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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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Volvo S60
  By vroomman - February 25 - 2:00 am

  All the waiting and debating ... Its finally mine The automatic is quick ... the sound system is amazing and the interior puts a smile on my face. I will recommend this car to anyone ... hats off to Volvo for creating such a dynamic vehicle at such a reasonable price.

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  Looking for excuses to drive S-60 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By whitney - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is truely an enjoyable driving experience. I considered the BMW, Acura and Infinity and went with the Volvo. The exterior design sold me. I have no regrets. The lease on this car was outstanding (0 interest). It is cheaper to lease and then buy at the end of the lease term.

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  love this car - 2004 Volvo S60
  By spike4u2u@yahoo.com - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The volvo S60 R is a wonderful car that does everything that it says it does. I did ALOT of reviewning and car comparing, The Volvo always was a top contender. Just as soon as i hit the road and started cornering and giving it gas I knew I had to get it, which I did and very happy I did.

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  hot - 2004 Volvo S60
  By the legend - February 12 - 4:16 am

  The ride is smooth, fast, and powerful or the highway. No match in its class. Not bad for local driving, either, as you can stay in 3rd most of the time to minimize shifting. Cant think of much to improve on, except turning radius. Performance seems to improve as mileage increases, or is it me?

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  Fabulous Car - 2012 Volvo S60
  By judithb - February 3 - 12:08 am

  I really enjoy this car. Not sure of reliability because it is too new. I had an 850 for 18 years so I will assume that it will last a long time. Features are very convenient. Car is very stylish.

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  almost perfect - 2005 Volvo S60
  By sedanfreak - January 24 - 5:13 am

  This one is in the top 3 of my all time favorites. Cool design interior and exterior. Good power and braking. Nit picks - huge turn radius, back seat leg room, interior noise higher than other german sedans Ive had (merc & BMW), hard tires and weak beverage holder.

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  Dependable - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Ms Harris - January 23 - 10:33 am

  I have never been so excited over the gas mileage until now. I never knew how important that was. Very, Very dependable, I have not had a single problem with this vehicle to this date.

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  My Volvo S60. The only way to travel. - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Jeff and Ruthann Az - January 20 - 10:00 am

  The moment I and my wife saw this car we were curious. The worst thing to happen next was we took it out for a test drive and fell in love. We love the quiet ride, the spacious interior, the distinctive smooth exterior, and quick response and speed. With the 2004 Volvo S60 you can’t go wrong.

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  Volvofan - 2004 Volvo S60
  By RQ - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Much better car than the 02 S40 it replaced, hands down! Better quality control would be nice but overall a great, safe ride. Inexpensive insurance compared to BMW, Lexus and Benz.

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  Best of Everything for a Solid Price - 2012 Volvo S60
  By roubaud - January 6 - 1:35 pm

  I never thought Id own a Volvo. Ever. My Acura and Mercedes were sweet rides. But here I have a sporty four door that is billed as the safest sedan out there, plenty of pep and road feel, and after 8,000 miles Im won over. Small squeaky belt issue, and mileage could be better (25 combined, 29 on highway) but the seats are SO comfy, and I like the sparse / not busy interior with smoother leather than youll find on similarly priced cars. I wish I had a 2013 AWD, but for this price its a lot of bang for your buck. I dont know why anyone would get an overpriced and dull Merc C instead of this (in regard to a previous S60 reviewer).