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:

• 

  Safe and Fast - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Contaxian - September 7 - 5:00 pm

  After one initial problem with a connector for the 4C system, which was repaired very efficiently, this car is absolutely a joy to own. I put on a lot of highway mileage and am constantly surprised at the reserve of power available. Ramps and corners can be taken safely at speeds that would couse wrecks in other cars. The Canadian model comes with every option (except snow tires) that anyone needs or could want. I considered Audi, BMW and G35, but these cars just dont have the same power/safety per dollar value (the Audi and G35 are also very unattractive vehicles, in my opinion). BMW (M3)is too small, lacks 4WD, expensive to repair and more suitable for people who want snob appeal.

• 

  Vacation plus new car - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Volvofan - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This is our 4th Volvo (since 1984), we picked up this one in Sweden,using a free flight from Volvo. Put on 2500 miles in Europe before shipping it back to CA (at Volvo expense.) Sure beats a rental car. My current Volvo is a 1988 240DL, which still runs fine--very reliable.

• 

  Great S 60 - 2003 Volvo S60
  By spagtio - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value - great ride, safety features, styling. The car has a great road feel, good power balance and good fuel economy. The clutch requires the least effort Ive ever experienced!

• 

  Mixed Bag - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Dan - August 28 - 10:53 am

  Excellent performance, though road noise is a bit excessive at times. 30,000 miles on the car and its been in the shop five times for various repairs: electrical issues, switches failing, very harsh "buzz" on AM radio caused by poor shielding (still not resolved completely) AWD went out at 25K (acted like FWD only, no power to rear), all fixed under warranty but I expected better from a $40-45K car. On the upside, average mileage (combined city/hwy) has been 25.6 for 20,000 miles (nice!) and gets 32 Mpg on level highway (55-60 mph). Relatively comfortable for 3-hour per day commutes. Turning radius of the Queen Mary (good grief this thing is hard to get in a small space!).

• 

  best in class - 2004 Volvo S60
  By cjs - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I drove pretty much everything in the class, BMWs, Nissans, the Passat, Infiniti G35 and I35. Each car and make has its strong suit but I think Volvo has really created the best all-around car here. One cautionary note here, I leased mine sight unseen (another dealers inventory) and really wish I had the 17 inch rims.

• 

  Not ready for prime time - 2004 Volvo S60
  By NRFPT - August 22 - 2:00 am

  A fun car to drive but the build quality is not up to par. Have already had the rear brake pads & rotors replaced due to squeaking and the replacements also squeak. Also have a disturbing vibration in the shifter when in 5th gear. Volvos position is that the vibration is inherent in the design of the car.

• 

  S-60 accolades - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Russell Williams - August 19 - 8:30 am

  This is my first but certainly not my last Volvo...they have come a long way from the boxy types of earlier years. Not only is this car fun to drive, it is also drop-dead gorgeous. Solid, quiet and just plain perfect. I drove BMW as well as Mercedes Benz and none of them compare to my S-60.

• 

  S60 T5 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Jackbenimble - August 19 - 12:46 am

  The S60 T5 is an extremely fast, comfortable, and "Safe" vehicle. The car feels a though it has an after burner because of the turbo engine. The seats in this car are the most comfortable I have ever ridden in. On long trips, you dont even realize you are sitting in a car. The car has more features than many others in the same category but, at a greater value. Overall, this is a great car which is safe, reliable, and value packed.

• 

  Great Car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By E H White - August 16 - 7:06 am

  With over 50,000 miles, the car is still tight, quiet, good looking, and trouble free. The most comfortable front seats ever placed in a car, and oodles of power throughout the powerband. You just have to count to two and hold on. Handling is very good, but even better with Toyo Proxes 4 tires, rather than the stock Pirellis. The Toyo tires are much noisier, however. I am amused by the owners (and magazine writers) who havent read the manual. The gas cap DOES lock, There ARE separate bass and treble controls on the (great) radio, which I personally think has very intelligent and intuitive controls , and you CAN open the trunk without the key or a fob. Great car.

• 

  Volvo Rocks! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By vovlomona - August 8 - 6:36 am

  What a fantastic car. Best I ever owned. The ad speaks volumes. VOLVO FOR LIFE!