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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  Another Great Buy... - 2002 Volvo S60
  By an9reaw - August 19 - 10:13 am

  I was kind of sorry to see that so many people had S60 troubles. I bought my pre-owned 2002 S60 in 2007 @ 90,000K knowing very well that Id own it for years to come. Its nearly 2011 now and I still havent had anything unexpected. This is my second Volvo (first being a 1996 850) and its true they are extremely expensive to maintain, but I havent had unexpected issues, as Ive always gone to the Volvo deal for every single last part on the car/service. Things that needed replacement for were: + Fuel Filter + Muffler (I live in New England, they go quickly with rust) Other than that, the car is now at 170,000K and seems to be going well.

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  Very Good Car - 2018 Volvo S60
  By Ted V - August 13 - 5:02 pm

  I am on my third S60 and have loved them all. My first S60 I owned and sold it in 2015 because my wife insisted on me driving a car with all the safety improvements. This brings me to one of the very few problems with the S60 and that is resale value. Like so many other cars nowadays my near perfect car with normal mileage was worth less than 50% on a trade. However the up to date safety features prevented me from two serious accidents so it was worth it. The car drives great. The comfort, quality feel, gas mileage and all the features work great. The only reason I ever go back to my dealer is for recommended maintenance. What I like about the S60 is I never feel bored driving it. I recently leased an end of year 2017 because the incentives to turn my 2015 in early were so sensational it made sense to do it. For the first time I got the Inscription model with the platinum trim. The extra legroom in the rear seat answered another issue with my two previous S60s. This is the best version I have had yet. The car now comes with an automatic shade for the rear window and manual shades for the two rear passengers. These are great to keep the kids cooler. This is a very good car.

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  A fun ride, almost a sportscar ! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Jumpin_George - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I like the power of the 2.5T, but as Edmunds describes you have to deal with turbo lag. It is excellent in the snow and ice, the AWD system combined with a good set of snowtires allows me great control and feeling of security. Nice leather interior, decent sound system, well engineered features and looks great !

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  Nice car, but........ - 2001 Volvo S60
  By wm - July 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice car; comfortable, nice looking, non-turbo model but still plenty powerful. 3 years old and still rides and feels like a new car. Bought for my wife due to features and safety. Rear vision could be better; my wife has a hard time seeing out the back of the car. One glaring problem: this vehicle eats bulbs. Ive had it less than one year and have gone through 1 headlight bulb, 2 brake light bulbs and about 4 or 5 turn signal bulbs. Thankfully, our local dealer has been excellent and has replaced all bulbs expeditiously (no appointment necessary) and at no cost to me.

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  Gremlins? - 2002 Volvo S60
  By CEM - May 15 - 1:33 am

  First 2 yrs of ownership was plagued with several gremlin issues. Electronics primarily due to faulty computer chips, which had the car not been under warranty, I would have been very upset about cost. Bulbs also, burn out very quickly. Was advised by service Volvo uses a GM bulb. Seems a bit silly, especially in modles with daytime running lights. Now, at 3 yrs the car has been trouble free (fingers crossed). Good dealership, ready to work with you on issues and after friendly persuasion, have extended no charge on little fixes.

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  My S-60 - 2004 Volvo S60
  By LesLutz - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Car that I highly recommend.

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  my best car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By abdulaziz - March 30 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd car after camaro and polo well this car my best choice and right choice to family car ever .. very safe and very strong ..

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  Could be a great sports car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By IzMo - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Overall I like the car but thought it was more sports oriented than it actually is - it sure looks the part. The drive train is fine, just that the suspension is weak. I love the fit and finish, the seats are incredible and the optional sound system is the best I ever heard.

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  S60 AWD - 2002 Volvo S60
  By trusgold - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with the car, one exception is I have a tough seeing out of the car. I have not seen anyone else say that but I am so suprised at the poor visibility. The other complaint, my gas milage is at about 16 mpg, but it has been hot and the a/c has been on the whole time.

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  Volvo S60R, 2006 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Sheldon Rabin - December 21 - 6:50 am

  This S60R has had chronic suspension and alignment problems such that all 4 tires were cupped after 6000 miles. Of the 4 tires, the right-rear tire has the worst cupping. Attempts by the dealer to fix problem were not initially pursued and are now reluctantly pursued. Ongoing