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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  Car of a Lifetime - 2005 Volvo S60
  By AGIS_I - April 4 - 11:00 am

  This is an outstanding car. Great accelaration both from a stop and cruising. Unbelievable handling in any kind of weather. Breaks just as good as my high perfomance sport motorcycle. If you are going to buy one car for the rest of your life, THIS IS IT!!!

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  All good and hard to say goodbye - 2002 Volvo S60
  By seabrzjo - April 4 - 8:01 am

  I bought my S60 new in 2002, but now its time to say goodbye and I have never been this emotional about giving up a car EVER! Because of changes in my personal life I need a bigger vehicle, and unfortunately cannot afford to keep two. My little silver S60 has been the most dependable vehicle that I have ever owned. I have worked from home since I got "her", so have only clocked 72K miles on the odometer, but I have pushed her hard during a few long distance road trips. I like quick acceleration and sporty lane changes and shes never let me down for a second. Other than maintenance, shes only needed one repair that costs less than $100. Love her and will miss her.

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  Best Sleeper Ever - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Joshua - April 3 - 10:46 pm

  I love my car. Without effort it hurls itself past other traffic. It stops quickly (very) and straight. It will plow snow out of your way (not deep snow mind you, but it was still impressive to trundle through a 1/4 mile of 6-8" deep snow without issue). It (literally) drove where a well driven Dodge Ram 4x4 with weight in the back could not. If you know where your car is, you wont hit those bits of concrete when you park.. No matter what you do the turning radius stinks, and if someone gives the rims a funny look itll leave a mark. It is a beautiful car in person. Drive one and I suspect youll get one.

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  Wow . . .Great car! - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Happy T5 owner - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The comfort, performance and handling are great. The driving experience is exhilarating. And in terms of safety, the car does live up to what its cracked up to be. I was hit by a Ford Explorer going 55 mph on my left front; it rolled; obviously totaled. The Volvo, $14k to fix. The frame & wheel-well was not affected at all. It was unreal. The car was driveable. And being inside, I didnt see him coming (which was good) so all I heard was this crunching metal sound. I didnt feel anything. It was the equivalent of going over a rail-road track. Very strange. There was myself, front passenger and a child in the left- rear. No injuries.

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  PURE, UNADULTERATED PERFOMANCE - 2004 Volvo S60
  By VRONA ! - March 29 - 10:00 am

  WOW ! i drove this car in New York in April, one month before it was released in the USA. It was for the volvo perfomance driving school. Handling, speed, power, comfort, everything, just perfect ! if anyone wants to know anehtin bout it, im here ! just ask !

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  My favorite car ever - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Michael - March 27 - 7:30 am

  I do love my Volvo. It is so incredibly comfortable. The seat fits me perfectly and for once I dont have to tilt my head back to find the headrest. The premium sound system is outstanding. My only concerns about the car are the fact that I have probably changed lightbulbs (mainly in the rear) about 10 times in 2 years. I am not too pleased with the gas mileage as I seem to average 22 per gallon. The car drives great, is very quiet, and is styled beautifully.

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  Love it! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By R you ready? - March 24 - 4:36 pm

  I love this car despite the quirks mentioned in other reviews. Its great on the highway, not so great in parking lots, but overall very suitable as a daily driver if you want fun. I love the overall driving experience including the steering wheel, pedals, and seat. In the black sapphire color, with a fresh coat of wax it looks brand new and sexy even after 6 years. The leather looks almost new. I like the rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, 3-position seat/mirror memory, push-button adjustable suspension ("4c"), and wheel- mounted audio controls. The front bumper is too low and the turning radius is awful. My wife thinks the ride is harsh and the seats are too low.

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  After 24,000 miles... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By GV3 - February 29 - 2:03 am

  ...glad to report this is a great car. I purchased my 2.4 at the end of the 04 model year from my dealers service fleet. In the two years Ive owned it, it has been completely trouble free; the only $ I have spent is on oil changes. Front seat comfort is outstanding, although rear seating is a bit tight. Not a fast car in terms of 0-60 acceleration, but not slow, either; mid-range acceleration when passing or merging is quite good. Ergonomics are terrific. My other car is a BMW 3-series, which frankly is more fun to drive, but the Volvos comfort is the choice of my wife and I for a longer trip. I traded a C-class for the Volvo, and feel we traded up in comfort and reliability.

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  T5 - What A Drive! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Volvo For Life - February 27 - 2:43 am

  Following a thorough research process including safety, gas mileage, and long term cost of ownership (as compared with the BMW 325, Audi A4, VW Jetta, and Lexus IS300), the Volvo S60 T5 was an obvious choice. At 37K miles it is still every bit a great drive. Exterior styling has details like no chrome or visible radio antenna making for a truly classy profile from any view. The interior follows with plenty of leather, logical controls, two stage heated seats, and plenty of little stowage areas. The engine backs this up with linear and drama-free throttle response. The S60 R is quite a deal as well, but if you want a great substitute for substantially less money, the T5 is not lacking much.

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  VOLVO FOR LIFE - 2001 Volvo S60
  By NICSTA - February 14 - 10:00 am

  NO WONDER MOST PEOPLE WHO BUY A VOLVO END UP BUYING A FEW MORE IN THEIR LIFETIME. MY S60 HAS BEEN A PLEASURE TO DRIVE OVERALL. IVE GONE THROUGH TWO WINTERS AND SEVERAL LONG TRIPS AND THE S60 IS AN ETREMELY NICE PLACE TO BE IN ON A LONG DRIVE...BEST SEATS IN THE WORLD!