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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  Mixed bag - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Mugsy1499 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Was willing to pay extra, but shouldve paid attention. Features made way more sense in my S70, which was totaled. Loud road noise, no pre-set radio station buttons, clock and odometer off when key is off, big blind spots, transmission slips, door locks are slow & no choice of lock or unlock on door control - dumb! Has been in the shop over 10 times for transmission & a/c. Seatbelt chokes driver - cannot adjust. Even new wipers skip and squeal. Zippo rear leg room.

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  Not the car for me - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Mr. B - June 3 - 1:46 am

  I have had this car for 3 and a half years now and have more gripes about it as it gets older. There are bright some bright spots but it accelerates slowly (i run the car on premium and use synthetic oil btw) really gets slow after about 80, and has so-so handling. The car has left me stranded twice, things that have broken on it: the key would not remove from the ignition (dealer said theyve never seen this before), its AC turns on by itself when the car is sitting for over 40 minutes with no keys in it (dealer replaced the whole fan and it did nothing), the right side blows hot air and left side blows cold air and the dealer cant seem to fix it, the gas panel door has fallen off etc...

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  Poor dealer service - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Rob Erb - May 2 - 11:36 pm

  The vehicle itself is fantastic, very quick and the 6 speed manual is the only way to go. It has a bit of a rough ride and a very low profile but is an exceptional piece of work. Beware of the wide turn radius on u-turns or in garages, it is more work than my last SUV. The bi-xenon headlights were adjusted wrong and it took me 3 days at the dealership to get it right, now I can actuially see at night.

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  My Volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By 82airborne - March 23 - 3:11 pm

  I have to be honest I read some reviews and was quite in disbelief of the what people said. I just bought a used Volvo that has 217,854 miles on it and it runs perfect. Basically what it boils down to is that my car had 1 owner who bought the car in 2001. If you dont take care of your car it wont run 217,000 miles..period!. i want to hear stuff like the light bulbs are easy to fix but the housing is brittle so be careful. I dont want to hear "this transmission sucks i bought the car in 2001 owned it for 4 years and never changed the oil in it and it blew up..Worst engine Ever!" because then you sound dumb and I learn nothing....so thanks and no i dont work for volvo im in the army i work

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  For a Type R Personality - 2006 Volvo S60
  By mooser - March 17 - 4:07 pm

  In a matter of a second my fuel sipping, turbo spooling Saab, as well as my ego, plowed into a short bus. (Literally) A week later Saab went bust. After much deliberation, I picked up a 2006 S60R with a 100,000 warranty for $16k. This car is FAST and makes the noise of 1/2 a Lamborghini Gallardo. The adjustable suspension and stereo are amazing. This car does take some getting used to, however. I cannot start the engine without feeling as though it guzzled an 1/8th of a tank. The turning circle makes you think of Kirstie Alley trying to do gymnastics, when in a parking lot. Once you unleash it on the road however, all of that disappears as fast the cars in your rear view mirror.

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  Nice; car, ride, feel, some minor repair - 2002 Volvo S60
  By UofA Grad - March 14 - 11:36 am

  This car is nice. Had a few immediate problem after initial purchase. The drivers side door (inside handle) went out of commission. Since the car was certified the warranty cover it. The check engine light came on after 60,000 miles, that cost $200 to fix. The stock radio does not work well with cell phones in the car. Overall not bad, its a fun sedan to drive.

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  Very Good Car/Great Value - 2014 Volvo S60
  By darkhorse2 - February 27 - 5:15 pm

  I just picked up my S60 a few days ago after comparing quite a few cars. Audi A4, Buick Regal, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Cadillac ATS, BMW 3 series & Mercedes new A class. The Volvo was overall the best choice for me as an everyday car. It does all things well and represented a great car for the money. A bit more money than the fully loaded Ford, Buick and Honda but with better quality and features. The same feel and features of the Audi, Mercedes and Cadillac but without a higher price tag and the horrible excuse for a back seat.

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  2014 S60 R-Design with Platinum Package, BLIS, Climate package - 2014 Volvo S60
  By mps_ - February 2 - 4:03 pm

  So far I like this car and it is fun to drive. It works very well as a daily driver and has some good kick, although it is still far from a sports car. I have one major issue with this car. Volvo has built heating elements into the windshield (small wires every few millimeters). At night all lights reflect off of these wires and makes the lights blurry. It is a huge safety issue and is extremely annoying. Due to this issue alone, I am not sure if I will keep this car very long. Although it is nice to have a heated steering wheel, skip the Climate Package if you buy this car.

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  Great personal car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By dsensing - January 24 - 6:40 pm

  Great car for a commuter or a couple. Very smooth ride and I get 30 mpg on the interstate, better than the Camry this car replaced. All the power I need (2.5T). Best front seats in the business, bar none. Back seat good for kids only; adults can tolerate only if front seats are moved well forward. Good sized trunk. Ive had no probs with long steering radius reported in other posts. Best long-range cruiser there is, period, better than Infiniti, BMW or Mercedes Ive owned. Very secure driving experience, feels like Im driving a fast bank vault on wheels. Appearance is very handsome (ruby red ext. with tan leather int., very nice combination). I am very satisfied.

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  Never thought Volvo until I test drove this car - 2012 Volvo S60
  By waylone - January 13 - 7:31 am

  I had a Acura TL and then a MB E350 sport Both nice but Gas millage was not great on either. I stopped at a dealer and really like the comfort style and GAS MILLAGE. Only have for 1000 miles so far, but the 250hp is good enough. I was used to 6 cylinder cars, but this has plenty of power. Got the car loaded for $36,500 plus it has 5 year/50K miles service on everything but tires. Also finance rates were 1.9 for 72 months. So far I am getting High 20s on combined city/Hwy. Much better than the Benz, Infotainment system is a little confusing but the sound is good and the nave is better than MB. Good value compared to Audi, MB and BMW go test one an you will love it.