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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  Not a well made car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By ah1530 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  In the first 19 months, my S60 has had to have fixed or replaced the door lock sensors (2x), the brake rotors, the power steering tank - first week of ownership, new front headlight wiring and lights, another short in the rear brake light (2x), new transmission (top off valve first whole new trans. later), left inner steering arm, rear sway bar supports, and an annoying rattle in the front over bumps. Also, scheduled maintenance is outrageously expensive - $471 last month.

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  Great Car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By holmgren - June 24 - 9:13 pm

  This car has been reliable and trouble-free for the first 8000 miles. The base with the 5-spd has plenty of get up and go for most driving situations. Car handles great in the snow and rain, especially with Stability Traction Control. A great car for the money if you take it easy on options. Highly recommend the Volvo Overseas Delivery program unless you can get a great deal off the lot.

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  Daughters Volvo - 2007 Volvo S60
  By John - June 19 - 7:33 pm

  My daughter was in a serious accident in my 2003 S-60. She was hit from behind by a truck while at a red light. The car was totaled she was fine. I leased a 2007 the next day and found it better than the 03, The turbo is very peppy the handling on the awd is excellent and the dtsc is great in wet weather. I would highly recommend this car. Fuel mileage is also very good on regular gas.

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  Having it all - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Prof Chaos - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I have been waiting for a car like this for a long time. It is the most fun I have ever had driving. The speed and handling has far exceeded my expectations. I look forward to driving the car every day.

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  Great All-Arounder - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Dan - June 14 - 11:56 pm

  I live in Germany and wanted something appropriate for the Autobahn and weather. My requirements were AWD and at least 300 hp, and safety was also a concern. I looked at and drove Audi, BMW and Mercedes. For the price range, there was nothing that compared to the Volvo S60R. An absolute blast to drive and comfortable. Crusing at 130 mph is effortless and very stable. With snow tires, it will drive through anything. Only gripe I have with it is the HORRIBLE turning radius....a real pain while in Europe.

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  high school speedster - 2001 Volvo S60
  By high school speedste - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Since my dad crashed the car I was going to drive he went out and boughtme the 2.4T for safety, and I love it. It is the most comfortable car ive ever been in and it has a spectacular 10 speaker sound system. It is kind of a soccer mom car but still the kind of car thats perfect to own and all my friends are envious.

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  s60 3rd volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By lisaX3 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  S60 my third Volvo. Had 240, then 940. S60 has driving fun, but interior is small compared to previous Volvo. Doors dent at the slightest pressure. Previous Volvos exterior body structure was sturdier. Rear view visibility obscured by rear headrest. Have the auto drop for rear headrest, but that looks funny. Fearful that Ford has diluted Volvos character& reliability.

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  Fun and Relatively Economical Sleeper - 2005 Volvo S60
  By DNeuwir - June 2 - 2:56 am

  Owned for about 3 months now. With 5000 miles on the odometer, I can say this is definitely one of the "funnest" cars Ive owned. With 300hp, its exhilarating driving up freeway onramps. Though a little sluggish off the line (0-10mph, mostly due to being a low- displacement 5-cyl) once above 2500RPM the sky is the limit. The full-time AWD keeps all rubber on the road, even on wet pavement, though the P-Zero tires are NOT suited for icy or snow driving. Fuel efficiency is better than expected: 25mpg average combined (window sticker claimed 24 highway--I regularly see 30-32mpg on long straight stretches at 55-65mph). Build quality is not flawless, but is very good given the $40K price.

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  Lovin my volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By QTKT - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent, fun, and safe car.

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  a/c noise - 2004 Volvo S60
  By lynvale - June 2 - 2:00 am

  car seems to put a strain on the a/c.when ideling a/c tends to be very loud and seems to hesitate.