is a Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Kent Lupino - October 21 - 5:11 pm

  Id been looking for a P2 Volvo S60R for many months, and finally found a 2007 1-owner, low mileage example locally that I just couldnt pass up. I purchased it a little over a month ago and so far havent regretted it at all. I should be clear that the R moniker for the 2004-2007 S60 series vehicles indicated a very different kind car than all of the non-R variants. So if you are looking for a review of any S60 model that doesnt have the R badge, you can stop reading and move on to the next review. A significantly re-worked 300HP 5-cylinder engine, sport exhaust, electronically-controlled suspension, Brembo performance disc brakes, and AWD give the S60R a completely different driving character than its siblings. Its quick, nimble, and produces an angry snarl--not too loud or thrashy-- when the tachometer goes over 2k RPM. In terms of styling, the P2 S60s are admittedly divisive. People seem to like it or hate it. I like it. Fortunately, Volvo didnt go overboard with plastic cladding and spoilers on the R models, adding a slightly different front and rear fascia, subtle R badge on the front black cube grille and rear trunk lid, and great-looking 17" 5-spoke alloy wheels. I love the fact that other than the wheels, the car looks a lot like any other S60. Its a classic factory hot rod that looks like a sleeper. The interior is also a step above other S60s, with premium leather sport seats that are amazingly comfortable, and classy real aluminum trim on the doors and center stack. The two things that I love most about the R interior are the subtle contrasting blue stitching on the black areas of the door panels, handbrake, shifter boot, steering wheel, and dashboard and the metallic blue instrument dials. Classy! However, lets just say up front that the downside of the R badge arrives with certain kinds of repair bills. Those 4-piston Brembo brakes are unique to the R, and definitely not cheap to replace. Neither is the big KKK turbocharger. Or the electronically-controlled struts. But if you take care of the car, those kinds of $$$ repairs dont come often. Now, I freely admit that the S60R is no BMW M3 in terms of overall performance, but I love it precisely because its NOT a BMW M3. Nobody expects a pre-Polestar era Volvo to have a sporty character, but this one does, along with the safety and build quality that Volvo is famous for. But instead of flaunting that extra performance for everyone to see, it only reveals its superpower when called upon. Awesome.

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  No room in backseat - 2004 Volvo S60
  By kmkoenke - October 17 - 10:00 am

  No room in the backseat

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  Home Run! - 2012 Volvo S60
  By tvdon - October 16 - 4:05 pm

  Im a long time Saab and Audi owner, and thought I wanted a supercharged A6. Until I drove the S60. While it doesnt deliver the same power, it combines performance, safety, and comfort in an almost perfect combination. And its priced right. Been driving it since March, and I love it. Could handle a little better at the limits, but dynamic suspension and/or AWD might address that for those that are concerned. This car is as comfortable and powerful as my Aero, with loads of tech, and personality. Black on black. I am very satisfied so far, and enjoy every drive. More interior room that 3 series or A4. Getting 25.5 combined (with a lead foot) and 30 on pure highway trips. Hard to beat. Nice!

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  almost... - 2002 Volvo S60
  By oldingmar - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Had S70 GLT before. S60 2.4T is an improvement, stiffer body, better transmission, better wheels(mine has tire and wheel option). Used it 10 000 miles in Europe, from Lapland to Mediterrainia. In most situation handled OK but I still found it lacking as far as handling is conserned. Something appears to be missing - just cannot match the feel of the BMW. no it is not the front wheel drive! I like front drivers, but S60 comes up short. To bad, it is otherwise a really nice product. Lets see how it matches the traffic in California - it should be here soon. Probably it will do better in our traffic here just as the S70 did..

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  Company S60 II - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Tom - October 10 - 10:03 am

  My company provided me this S60. If it were my money, I would not buy one. It is a fine highway car with wonderful straight-line acceleration and a comfortable drivers seat. The S60 is not good on curves and in corners -- its weight and vague steering adversely influence the handling and do not inspire confidence. After 29,350 miles, the only problems I have had are a loose passenger side door seal, fixed during an oil change service, and a rattle that I cannot locate by the passenger door frame. Passenger seat is awkwardly oriented and uncomfortable on long trips – seems to place passenger at an angle within the car.

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  better alternatives - 2004 Volvo S60
  By not for me - October 8 - 12:40 pm

  Ive had this car for about 2 and a half years and am looking forward to getting rid of it. I traded in an f 150 for this car because of gas mileage and I still wanted 4wd. Ive spent over 6k in repairs, keeping the truck was a better idea. It looks good on the outside, but with new tires and awd winters are still difficult. Gas mileage is good but too many awkward things. When I turn left it makes an odd noise, but drives fine. The carpet inside has torn in odd places. If I use the cd/cassette player the drivers side speakers dont work. I cant warm my car up without being in it because you cant lock the doors with the other keyless remove with the car running. I wont be buying another

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  Practical/ reliable/fun - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Ron - October 8 - 12:09 pm

  This is a great car gas mileage is fair, with a large tank. Less stopping for fuel on those long trips. Seating is comfortable and well thought out. Interior plastics. Should have been better. 144k on the odometer and just the routine maintenance.

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  Wait and See - 2003 Volvo S60
  By BobW - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Unfortnately I had a 1999 S-80 T6 prior to buying the 2003 S-60 T5…….so far the S-60 is a great car but with only 626 miles … it is a wait and see game.

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  Could have been a lemon - 2001 Volvo S60
  By old one - October 2 - 10:53 pm

  We purchased the Volvo S60 based on reputation. We were very disappointed. The car was always in the shop for one thing or another. Also frustrating, was having the car fixed and maintained. Finally, after less than 2 years of having the car, the sway bar broke. We turned it in, purchased a Maxima and have been happy since. Additional note - the only seat comfortable to ride in was the drivers seat. The back was very uncomfortable.