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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S60 High maintenance - 2002 Volvo S60
By steve - December 23 - 5:06 pmDid you know the Volvo dealership considers your 100K mile S60 high mileage? Once this car hits 100K, it falls apart. Transmissions will fail no matter how well you maintain it. $4500. Road noise even with high dollar tires. You can forget trying to do any of your own maintenanve. $1700 for brake pads and rortor? Good gosh. Did not realize a 5 cyl turbo could be such an underperformer either. No more Volvos for me.
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Very Reliable Car, and Fun to Drive!!!! - 2002 Volvo S60
By ke5wjb - December 20 - 11:26 pmi bought my 2002 Volvo S60 ASR Non-Turbo Edition back in 2006 and it has its problems but they are mainly wear items. I just Recently got my Fuel Pump Replaced for free by Volvo of Dallas located at 6600 SH 121 Frisco, TX 75034 due to Recall 220 which has to do with the fuel delivery pump flange and seal leaking under certain conditions and varying fuel quality. I love this car it is a fun car to drive and it gets 30 MPG on the highway for a car that has over 100,000 miles on the odometer i use my car mainly for Storm Spotting, I have my Volvo all decked out with Mobile Amateur Radio Equipment with a big 42 inch Dual Band Antenna Mounted on the roof i love my car and i will always buy Volvo.
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BAD IN THE SNOW - 2003 Volvo S60
By Volvo Finatic - December 8 - 2:00 amI have owned 4 volvos. The s-60 being the 4th for my 18 year old daughter. I have owned mercedes,porches,and bmws. Volvos by far have always been more economical in my eyes. They do not have the power but they offer the protection. HOWEVER, I do not recommend using the s60 in the snow. My daughter got stuck 3 times in the past 3 snow storms that Connecticut had. The car gets no traction, slides from side to side is not a safe snow vehicle. I made a huge mistake by not buying the AWD s60, it is a DEFINITE must because this car cannot handle snow! She also complains that the heated seats are not warm enough.
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All around good vehicle - 2001 Volvo S60
By yomendos - December 8 - 2:00 amAlthough I have had to bring the vehicle into the shop for a few minor adjustments (covered under warranty), for the most part this vehicle has been everything that I expected of it.
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Good Driving - 2006 Volvo S60
By Chris - December 4 - 11:43 amThis car is fast and fun to drive. Handles like a real tight sports car. High performance. Like it better than the Acura TL the gas mileage is not good but has improved since the car is more broken in. (25 on the highway at 1800 miles).
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This is not Your Fathers Volvo ! - 2004 Volvo S60
By Larry A - November 21 - 10:00 amThe first thing that caught my attention was the fit, feel, and comfort of the seats. The side bolsters just beg you drive the car. Its got to be the sleeper car of the decade. Was at 80 mph in second gear before the end of the entrance ramp. Its the first time I ever had to slow down to merge onto the I-state. Turbo provides a solid kick in the pants with very little lag. Makes driving FUN. Blue gauges, aluminum accents, and blue stitching are sharp. Salesman said it would seem there was always someones bumper in your face and he was right. This is not your fathers Volvo its my wifes!
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Raider - 2008 Volvo S60
By JimeeWho - November 15 - 12:46 amSecond Volvo, sporty fun, acceleration is not fast off-the-line, but watch out when turbo kicks in. This vehicle gets-it at 40 to 90mph. Performance its there. Doesnt have all the bells and whistles of a Lexus, but who wants that? Thats for mom and grandma.
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Volvo.first - 2006 Volvo S60
By John Klinger - November 14 - 9:30 pmAWD provides great stability and safety in inclement weather. I love the look of the 260. Drives great. Excellent power. Great local service.
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Terrible can for snow weather - 2005 Volvo S60
By newyorkgal - November 12 - 8:03 pmI bought the car with the sports package, what a mistake!!! I live in New York city. With all the potholes and the snow, I have already had two flat tires and two rims replaced, all in the 4 months I own the car!!! I dont recommend the sports package for anyone living in the northeast and drive on roads with a million potholes.
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Smile on the open road - 2006 Volvo S60
By Larry - November 11 - 9:00 amAn enjoyable balance between an all out sports car and a family sedan. A wolf in sheeps clothing, the S60R does not have the immediate name/visual recognition of other 300 hp sedans, but the reliable and responsive turbo engine literally presses you back in the extremely comfortable seats. With respnsive AWD power and steering, the computer controlled suspension keeps the car on the road with minimum effort from the driver.
