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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  Piece of junk - 2004 Volvo S60
  By DZwink - February 5 - 11:43 pm

  We bought our Volvo when we decided to start a family due to the safety reputation. My sister had owned three, one of which saved her life in a wreck, and had also managed to put 300,000 miles on one without incident. Ours is now about to go in the shop for the third time in two months. It has had three parts in the fuel system fail so far with Volvo comping me on one due to my less than pleased opinion of the car so far. Ive never had this many problems with a car before. I wont be buying another one. Makes me wish I had bought the Infiniti or Volkswagen I was looking at instead of this.

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  Good Lord - 2005 Volvo S60
  By My 3 Rs - February 5 - 2:30 am

  After having two 850 Rs 96 /97 thinking that what more does one need for style and performance, until I purchased the 2006 S60 R. Got all the added features. Most fun Ive had in driving in years. Just a fantastic car. I have had several people tell me its sexy looking. Mostly women thankfully. Have left a M3 in the review mirror, jaw dropping. How cool the feeling. People complain in reviews about the back seat room. I dont want anyone back there anyway. Dont need the added weight to slow me down. Ok the turning is limited, but who cares. I looking ahead to passing the unexpected. Got the 18 rims and boday package, very aggressive looking. Its BAD!!

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  I wish Id kept my C30 - 2013 Volvo S60
  By raindances - February 2 - 12:57 pm

  Well, where do I start. Lets do the good stuff: I love the interior, it is comfortable. The freeway ride quality is great. It is fairly quiet on good road surfaces. Now the bad stuff: Had an a/c problem with a pressure relief valve. Took 4 visits to resolve even though it is a known issue. Had a bad fuel pump, causing hard starting from cold. Took 4 visits to resolve even though it is a known issue. Have a steering wobble at speeds around 40mph. This is "normal" according to Volvo. Engine surges and is jerky in any gear and at any speed. This is "normal" according to Volvo. Transmission experiences a delay engaging first gear when pulling away from a stop. This results in a jerk.

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  My First Volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Volvo Fan - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I was impressed with the new styling of the 2001 Volvo. With our first baby on the way, I purchased the 2001 S-60 2.4T because of the safety record of the Volvo. 3 months later we were involved in an accident which literally took the front off of the car. Our 3 month old was asleep in the back seat, and she never even woke up!! Since then, we purchased another Volvo, the 2002 S-60, 2.4T. I cant say enough about this car. If you are looking for a safe, well performing mid-priced car, this is it!! I suggest the Turbo over the standard car.

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  good damn car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By esteban - February 1 - 10:00 am

  great car really good handling and very well built.

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  Incredible Car for the Dollar - 2006 Volvo S60
  By texasbry - January 24 - 11:28 am

  original owner since 2006 I looked at all the usual names, Audi/BMW/Saab/Nissan but either they were more then I wanted to spend and even worse, every street is littered with them! Almost 6 years later I get into this car and still love it!

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  Sporty, Luxury Sedan - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Randy Tibbs - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutely solid, very quick and responsive, with its 200 horsepower engine. I really like the AWD in the snow. I got every package/option possible and glad I did. The brakes are really firm and stops the vehicle quickly and evenly. I have owned Cadillacs, Lincolns, Land Rovers and Mercedes. None of them compare in quality, fit and finish. The first time I had the car washed, the attendant said, "this car looks hot, just standing still." This is a great car, but it is really for two people, or maybe two people and a grandson.

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  I cannot say enough about my S60 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By volvoowner - January 21 - 1:10 pm

  I researched vehicles for three months on here, reading all the reviews and several makes and models before I purchased my S60. I love the way it handles and have turned heads every where I drive. I traded a 2003 Jaguar and have owned three BMWs before this car. I can not say enough about the style, drive and ride. I feel very safe in my car. The back seat is small and low on comfort but this is my every day driver. I have an SUV for the family. The only problem I have noticed in the sound factor. I can hear the tires on the road if the radio is off. I had it checked twice and Volvo told me it was normal. Other than that I recommend this vehicle. Good luck shopping!

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  My 2002 Volvo S60 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Chuck Harkness - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, fun to drive, well made and reliable. I have had 3 Volvos and they are one of the best cars made, extremely reliable and safe.

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  Better than hoped! - 2012 Volvo S60
  By cirrusdriver - December 27 - 10:41 pm

  Picked up car 2 weeks ago.Already have had 1800 miles of road trips, pleasantly surprised with ride, quality of build. Took a day or two to get used to nav, phone, but easy to adjust to. Set cruise at 72 and got 32.5 mpg on a 400 mile jaunt. Nice car , great value.