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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  2004 S60 2.5T - 2004 Volvo S60
  By germayne Holland - October 3 - 5:53 pm

  I just bought this car and it currently has 206,000 highway miles, which I figured out but running a car fax and whoever the owner(s) were prior to me, took very good care of the car. So far I absolutely love my car. When I purchased it, the only thing I had to do is change the spark plugs (NGK Iridium), front sway bar links/stabilizer & the drivers side outter tie rod, with a wheel alignment afterwards. I repeat do not go to the Volvo dealer to service this car. If you have a regular licensed mechanic, that knows Volvos, thats sufficient. I purchased my parts online and then took the car to my mechanic just for the labor. I use mid to premium grade gas, it runs better with the turbo.

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  SUV lover converted - 2004 Volvo S60
  By ManhattanJ - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy with my 2004 S60 AWD. I have owned Jeep SUVs, with the comfy leather and such...I decided to convert to a car and test drove the Mercedes C320 4matic and BMW 330XI - I LOVED the Volvo. Also, you get more "bang" for your buck with the Volvo...This car is SOLID. Made the mercedes C320 feel like a piece of tin.

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  First, But Not Last Volvo - 2009 Volvo S60
  By happy - September 18 - 9:50 pm

  Extremely happy with the 2009 Volvo S60 AWD Special Edition. Great factory incentives (i.e. 5 year 60K warantee and free maintenance for a year, plus all the cash back) made this a no- brainer. Far cheaper than the BMW 328, the Mercedes C-300, etc, but with a far greater safety record, better MPG, better warranty, and FREE maintenance for 5 years! Louvering Volvo was a great dealership with no hassles or pressure, and provides free annual detailing for the life of the car. Plenty of acceleration and the 5 speed tranny keeps the RPMs low, saving gas. Would recommend both the car and the dealership to anyone in the market for a new or used car.

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  cool - 2002 Volvo S60
  By hoiev - September 17 - 12:43 am

  very nice

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  Best Swedish car out there! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By s60smycar - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my new S60 T5! The seats are superb and the ergonomics are great. Plus, theres very few turbo lag!!!

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  Great look, great safety - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Junec - September 6 - 9:43 am

  The Volvo S60 is the most favorite sports sedan I have ever owned. It has been problem free, is fun to drive, has great styling, and is very comfortable. The engine is powerful which in an urban area is important and the safety features like SIPS, side air bags, and seatbelts that will lock you in instaneously in an accident are second to none.

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  Im spoiled for ordinary cars - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Zach - September 4 - 7:46 am

  This car is lightning fast, stable, and comfortable on long drives. The best of both worlds in terms of a sports car with coupe lines that you can live with and bring along friends. Great stereo, phenomenal seats - this car fits me better than anything else I have ever driven.

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  Value - 2006 Volvo S60
  By S60R_Boy - September 3 - 9:30 pm

  Its true that this car is not quite in the same league as the Audi S4, BMW M3, and Mercedes C55. HOWEVER, for about $10,000 less than these German competitors, the Volvo S60R is an outstanding value. I just leased a 2007 model and got an amazing deal. A 36-month lease on an Audi S4, BMW M3, or Mercedes C55 would have cost me an additional $250 per month - not worth it in my opinion. The value proposition presented by the S60R was hard to pass up!

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  Very Nice Car - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Bruce W. - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my 2004 s60 2.5T for just over a month and I really like this car. I have not had any problems with the S60 and I am very happy with the soild fell I get while driving the car. I traded a 1998 S70 and it did ride as smoothly , nor did it have as much power and firm handling. I only have a 1 year old who rides in the back in a car seat, so the lack of rear leg room wont be a problem for years to come.

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  Great Car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By TH - August 25 - 11:16 am

  I went from an SUV (Lexus RX300) to this car, and Ive really enjoyed it. It drives very smooth, has good pick- up and great interior features. I got the navigation system, which I absolutely love- very easy to use, and I highly recommend it. The upgraded sound system has great sound as well. Its a great looking car. The worst part is the horrific turning radius, but you get used to it.