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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  High performance, style, and safety - 2002 Volvo S60
  By lxl - December 29 - 6:30 am

  Researched and drove everything for 6 months. Able to buy 2001 S60 T5 in late December 2001 at great price. Love it. Great power, performance, comfort and style. First non-japanese car, but now a big volvo fan. Only 3000 miles now, but no problems. Feel very safe in this car.

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  OUTSTANDING 2004 VOLVO S60 2.5T AWD - 2004 Volvo S60
  By CHIEF13 - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE RESEACHED THIS MODEL FOR TWO YEARS PLUS, AND WHEN THE 2004 VOLVO S60 2.5T AWD BECAME AVAILABLE I JUST HAD TO UPGRADE FROM MY THEN NEWLY PURCHASED 1997 VOLVO 850 SEDAN MODEL OF SEVEN YEARS. BOTH CARS WERE FULLY LOADED. STRONGLY SUPPORT THE VOLVO CARS. THINK SAFE AND BUY VOLVO CARS.

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  A fun Volvo? - 2004 Volvo S60
  By aeroengrpv - December 25 - 10:40 am

  I sold my BMW 328ci looking for a European car that was faster than my Bimmer and found most to be too expensive. Then I found the R. It serves the purpose perfectly. The six-speed manual is a must have. 300 horses, a six-speed, and a suspension that you can dial in with legendary Volvo safety? What more could you ask.

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  2002 Volvo S60 - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Rick3056 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Having driven pickup trucks for the past 20 years this Volvo S60is quite a change. So far I have put 45,000 miles on the vehicle in 9 months. During cross country trips from Southern California to Northwest Wisconsin my gas mileage averages 34.2mpg! This car is fun to drive, handles well and has not had any defects.

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  Decent Car for price range - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Dan - December 20 - 7:53 pm

  Issues I have with the car is that the steering radius is the worst Ive ever experienced, visibility from drivers seat isnt the greatest due to cars design that causes blind spots, cant select specific songs to be played on iPod, mileage for city driving is poor (I get about 180-200 miles per tank). Very basic interior, so I purchased for a wood trim kit in an attempt to give it a little luxury. Steering on my car is pretty tight (which I like), but Ive driven other S60s that had way too much power assist. Evidently something about the model I have made it tight, thankfully. If the 3 series BMW had front wheel drive, and the rear seats folded, I would have bought it instead.

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  great drive - 2004 Volvo S60
  By georgina - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car the way it drives and how solid it feels, but the leg space in the rear is very bad. The radio system I did not upgraded and the sound is very poor

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  Long Term Evaluation - 2004 Volvo S60
  By swedewheels - December 8 - 6:57 am

  I have owned the S60 2.5T for ten years, 175,000+ miles, until the sad day I totaled it. What Ive learned from my Volvo experience - ultra reliable, smooth running, and well built. Some driver sight line issues. Repairs: after 75k much front end work on tie rods, bearings, & struts and was still a little rattely. Replaced many tail lights (always kept spares in trunk). No drive train issues except some trans shift flaring from day 1. Interior plastic parts (console lid and steering wheel adjustment handle) broke about 100k. Gas port lid hinge (cheap plastic) broke off at 35k and lost lid on freeway. No rear seat space. Overall an 8.5 out of 10

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  Reliable, Safe & Sporty - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Brian - December 7 - 2:16 pm

  No complaints...so far...Ive only had the auto for two weeks. It has unexpected power for a 5-cylinder and everyone seems to think its very stylish

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  10k Review - 2004 Volvo S60
  By jlnksanders - November 26 - 2:00 am

  M3, S4, WRX Sti and Cobra all considered. The R was by far the best buy based upon performance, technology, safety, and comfort. Stunning performance from a 2 ton sports sedan! Has a quality feel/look that easily matches BMW/Audi. Nordkap leather is unique and looks much better than the brochure. Have had no major problems, but have experienced the back- fire between gear changes. Volvo says no problem but still think back-fire is a little tacky for such an advanced automobile. The active chassis is awesome! Overall, the R is a real bargain in terms of price, performance, quality, technology and possibly most important--safety.

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  Love my S60 2.5T - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Ronee - November 16 - 5:00 am

  Handled like a dream on the Autobahn. Back in the states, on our "POOR" roads and weather conditions, the S60 2.5T holds the road. For a car with a short wheel base, one hardly feels the bumps. I would recomend this car to anyone at any age. Volvos slogan- "Volvo for Life" is right, its the only brand I will ever own.