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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  Transmission Problems with the S60?? - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Toc - November 4 - 10:00 am

  We have been relatively satisfied with our S60 but have noticed that the transmission slips from time to time (it seems as if it shifts into neutral for a few seconds and there appears to be no pattern to this problem). We have been to the dealership 3 times for this issue but they were "not able to replicate the problem." At the dealership, there were 3 other customers with S60s and they were all there for transmission problems. Is this a common problem with the S60s?

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  Europe experience - 2014 Volvo S60
  By zuli - November 1 - 5:07 pm

  We took factory delivery and put 3600 miles on the car in a six week road trip. Extremely comfortable seats. Averaged twenty six mpg at ninety on the Autobahn. Averaged thirty at lower speeds. Last car was a BMW. This doesnt corner the same but is more comfortable and offers much more interior room. We are very pleased. The factory delivery is a treat and a lot of fun.

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  Just ok - 2002 Volvo S60
  By jambo - November 1 - 10:00 am

  The seats are very comfortable for tall drivers as they have a good range of tilt. The telescopic wheel is a great feature although a little more range of movement would help. The engine and airconditiong are a nightmare. It sounds like someone is gargling water when you accelerate. There is also a popping noise when the car shifts. The lousy dealers (and i do mean lousy) say it is normal despite the fact that the loaner car i had had none of those problems. The dealers are terrible. I live in south Florida and had to buy my car in Atlanta because they were so bad. Overall, comfortable car when not acting up.

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  S60 R Review - 2004 Volvo S60
  By drapolas - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a performance sedan for quite some time, and decided to test drive the S60 R just as a joke. After driving it, and learning more about the amazing technology features on board, I couldnt stop talking about it. I usually prefer German and Japanese cars, and I test drove the BMW 330 xi, the Audi A4 3.0, the new S4, and the infiniti G35 coupe. It took me 6 months to finally convince myself that the S60 R was just a better overall package of performance and practicality. It just provide the best of all comfort, performance, fun with the best seats in the automotive industry. The engine is a marvel particularly with the 6 Speed Manual.

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  Nice car with incredible service for 5 yr or 60 k - 2012 Volvo S60
  By kaos2 - October 23 - 10:46 am

  This is a great car. I test drove the a4 and 3 series. All three are great cars. But optioned out the s60 kicks BMW and Audi butt. About $5k less. I received 5 yr warranty including maintenance at no charge! Not even BMW can beat that.

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  Overall, a good car. - 2001 Volvo S60
  By dimitris - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Volvo has opened up to a new segment with this new, less boxy style. The car has been both a pleasure and an annoyance. Pleasure is the feeling of comfort, safety, gas mileage. Annoyance is having the car die on us (battery & alternator) on the day our first kid was born! Dealer service is somewhat poor compared to the average German Luxury Sedan. Lexus is classes above in that area. Volvo does make good cars, with safety and comfort being the key points. However, be prepared to sporadic breakdown and spotty dealership service. Volvo wants to play in the luxury league, yet theyre not there yet...

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  2005 Volvo S 60R - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Dale Fryberger - October 11 - 6:06 am

  I purchased car used with 4400 miles. It was a Volvo finance division company car from headquarters in Michigan. Its automatic, very fast and turns heads. My car has the sport package (ground effects), is bright red, and has the Atacama natural leather interior option. This car definitely looks European with its low slung appearance and twin exhausts peeking out the lower left corner. It is so coool ! I chose this car over Acura, BMW 3 & 5 series (overpriced) and Lexus IS 350. The sport package and Atacama interior are a must have ! Seats are tops! Really comfortable. Engine sounds so great. All I need yet is a high priced radar detector ! This car cruises so effortlessly !

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  Good start but could use a little help.... - 2013 Volvo S60
  By jimdd - October 9 - 12:28 pm

  Been driving my S60 R-Design for just over a year. Great styling differentiates this car from a standard A4 or 3-Series. Motor is smooth and powerful with very little or no turbo lag. Interior is clean and comes off like a German car with a little twist. I actually use the on-dash dial pad often. Its not simply a gimmick. All in all, its a nice upgrade from my G37x but leaves me wanting just a little more. Maybe Ill consider the new Limited Edition R-Design if it isnt cost prohibitive.

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  S60 - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Stuliny - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car, easy to drive and even the 2.4 has some pep to it. Quiet ride and ROOMY and a pretty decent stock stereo (which was a nice surprise) nice alternative to the other sport sedans out there....bmw overpriced and audi just too small of a cabin

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  A Nice Upscale Vehicle - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Sunny Blue Skies - October 8 - 1:50 am

  I bought my 2002 S60 in 2004. The car already had 75,000 miles on it from being a corporate lease vehicle. I was a bit leery at first to pay a higher price for such high miles. So far, I have had the small things wrong. Repair is fairly comparable if you get it done at a non-dealer repair shop. Sad to say the repair shop I took mine to for most of my ownership, ruined my oil drain plug opening, and now I am faced with an $800 repair for a new pan as the hole can not be repaired. Also the fuel door hinge broke and now I have to place the door on the trunk at fill up, but that part is only 10 bucks and I will repair myself. Overall its an ok car, hopefully Volvo has improved any issues.