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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  volvo-the car for the pensionars - 2002 Volvo S60
  By eugene - May 3 - 10:00 am

  nice car , no engine performance in standard 2.4

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  2001 S60 T5 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By joepags - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st Volvo. Went into the decision wanting German, but the value of the S60 in my mind was far greater than the BMW 5 series. Hated the IS300, liked the TL Type S but couldnt see paying $30+ for Japanese, and couldnt afford an A6 2.7T. The A6 was far and away my favorite, but $45K is a downpayment on a house, not a car!

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  Fix the Turning Radius - 2004 Volvo S60
  By 360 degrees - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely dissappointed that Edmunds didnt list the turning radius as its #1 con. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to make a u-turn on a 2 lane highway without having to back up. My wifes 2002 Honda Odessey Minivan has a bettter turning radius than this. My recent rental 2004 Chevy Malibu has a better turning radius. If you drive in California which requires many u- turns and tight parking spots think twice about buying this car. Volvo has to fix this!! Other than that it is fun to drive and a great value considering what you are getting for the Money. I wish I performed U-Turns on the test drive.

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  im happy - 2004 Volvo S60
  By stray dog - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car! Prevously I had an 01 acura TL. THe performance of this car is awsome, the interoir is really nice, the look is great and there are not many on the roads, so whoever owns an awd s60 R will have a special car. The only thing that could be good or bad for the car, is that they are going to make them next year.

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  What a surprise, a joy to drive - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Thomas - April 22 - 8:23 am

  I did not head out to the car lot expecting to drive a Volvo home. I wanted a pre-owned, luxury vehicle that was somewhat practical and that would not break the bank. After looking at a few Jags I made a comment out loud about how surprisingly uncomfortable the Jag was to drive. From that comment the sales associate mentioned how comfortable the Volvos were to ride in. In a good mode and wanting to insure I considered all options I decided to allow the Volvo to be brought around for a test drive. My first word uttered once I sat in that drivers seat was wow. Comfort is a rule when choosing Volvo. Now I have had the car a while I must say, what a value.

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  New S60 T5 - 2013 Volvo S60
  By houstonjoe - April 16 - 11:48 am

  I kept my eye on the S60, since I needed a more corporate car, coming out of my 2009 C30 Ive loved for the last 3 years. The S60 hit all the marks: upscale, gorgeous inside and out; fun to drive and decent price/performance. Consumer Reports and the auto trade press seem to all like this car, and it scores well on the CR reliability ratings. Ive had mine for about 2 weeks. This is the first time in about 30 years of purchasing cars that Ive bought the same brand back-to-back. This car is a hit for Volvo.

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  Good performance- poor design-interior - 2005 Volvo S60
  By David Draaisma - April 10 - 4:23 am

  It has great acceleration & handling. Nice sporty look. My wife loves the car, I would look else where mainly because of the interior design and options. I am 6’ 1”, on long trips the arm rests are not comfortable. It does not feel like they are positioned correctly. Power seat on driver side works with the key out. Passenger power seat does NOT work with the key off. Big pain when cleaning car. Nice stereo system. 2 levels of FM settings. Two step process to change FM levels where most stereos systems you can do it in one. Very distracting when you are driving. Do not plan on having 4 people in the car unless they are children. Two adults will not be able to fit in the back. No leg room.

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  Fuel efficiency and good quality. - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Chris - April 9 - 6:43 am

  I highly recommend the Volvo S60. Its an affordable, reliable and fuel-efficient car that looks and handles like a much more expensive vehicle. The 5 cylinder NA engine wont set any records at the racetrack but it will still get you where you want to go. The quality of manufacture is excellent, nothing feels or looks cheap, except the faux wood paneling in the interior. The key access port for unlocking the truck is badly placed and difficult to get to, but youll probably use the remote entry anyway. The anti-theft alarm is hit or miss. It tends to go off at the strangest times, even if the car is unlocked. The fuel economy is excellent, I average 28 mpg highway.

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  Small car carries a big stick - 2001 Volvo S60
  By family man - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I became interested in the Volvo S-60 because of the way it looked. I cross- shopped the BMW 330I, Infinity G35 and Mercedes C320. It became apparant after test drives that the Volvo T5 had the best combination of looks, performance and price. The G35 was faster, BMW handled better, Mercedes did not stand out in any way. But, the comfortable interior and full array of premium options kept me coming back to the T5. I still love the way this car looks and drives. Friends continue to complement. Ive owned 3 Mustang GTs and two Camaro Z28s and this car gives me most of the thrill of those. Plus, it actually drives well in the snow.

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  Perfect Car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By raj - April 7 - 4:20 pm

  I drive high mileage and just love my S60. Power is fine in the base model for my driving. Reliablility is the best. Despite what other reviews have said, I do not believe the maintenance charges are out of line. About the same cost for my Honda Accord when all is said and done. Dealership personnel is excellent. I will never buy anything but a Volvo from now on.