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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  A most unreliable great car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Chuck P. Sacarmento - December 20 - 11:36 pm

  Stay far away from this great car! Its reliability and Volvo support stinks! This was our 2nd Volvo and our last! Suspension components that break every two years, oil leaks, constant bulb failures, gas door, trunk lock, and a failed transmission! The transmission was a known problem early in life of car that reduced its life. Volvo created a feature that resulted in premature trans failure. This is well documented. If your trans fails out of warranty, which it will, Volvo and the dealer will say tough.

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  Very Comfortable but Brake and Trunk Pro - 2003 Volvo S60
  By allen - December 12 - 2:26 pm

  Bought this vehicle 6 months ago - very comfortable to drive and looks great but persistent problems with brakes and trunk. After 5 attempts the dealer finally fixed the trunk alignment problem but they have decided the brake noise is just "normal" for this car. Never had a "normal" brake noise on any of my previous cars (Toyotas and Hondas) The trunk is also too small to fit my golf clubs in without taking two of them out of the bag! Finally I have a low pitched "rumble" at highway speeds that despite three attempts to get the dealer to fix is still present. Car also needs a better coin box.

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  Good Car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Ron - November 28 - 10:50 am

  Car is great, I love the Acnatera interior. I have had it for approx 5K miles so far. Only problems are the dealer cant seem to figure out how to adjust the Xenon headlamps and the wheels scuff real easily. Already have 2 severely damaged ones. The problem seems to be the tire has no shoulder to protect the wheel, even in a drive thru carwash. I wish I could contact someone at Volvo in the "R Division" to talk about the car but cant seem to find anyone. DCXs SRT division has great chat rooms. Guess Volvo is too small??? or I am not good on the tube.

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  An Expensive Ride - 2009 Volvo S60
  By gorj - November 12 - 4:58 pm

  I am a Volvo owner since 1967. Being a mechanic, I have performed most of the non-warranty work on the Volvo myself. My experience has been that most Volvo dealers are way too expensive for both parts and labor. Sometimes they tend to find issues with your Volvo that never existed before you took it in. They also often do not repair what you asked them to repair. Recently I ordered a new key and remote for my 2009 Volvo, which was missing one of the two when I purchased it. The key and remote were about $300. The Volvo dealer wanted another $295 to program it. I am outraged that for just a key and a remote I will be out almost $600. This may be my last Volvo!!

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  Near Lemon 2004 Volvo S60R - 2005 Volvo S60
  By drrjb - October 22 - 4:30 pm

  From the begining this car had problems. The radio never kept tuned in, the turning radius is horrible the brakes squeeked and the trany slipped in second. After 15 months I excahnged this car with some money for a new 2005 model S60R. So far the problems are fixed but it was a long ordeal

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  Throttle problem - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Adriano - September 26 - 1:40 am

  Got a problem at 94 k with throttle not working, needed ETM software upgrade and new accelerator pedal. I called Volvo and they said that this can happen with high mileage. Did not think that 94k is that high for a Volvo.

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  Pretty Nice Sedan - 2006 Volvo S60
  By kurt - September 22 - 9:50 am

  Bought this used through a dealership specializing in low mileage/one owner cars. The car is one owner- a leasee in a suburb of Chicago. As to low miles, the CarFax said 16,200 when I bought it so unless it was tampered with, that is what it was. This car excels on the highway; plenty of power, quiet, comfortable. In town it is a little less agreeable, mostly because the suspension is a bit more stiff than it should be. Mileage has been excellent for a car with this power- 24 in all-purpose driving, over 30mph strictly highway. Leather seats very comfortable, the radio is nice, auto climate control works great. No major complaints but overall the car is less luxurious than I desired.

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  Not as good as I thought - 2006 Volvo S60
  By LS - September 16 - 10:56 am

  I owned a 98 Mercedes C230 and was thinking about getting a new one. Instead I bought this car. I was in for a surprise. Here are the major issues I have found with this car: poor turning radius, loud engine noise, very rough ride and between 50 - 60 mph the car struggles with what the right shift should be so the steering wheel vibrates ever so slightly. Then there are the little things: headrest doesnt move, you have a button to open your gas tank but not one for your trunk, your driver door does not lock when the car takes off, the key is extremely bulky and heavy (I am a woman so I put it in my purse, feel bad for the guys that have to carry it around in their pockets).

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  1 Fun Car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By MikeM - September 1 - 7:43 pm

  I smile often driving my R! Acceleration and handling are outstanding. I can make passing maneuvers in this car that I could not make in any other car I have driven. Interior is full of luxury with great blue accents. At first I thought I would not like to change tires ( a must for the R that comes with summer only tires). However, winter sport tires and high performance summers totally add to the driving experience. At 4500 miles to date, I am very satisfied with the purchase. This is not some quiet, boring Lexus/Acura; the R rocks!

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  Company S60 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Tom - August 28 - 10:36 pm

  My company provided me the S60. If it were my money, I would not buy one. It is fine on highways with blistering acceleration and comfortable seats. The S60 is not good on curves and in corners -- its weight and vague steering adversely influence the handling. After 9500 miles, the only problem I have had is a loose passenger side door seal, fixed at the 7500 mile oil change service.