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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  A great Sports Sedan - 2002 Volvo S60
  By sroth356 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding Sports Sedan. Fun to drive, great performance, outstanding stereo. Wonderful 5 Speed manual transmission. We have less than 1000 miles so far, but absolutely no problems or regrets.

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  third S60 - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Bob-a-loo - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Im driving my third S60, the first one was total by a rear end collision, car hit me was doing over 100mph according to police...my car was totaled, but I was unhurt....My newest S seems to better on gas than before I average 25mpg overall driving. Comfortable front seats are my favorite feature...MY last S60 went 65000 miles without any repairs....great car

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  A Good Nice looking car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By llewis - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my Volvo S60. The service from my local dealer is great! I have had some scheduled service done and they will take care of anything. Everything is covered by the Volvo warranty! My car was a certified used car so I can look forward to several more years of unparalled service. If you want a nice car with nice interior styling and a great safety record, this is the one.

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  2002 S60 T5 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Pau - May 19 - 3:26 pm

  Great all-round performer. Have owned since new. Only to shop for basic maintenance except for recent A/C issue. Have owned Mercedes E Class and 5 series BMW that spent much more time for repairs. Go for the T5 or R model, just watch the torque steer. I never thought a Volvo could perform this well. At nearly 60000 miles it still runs strong as new.

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  Volvo S60 Deserves Consideration - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Pat Lam - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This car does not have the hard edge performance of its European competitors but if you want a balanced performance and excellent safety features this car deserves a test drive.

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  New to Me - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Annapolis John - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of searching before buying this car. Ive owned a BMW 5-Series and a MB E500. The S60 competes very well, without the snob factor and high price. I bought a Certified Pre-Owned and it looks brand new! Cant beat the price and the warranty. The dealership is great, so far. Ill add another post after Ive had more experience with the car and dealer.

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  Nice car, horrible reliability - 2003 Volvo S60
  By D - May 12 - 3:53 am

  The S60 has a solid, safe feel, which is ironic as it rattles constantly due to the harsh ride. The design inside and out is fantastic and timeless. Interior quality and ease of controls are excellent, but lacks storage space. Comfort is great, but legroom is tight in back. Visibility is horrendous, as is low speed maneuvering. The car is fun to drive when its pushed hard. Reliability is unacceptable. Ive replaced the starter motor, sensors, seat memory, and a bunch of other computer related things I dont know how to explain. The transmission is dying. The auto wipers have a mind of its own, as do the interior lights and the fuel gauge. The car makes lots of weird noises.

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  I love my S60 - 2001 Volvo S60
  By tfoster123 - May 9 - 1:05 pm

  I actually recieved this car at 192,000 miles, but I had been driving it as a family car from 168,000. We LOVE this car. My father and I do all the maintainence ourselves because lets just face it, Volvos prices are nuts. At 198,884 (as of today) there are a few problems. My A/C cuts out after about 15 minutes, and I cannot turn it on if I want to get on the freeway. I also have a very rocky shifting, but have never had any real transmission issues as of now (knock on wood) and the suspension is less than desirable. However for a 18 year old? This was a great car to inherit. Other than the problems listed above, I love this car.

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  Car to Avoid - 2003 Volvo S60
  By AVOID VOLVO - May 9 - 10:00 am

  In 11 months of ownership the cruise control failed, transmission doesnt shift right, all bulbs on the rear of the car have burned out at least once each, and the throttle control system required replacement. The transmission problem required 6 different visits to the dealer, and still has not been corrected. The interior has 2 ongoing squeaks and rattles that after 3 attempts, the dealer can not seem to repair. Overall, the quality of the car is extremely poor, performance is very average. The only attribute this car has is comfortable front seats.

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  I cant believe I bought a Volvo!! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Hemanth - May 7 - 3:46 am

  Thats right. I cannot believe I bought a Volvo. 3 months ago if you had asked me if I would consider a Volvo S60R my question would be "a Volvo??" Actually I had gone to the Volvo deaerlship to test drive the xc90 and found the R very appealing. Took it for a spin and rest is history. I have fun everytime I drive this car. My previous car was a 97 Honda Prelude which does not come close to the ride feel, comfort, and solid built of the Volvo. I am yet to see how reliable the turbocharged engine turns out to be where my old Honda never let me down but overall I am very pleased with my R. Test drove the IS300, 330I, TL, G35 before I decided to go with the Volvo.