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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  32,000 miles - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Bodie - December 22 - 6:46 am

  Over 2 years ownership now-premium and sport packages. Pros: very comfortable seats, doesnt look like everything else on the road, reliability, decent performance. cons: turning radius is terrible (my 2005 tacoma double cab is easier to park than the volvo) glove compartment rattles on bumps, road noise. Overall I cant complain, my wife likes her ride, and have had no mechanical issues yet. I enjoy the sport shift when I drive it. I still would have chosen the Acura TL if it were my choice. We also tested the BMW 325, infiniti G35, Mercedes 230 and Acura TL.

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  Its a Nice car But - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Omajacks - November 23 - 7:40 pm

  I Purchased my S60R in Jan 05. I bought it for the safety, Comfort and Looks. However I have had a few Problems with it like the breaks (when they really get wet they let you and anybody with in 1 city block know it from the screaching it makes, Volvo has looked at multiple times and has yet to fix it.), Turning radius (if I had test driven this car better like in a parking lot I wouldnt have bought it it turns like a semi.) and the front bumper (Dont touch any parking bumpers with both your front tires, Ive done it twice and both times when backing out it has pulled off my bumper and stretched out the bottom of my bumper. ie. a 900 dollar replacement job). Other then that not bad.

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  Good and TBD - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Cristian - October 10 - 5:40 pm

  Love driving this car! I bought one with Geartronic and all options except nav. My other car is a 99 Boxster and it is going to spend a lot of time in the garage now. The bad is the temp sensor went out the first weekend I had the car. Remains to be seen if reliability will dull my enthusiasm for the car I enjoyed test driving more than the A4 3.2 Quattro and 330xi.

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  Very Surprised - 2004 Volvo S60
  By listen105 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Audi A4, Saab linear and aero, and BMW 325i models were the cars I was test driving as a potential second car (have 4x4 for winter conditions and needed cargo space). I drove 04 S60 turbo on a lark, and was completely not expecting the speed (have an old Volvo wagon turbo also -should not have been TOO surprised I guess) at such quiet acceleration. It was a complete surprise to drive - for under 30K US dollars, a true bargain.

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  Not really a Volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By John Henry - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Volvo - safe, functional cars, right? Well, not really with the S60. Yes it is a fun car to drive, but is this any different than the S40? No, would suggest not spending extra for this car. Seems as if Volvo lost sight of what Volvo stands for. Sure has great handling on perfect road conditions. Get some bad weather though, and look out, big time problems. Finding out safety record is disappointing - another non-Volvo feature. Forget using back seat - this really should be a coupe, not a sedan.

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  One swede car! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By ddh716 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn to this car by its sexy styling. The car drives well- predictable, quiet, comfortable, excellent acceleration except from a dead stop. Handling favors comfort over sport. The S60 is thoughtfully designed. For example, the sunroof can be opened or closed with one touch. And theres a position that eliminates boominess common with the roof open and windows shut. Why dont other car makers think like this? Overall, quality is excellent. Gaps are straight and the paint looks 6 inches deep. And the interior is flawless. But there are little rattles.

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  So Far So good - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Bodiej13 - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife after she looked at BMW 3 series and MB 230. Weve put about 5K miles on it so far with no problems at all to date. The only negative things I can say is the turning radius sucks and the suspension is a bit noisy on bumpy roads. Other than that no complaints. Didnt like the noisy 4 banger on the MB and it seemed smaller. The BMW was the most fun but with similar options would have been 5-8K more and everybody has one.

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  Full Package - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Senior - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my car so much - I never even considered a Volvo until I drove the S60 T5! It handles great, even on ice, and has quite a kick to it. Of course, there are slight problems - Ive had my car in the shop to repair the CD player twice already in 6 months, a rod has been replaced and my alignment is off. Random things seem to go wrong and I hate the fact that there is no trunk release inside the car!! Still, its a smooth ride and I love it despite its flaws!

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  Great used value. Safe and sporty - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Popps - August 9 - 10:50 pm

  I love my S60, even with its flaws. In my opinion, the best looking body of any sports sedan. Great reliability history, especially for a Volvo. Lets hope they continue this trend. Ride is good. Peppy, but Id prefer a bit more power. (I have 2.4T) Interior design is fine, but could be a bit more refined for a luxury sedan. (See Infiniti) Gas mileage is surprisingly good. An excellent used value, as Volvos dont hold value like a BMW/Mercedes. Again, its not perfect, but I love mine and doubt youll do any better for the money in the used market.

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  Bimmer to R - and very impressed - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Leejlb - June 17 - 6:20 pm

  I traded my 540 in on a Volvo R and its hard explain my enthusiasm. Sure, a Bimmer is performance - and Volvo stands for safety - until you drive it. Total performance all the time. Going for groceries has never been a faster trip and what a sleeper. One of the faster 4 door sedans on the road and the "R" emblem seems to disappear at a red light to the unsuspecting teenie racer with the lawn mower exhaust next to you... Great car so far - hope its BMW reliable in the future... :))