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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  Great - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Volvos60 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car isnt for Volvo driving soccer moms. This car is for young teens and it drives like a dream!

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  My favorite so far - 2009 Volvo S60
  By Wes - April 1 - 10:06 pm

  Finally being financially able to purchase my first brand new car, i looked at everything- I decided with the rebate that I wanted the new S60 because it was a great value for the money. I traded in my IS300 and havent looked back since! Super comfy, and i will keep it till it hits at least 100k.

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  So far so good - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Rudy Klein - March 29 - 10:00 am

  It is still very new but so far everything has beed fine. The Dealer has been great. So far very satisfied.

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  Surprisingly FUN! - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Kenneth Bunch - March 26 - 6:26 pm

  Initially, I got the car b/c I could not pass up the great lease deal. This car has great pickup for a 200 HP engine, is very roomy and comfortable. It has a firm drive and is has very responsive handling. Interior lags behing Lexus but is respectable. 6 airbags in the car is a plus.

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  volvo s60 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By snoopy29 - March 23 - 5:56 pm

  Fun car to drive in the city

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  Great Car - Great Value - 2015 Volvo S60
  By mitsu_david - March 20 - 6:47 pm

  I was going to lease a 14 at model year end, but they made me the same deal on a 15 with better equipment. I REALLY like this car. The interior is very refined and comfortable. I dont always fit well in cars with sunroofs but I have plenty of head room. Performance is excellent, mileage good, lease terms were fantastic including full maintenance and warranty. Stereo system is nice and road noise manageable. My only quibble is with the styling which isnt bad, but a little too reminiscent of a Ford Fusion. All round very happy. I compared to Cadillac ATS, Lincoln MKZ, BMW 325i It was the most affordable and really didnt require any compromises (MKZ had a little more space)

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  A Truly Great Car - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Morris - March 19 - 5:23 pm

  I bought car new in June of 07. I am in the insurance business and us the car for work and pleasure. It gets great gas mileage as I get 31 MPG consistently at 70 MPH and combined city and highway mileage is 23 mph. It is the smoothest riding car I have owned, and that includes two Audis. All my friends love the ride and my wife drives it every chance she gets. We were so impressed with it we bought the Volvo SUV for our family car. I bought this car to last me a long time and it appears it will do so with style and economy.

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  Owner Remorse apparently "For Life" - 2006 Volvo S60
  By mnathan - March 19 - 5:33 am

  1st Volvo Ive owned. Purchased new, touring/sport, leather, premium sound and appearance packages. Too many rattles at first, spare tire wont stay put and the fit/finish horrible. At 2 1/5 years and 50K small things self-destructing. Window motor switches faulty, sunroof shade guides broken and several interior harness and panel fasteners breaking. Dealer is not help and factory refuses to stand behind their product - unwilling to deliver customer care. Ready to dump it and not look back.

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  Better than my BMW - 2006 Volvo S60
  By JP - March 18 - 2:50 pm

  This car is truly underrated. I traded in a BMW 330i equipped with both sport and premium packages. The S60 is not as quick off the line, nor does it handle as sharply as the 330i, but excels in every other way. More comfortable, quieter interior, better sound system, more efficient climate control and from my experience, a far better build quality. My back seat passengers are also happier with the room and comfort, along with the rear A/C vents. Driving long distance is effortless as you ride in complete comfort, cruising with the fastest traffic and getting 30 MPG. One thing this car does not do is draw unwanted attention. The S60 T5 may be the worlds most perfect "stealth" vehicle.

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  Performance with a Smile - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Terzo - March 11 - 10:06 am

  I was looking for a reliable, fun and safe car that wasnt a gas hog and could be driven year round. The Volvo S60R was definitely it. I looked at the Audi S4, the Acura TL and many others. None could compare to the R. It has 3 different suspension settings that actually make a huge difference in handling. It has plenty of power and a huge torgue band. I am getting about 23 miles to the gallon with some highway driving. However if you are on it (throttle) and I mean on it (like racing from 40mph to 120mph with turns and a lot of brakingyou will on get about 12. The brakes are unreal. The interior quality is execptional. The features just keep on giving. Awesome car & mileage too.