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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  many many problems - 2004 Volvo S60
  By wakk - May 4 - 7:10 pm

  i leased my s60r in 2/04 and have had nothing but problems with it. first the hose for the power steering went out and then a week later a fog light burnt out in april. since then it has 7500 miles and the chassis setting has gone out and it keeps backfiring between shifts. the backfiring has been a problem since april and service told me to first wind out the rpms and now i am told it is a characterisic of the s60r. the front tires are now rubbing when turned to the far right or left.i am meeting with the tech guy and volvo rep 11/10/04 hoping to get out of my lease and move on to a dependable car like the nissan maxima.

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  Fun and Safe - 2001 Volvo S60
  By chicagomatt - May 2 - 6:03 pm

  My family are loyal Volvo owners. I, being in my 20s, have always owned 2 door, sporty cars. Then, I bought a S60T5 with every option. It is an amazing car that my friends love to ride, drive, and be seen in. The optional sport shift is great for passing and provides better control of the vehicle in all weather. Interior is sporty. The optional 4 disc indash cd and Dolby surround system is amazing qualtiy, even for the most picky of ears (whether you are listening to RENT or Van Halen). Plus, you have the ultimate car for safety with all safety standard. The only complaint is sport tires/wheels can rub against the wheel wells if turned too hard. Otherwise, the car is exceptional!

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  This is not your fathers Volvo! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Justaguy - April 26 - 2:00 am

  What an incredible car. I looked for a car for over 2 years and have finally found my "mid-life crisis" car. Great accelleration, no problem with the automatic transmission, beautiful interior (I got the alcama leather), unbelievable sound system. A real pleasure to drive. The Nav-system takes some getting used to (not quite as user friendly as others) but once mastered it is quite functional.

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  Fun, Fun, Fast and Furious - 2004 Volvo S60
  By miklos - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I took delivery through the military sales program. What a major discount! Certainly makes it worthwhile. A four door M3 there is not, this has four doors, family safety, and performance approaching and M3 or the much less reliable Audi S4. It certainly is a blast to drive, and handles very well. I didnt get an appreciation for the "vague, if video game like" steering that some "high performance" reviews have stated. This car is a great value for the money, even if the engine doesnt put out the horsepower thats advertised.

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  Love it!! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By keving - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2002 S60 2.4T until I totaled it a month ago. Bought a new 2004 S60 2.5T and this vehicle is even better than the previous one. If youre going to buy one, the Prem & Sports pkgs are a must otherwise this car is blah, blah, blah. Handling has been improved with the suspension being tightened up resulting in less body roll in hard corners. The engine has a bit more punch with better 0-60 times than a lot of vehicles in this class (esp for the $$). Sleek design, comfortable, with plenty of punch. Never had a single problem with my previous S60 (had it for 2 yrs).

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  A Hidden Gem - 2004 Volvo S60
  By wrcinct - April 18 - 11:26 pm

  Stumbled upon this car while shopping for a car for my dad. Never seriously considered a Volvo although a did admire its styling and long list of amenities. Had narrowed my choices to an Acura TL and Infiniti G35 Coupe, both with manual transmissions. After wrapping up the deal for dad, the salesman suggested I take the S60R in the showroom for a test spin. I took the bait, hook, line and sinker. The car was meant to be driven, the harder you drive it the better it responds. The active suspension works like a charm, allowing the driver to cruise in comfort or tighten the chassis to handle like a true sports car. Did I mention the lack of turbo-lag? Horsepower, torque, AWD and 23 MPG too !!

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  After one month - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Spirerock - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my T5 FWD since 05/01/04 and its been everything that I expected. Road handling, fuel economy (31 road) and performance (love that turbo!) are outstanding. You need to get used to the bit of understeer that is purposefully built into the car. It makes for great road handling, but is initially a bit awkward when parking in close spaces.

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  My Volvo - 2005 Volvo S60
  By TammiPagnotta - April 16 - 8:56 am

  The only thing i dont like about my car is it gets stuck in the snow, other then that its a great car.

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  Two Strikes You Are Out - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Two Strikes Your Out - April 10 - 4:53 pm

  After 8 months and 11 service calls Volvo replaced my first S60R Lemon. The second S60R I received this year. I am sorry to say this car was also a lemon. The wheel bearings went out, rear tail lights went out, it burned 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles, the chassis started to loosen up after 6000 miles. I just got rid of the car and took a financial hit, but I was tired of driving a loaner more than the actual car. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE (unless you want to know your service people very well)

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  Rare Combination - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Reviewer - April 9 - 5:50 pm

  I love my S60R! Few cars in the world can claim high performance, comfort, exclusivity, great looks, all wheel drive, and still get 30 miles per gallon on the highway. It is a jack of all trades, and a master of none, other than being a great all around performance car. I bought the car two years ago with 25K miles and have had a few maintenance issues that have thankfully been covered under warranty; i.e. the HID headlamps pointed down too much and triggered a warning, the radio display went haywire, there in a thumping sound in the rear suspension occasionally when braking, and oh yes, the factory front air dams got torn off in a matter of months.