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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I love my car - 2004 Volvo S60
By dewey - June 11 - 10:00 amI love my new volvo. It has alot of power and the interior is so comfortable. I love all the safety features on this car.
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Best ever - 2004 Volvo S60
By Pegster - June 11 - 10:00 amThis is a great car...fun to drive, fun to own! I have gotten all kinds of compliments on its styling and handling.
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One of the finest Ive ever driven - 2002 Volvo S60
By srfrdrew - June 10 - 2:00 amMy wife and I test drove Audi, Lexus, Mercedes and BMW... the Volvo S60 was the most comfortable, sporty and fun to drive car. We love it!!
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Volvo S60 2003 $value - 2003 Volvo S60
By Ronmozart - May 27 - 2:00 amToo small in back seat. Excellent handling. Front passenger side not much leg room. Wonderful riding. Big disappointment: NO FOG LIGHTS!
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Better than hoped for - 2003 Volvo S60
By wcamp - May 27 - 2:00 amThe combination of performance and great driving fun and luxury is unique in a car of this price. The interior feels rich more like cars in the 40K and up level. The 197HP engine is misleading. Cant explain it but as a previous owner of a modified 1999 Mustang GT...I do know what performance feels like. This car combines a strong engine with European drive feel and luxury (no cheap plastic parts like...Lexus, Acura, Infinity. This car is an affordable alternative to Mercedes and Jaguar.
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Finally Here! - 2004 Volvo S60
By Arthur - May 17 - 10:00 amI ordered this car 4 months ago after researching it for well over a year. The car was well worth the wait. Its early in the game for me(only 200 miles) so I will not carry on too much until we get a few thousand miles on the road. But initial impression is 10+. Got the T- Gray, w/ Black(looks more like Blue) leather, Premium pack, on call plus, 18" wheels, 6 sp, etc. The phone is great and the tunes sound great as well. The cup holders are not in the right place for a manual, maybe ok for Auto, and thats my only complaint. Overall Im very pleased and excited about the ride and performance of this Volvo.
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performance and safety - 2004 Volvo S60
By family man - May 17 - 10:00 ambest of both worlds . there is the safety factor with having kids. then there is perfomance factor that i still long for
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I love this car - 2006 Volvo S60
By chicagoangel - May 11 - 11:46 amI traded in a 98 S70 with hesitation. I love this car. My husband loves to drive my car and he hated my S70. I only wish given the price of gas, it had better mileage. At the same time, I have gotten better mileage both city and highway than what is on the specs. Highway I get 32 mpg. It seems like Volvo listened to their customers in what they wanted/needed in their next generation Volvo. Now, all they need to do is get better gas mileage.
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FM Problems - 2004 Volvo S60
By drrjb - May 10 - 10:00 amI have owned this turbo for three months now and on the second day I noticed poor to no reception on the FM radio its been in the shop three times and goin in for #4 and still no fix...The people at the dealership have not been very understanding and basically deny the problem exists...The fourth time better fix it or else.....The turbo with the tiptronic is hard to power shift due to the turbo lag...the headlights are set to low..The AWD creates oversteer..The turning radius is horrible for this size car
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Overall, best luxury and perf for the $ - 2001 Volvo S60
By fish man - May 10 - 10:00 amI am a car guy, and I tested a lot of cars. Narrowed down to Lexus 300 (balnd suspension) Infinity I35 (tons of power, boring looks) Mercedes C320 (inferior car) and The BMW 330i (road manners are excellent, but lots of $ with similar options). I chose the S60 2.4T because the 2.4 is a slug and I did not notice the extra horses or torque in the T5. Lag is about what it should be, and torque curve is good. I bought every option imaginable except for the navi system, because its just not worth the $$$. Outside looks are awesome, much better than the others I considered. Definitely recommend 17 inch wheels. Enhances ride and looks nice.
