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 cruiser - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Falstaff - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive been really pleased with my commute since getting my S60. Its quiet, has good highway passing power (better than it is off the line) and is both fun and comfortable. The mileage has been much better than expected. All in all, its a great buy. The A4 is much more cramped in back and the BMW 3 is muc more narrow in front. Its the roomiest ride in its class.

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  Needs work but NICE - 2002 Volvo S60
  By beli - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice car in many ways but needs a few thigns to make perfect: 1) Has BIG blind spots b/c of saftey features and design.. adjusting seats may help or narrowing support beams. 2) Electronics have always been Volvos weakness.. they should outsource all to Japan ASAP! 3) My S60 needs turbo.. my fault. 4) Maybe a rear wiper.. rear window is almost flat and gets covered easily.

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  Overseas delivery - 2004 Volvo S60
  By CWLars - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Picked the car up in Gothenberg 19 Jone 03 and begain driving around Sweeden. The car replaced a 94 Buick Regal SS and took a bit of getting use to. The cars breaks were shockingly good when a deer darted in front of an on comming car and then mine. And the handeling was surperb when a Semi wandered into my lane while rounding a blind curv. The Regal would have been in a shop. The S60 T2.5 AWD was on its way to be loaded onto a ship for its trip home.

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  not really a good value for the dough - 2003 Volvo S60
  By karen frietsch - August 19 - 3:26 am

  very expensive. mediocre fit and finish. sport model will cost you in tires no matter how careful. noisy. uncomfortable drivers seating even with power adjustment. cramped. lots of plastic.blind spots.unimpressive for the money. dealership price gouging. running lights will also cost you in bulbs and they are a challenge to change.stereo is ok, not great.cant believe there is no homefinder garage door opening system. exterior dents easily. overall, i wouldnt recommend this car for the price. you can do better, for sure.

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  What a piece of crap - 2007 Volvo S60
  By bclass - August 18 - 4:51 am

  Bought it used at 53,000mi radiator crapped after 3 weeks. Power locks and power seats are dying. Failed inspection due to axel rod. Check engine light came on at 58,000. Than the coolant level dropped to zero and had to shut car off to prevent engine damage. Now trying to trade it on anything Japanese.

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  Well Kept Secret - 2005 Volvo S60
  By bfi10765CharlotteNC - August 12 - 10:56 am

  I have owned 3 M3s (95,98 and 02, also a 540 6sp. I was shopping for a used M5 when I stumbled across this car. Some complain about handling, road feel, etc, but after a couple dcays driving I have gotten used to the awd and turbo. This car is every bit as enjoyable to drive as my 02 M3 for about 20K less. Build quality is better. Car is definitely faster than the 95 or 98 M3 and darn close to the 02. I got my 05 \with every option except NAV for 11K off sticker. Also drove the lexus is350 and infinite m45. Prefer the volvo. GREAT CAR.

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  Sweeeeeeetttttt !!!!!! - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Gatorsone - August 10 - 10:00 am

  A great deal, a beautiful car, very comfortable front seats (back is a little small) and smooth ride. Previously owned a Camry and looked at Avalon, Acura TL and Volvo. Volvos quality, styling, and comfort won hands down.

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  Overall Impressions - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Ed Mytych - August 10 - 2:26 am

  First year of ownership was fantastic. No problems at all to report. At times the frequency of the automatic wipers seemed to be inappropriate for the conditions. Really enjoy the ride and handling!

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  happywithmyvolvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By volvoforlife - July 28 - 2:00 am

  very good value compared others with similar equipment, does not stand out in one area as much as this car just does everything very well. The exterior styling along with the value and safety component make it the best car in its class in my opinion.

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  Wow Fast Euro on the Cheap. - 2006 Volvo S60
  By TTRx - July 26 - 3:50 am

  300 HP with a very stealth look. Makes the Nissan 265 HP Commercial look slow. I have had the car for a few weeks and can not overstate how great the fit and finish is. The first choice was safety (has too many airbags to list) and getting great performance what a bonus! I might look at the xc90 to replace my BMW X5!