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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  Not your fathers Volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Will - April 16 - 1:03 am

  I must say that this car is total junk. At 60,000 miles the transmission needed to be rebuilt, cost: $2,700. Strut mounts, control arm bushings, alternator, 3 engine mounts, 2 door locks went bad. Bulbs go out at least once ever 2 weeks. Has an annoying idle issue that is recurring and is attributed to dirt on the throttle body. Strange rattles and noises. DANGEROUSLY wide turning radius. I am VERY, VERY, disappointed with the build quality of Volvo.

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  Sweet car, poor reliability - 2002 Volvo S60
  By MODandANGRY - March 30 - 2:16 pm

  By far, one of my favorite cars EVER!!! Too bad its always in the shop. I now only have 57K, and the Central Control Module has crapped out twice. Ive also had to replace the clutch master cylinder which wasnt covered under warranty for $800. So far, these two are the only serious problems, but other little electrical things occur. The power window switches wont work, the radio randomly turns on and off, any number of light bulbs are constantly burning out, and the headliner vibrates which can be VERY irritating at times. I would recomend the 5sp. Besides the master cylinder no other problems, unlike the auto. Problems aside, this is an EXTREMELY fun and comfortable car to drive.

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  Could be better - 2002 Volvo S60
  By pjw - March 15 - 3:26 am

  I bought Volvo primarily for the safety features. However, Ive had several disappointing occurrences with performance. The transmission slips from time to time. The door locks are constantly out of sync. I made 4 trips to the dealer for warning lights about the engine without resolution until a recall solved the problem. I expected a more luxurious interior/panel for the price. The buttons, knobs on the panel look cheap - my compromise for safety. Im in the market for a new car and wont be a repeat Volvo customer.

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  1st Impression - 2008 Volvo S60
  By Stravage - January 6 - 2:23 pm

  In the past 2 years I have gone from a jeep grand Cherokee to a Nissan Sentra to my Volvo S60. Wife and myself sat in the S40 just looked at each other and knew that we didn’t want another small car, took the s60 out for a test drive and we were hooked. It was love at first sight. Within 3 hours we drove the machine home. This is not a car, it’s a driving machine. Of course that coming out of a Nissan that dragged you down the road while the S60 gives you a ride on the road. It was late and the s60 tank was on empty, stopped for gas 3.65 a gal it took $44 to fill the tank. Now I remember why I bought the Nissan. Driving it home we were all smiles.

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  Beauty lasts so long - 2002 Volvo S60
  By omid - December 9 - 1:46 pm

  The car rides comfortably. The seat grabs your body and makes for great long trips. The exterior is well designed. The trunk is full of space and Ive moved several times with the car. Rear passengers are really comfortable. The two plugs are great. Other than that the car is a pain. Things that shouldnt ever go bad, go bad on the model. Ive changed the brake booster and front suspension and O2 sensor. It would have been nice if the O2 sensor had lasted a bit long. The repairs are really pricey too. The stock stereo is plagued, either the speakers blow easily or the stereo gets tired of your music. My heart wants a new Volvo but my mind knows a reliable cheaper to fix car might be better.

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  Solid, comfortable, but not perfect - 2005 Volvo S60
  By eh_clark - October 20 - 5:10 am

  When Volvo first introduced the S60 in 2001, I was very impressed but considered such a car to be out of my reach. However, when the Ford Ranger started to show signs of impending doom, I started looking for something a little more roomy, comfortable and efficient. Luckily, I found an add special and got a great deal on a base model (whose standard features exceed my "loaded" Pontiac). So far it has been a very quiet, reliable, COMFORTABLE, and reasonably effecient car. If it would have had fog lights, it would be perfect. Obviously, I would like a turbo and AWD, but really couldnt afford it.

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  Sometimes Newer doesnt mean better! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By volvo4ever97 - October 20 - 5:09 am

  Newer doesnt mean better! Today I got to test drive a shinny black Volvo S60 model 2005 AWD. (After my recent service prices engaged on our 97 Volvo 850GLT my wife suggested we get a newer car and make monthly payments with full warranties 4 peace of mind) anyhow the 05 S60AWD is very fast/peppy. AWD holds excellent traction in wet/slushy/snowy roads, but not the car for me. Why? Our present Volvo has enough leg-room in the back for 2 adults to sit in while the front occupants are comfy, the S60 has a gap of 4 inches from edge of back seat to back of front seat. Nice car for a little man/woman and maybe babies in the back seat, not for Volvos advertised 5 passenger (adults).

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  Love it despite its issues - 2012 Volvo S60
  By T Nowlin - October 12 - 9:59 am

  I have owned nothing but Volvos. That said, Im a bit of a car guy and know the comparisons between my 2012 S60 T5 and its competitors. While it may not handle as tightly as a comparable Mercedes or BMW, a T5 beats a base 3-series or C-Class hands-down when it comes to speed and comfort. Its also a sharp-looking car. My primary motivation for purchasing this vehicle was because it was the second safest car ever tested by the IIHS (next to the Tesla Model S) at the time. I bought it certified pre-owned from a Volvo dealer with about 30,000 miles in 2014. It has the premium package (sunroof, leather, power passenger seat) and climate package (heated seats, headlight washers, rain-sensing wipers). The draw to the CPO car was the 100,000-mile/7-year drivetrain warranty. While I adore this car, I am also very, very glad I have the extended warranty. I dont think Ive ever had to take a car into the shop so often. At the time Im writing this, I have taken the car in four times to fix a leak in the passenger floorboard that they cannot identify (I will give the dealer credit for their exhaustive efforts with this). The silver trim on the steering wheel and console began to peel, which they replaced. They also replaced a broken air vent. One leather panel on the backseat has begun to flake while the ones beside of it have not. Its obvious to me that the tiny panel in the middle is made of inferior material to those surrounding it. The dealer would not address this because they "found evidence" that my dog had ridden in the backseat. Most problematic is that the oil pressure warning came on 4,000 miles after my most recent service, meaning that it was four (of five) quarts low. It goes in later this week to have that issue figured out. I maintain this car well, having my services done when (or before) theyre due, and only use synthetic oil. It shouldnt be having these problems. But most importantly to me, Im safe, comfortable, have the power to escape a treacherous situation, and look damn good doing it. But, of course, it is as Im on my way to the dealership for the millionth time for warranty work.

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  Not just your average sophisticated look - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Satisfied Dad - September 19 - 7:20 am

  I considered the S60R for over a year before I purchased. In fact, until I saw it in Grey I had decided to buy another brand. I AM SO HAPPY I DIDNT. The car is unique to look at , you hardly see R on the road and anyone whos knows performance sedans is aware of what it can do head to head. My neighbor ended up ordering the new 300 Lexus with the 307hp motor. My car came in a week earlier then his, the look on his face said "I wish I had considered the R". Its hot to look at, performance is awesome, I get around 22 to 23 mpg mostly suburban driving and have racked up 7,000 miles already

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  Hi Mileage Used - So Far So Good - 2002 Volvo S60
  By c j - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought an 02 S60 T5 from a non-Volvo dealer 6 mos ago. Had high mileage but the price was right. Turns out it had a busted fuel filter that went undetected pre-purchase too - but fortunately I got it fixed under recall. That said, its been extremely reliable, comfortable and a pleasure to drive. It does have a major design flaw in that the front tires rub against the frame if you attempt tight turns into/out of parking spaces. I find this to be minor. Overall I am very satisfied. I expect that when things go wrong they will be expensive, but so far this car is in great shape @ 143k miles