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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  awesome car! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Rose A. Abreu - August 9 - 3:20 am

  This is my second s60 and I love it more than the previous one. It has excellent acceleration and handles very well. It is very steady on the road. I had an incident where I am convinced that the stability control and the way the car respond to sudden changes, saved me from an accident. Overall an excellent car.

• 

  Hidden Luxury - 2006 Volvo S60
  By David Belford - August 1 - 5:06 pm

  After looking at Audi, Bmw, Mercedes, Saab, I happened upon a Volvo dealer more to waste time than to purchase. Even when I visited the auto show in Febuary, I walked past their display. Took a S60 2.5 turbo sport for a drive and bought it on the spot. Was hit broadside at 50 mph 2 weeks later and walked away with no injuries

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  Volvo S60 SE - 2006 Volvo S60
  By fredryk - August 1 - 12:04 pm

  Gorgeous and comfortable car that can suit anyones needs. Powerful, spacious, suitable price.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2001 Volvo S60
  By TURNER - August 1 - 12:33 am

  This car had more problems than I care to think about. I babied this car and still had sensors go bad, sunroof broken, transmission go bad at 80000 miles, lights burnt out and impossible to adjust. And last but not least, the cars engine was shuttering when I traded it in, my guess, bad turbo charger. The gas mileage was decent, but nothing spectacular. 19 city and 28 highway.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Volvo S60
  By NH WInter - July 26 - 9:23 pm

  When I purchased my S60 AWD I thought it was going to be a great vehicle. I was wrong. Looks great, but many, many nickel & dime mechanical problems, which are both time consuming and expensive if you take it to the dealer each time. Traded an Acura CL for the Volvo, never again

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  MY S60R - 2004 Volvo S60
  By icemansal - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The car has an excellent all around performance. Best of of, it is AWD, which in NJ when it snows means I do not have to park it and take another car. Even with the 18 inch high performance tires, it still grips in the snow. The car is an excellent value.

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  Awful in Snow - 2002 Volvo S60
  By BarbB - July 12 - 8:40 pm

  I like the look and the comfort of the Volvo - love the leather heated seats - but it handles terribly in snow. I am petrified to drive it in winter - have slid through intersections, need to crawl on the highway, etc. I bought the AWD thinking it would be good in poor road conditions but quite the opposite is true. I needed a car quickly to replace my beloved Nissan Sentra that was totaled in a hail storm. I jumped on the used Volvo based mostly on a friends recommendation. Now I cant wait to get rid of it. Also, the AM radio never worked properly. And repairs cost an arm and a leg. Never again, Volvo.

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  No one talks about tall people - 2015 Volvo S60
  By ajbcohen - July 5 - 3:20 pm

  I love my S60, and Im about to lease another one. One review comment I have not seen anywhere is that the car is great for tall drivers! I am 64". The front seats are very adjustable and provide a lot of head/leg space, and the telescoping steering wheel range is better than in all other cars I tested in its class. Many reviews mention that there is limited leg room in the 2nd row. What are people expecting? This is a mid-size sport sedan. When you have people in the back, you have to adjust your seat and drive in a less-than-optimal position. Get real. Overall - I highly recommend this car for multiple reasons (running out of allowable space here).

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  The Best Volvo Has To Offer - 2004 Volvo S60
  By R_Colavito - July 4 - 10:00 am

  The car is a joy to drive in all types of conditions. The AWD makes the car feel as if its glued to the road. The low pressure turbo is very responvise in an extremely wide range of driving situations. The S60 is large enough to handle the "sedan" type tasks yet sporty enough to run with the best. Being one of the safest cars on the road the S60 provides one with a "feel safe" senation promted by the sturdy construction. All in all a real 10!!

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  Pretty Good - 2002 Volvo S60
  By BBC23 - July 2 - 6:23 pm

  Bought it from my brother with 31,000 miles on it to commute to college. Coming from driving a Mercedes C- class, the S60 feels solid and is very comfortable to drive. Very driver oriented console and its quite roomy for its class. Little annoyances such as transmission slips and rough idling, but both were fixed under warranty with no problem since. Run it on premium and added K&N filter, and it gives decent performance with good fuel economy. Suggest that you stay on top of the maintenance, or youre going to pay a lot down the road.