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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  S60 - 2001 Volvo S60
  By TomPaine - February 18 - 2:00 am

  My first Volvo. While I enjoy the car, I dont see great design/engineering at work. Visibility is poor. Controls for windows, locks and mid-seat glove compartment difficult to reach. Only one switch to lock/unlock doors is irritating. If the driver’s door is unlocked, must first lock it and push again to unlock passenger door. Can’t open trunk from inside the car except with keychain control. Basic sound system is minimal. On the positive side, car rides very smooth but soundproofing could be better. I find the non-turbo model has plenty of pickup and power. The back seat is a joke. Too little leg room for an 11- year old. An adult would curse you.

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  Attractive car, but technology needs improvement - 2012 Volvo S60
  By rayg34 - February 17 - 5:06 am

  Ive been driving my new T5 sedan for about a month now and so far I am mostly satisfied with my choice. Overall, the car is attractive, comfortable and a competent performer. The engine is powerful, albeit a bit noisy when revved. The suspension is not a sporty as the new ads for the S60 would make you believe, but it will satisfy most drivers. The gauges are simple and fairly intuitive, but they are a bit small and are not well lit at night. Gas mileage is admirable - 23 average mpg so far on regular gas.

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  2 years with my S60 T5 AWD - 2014 Volvo S60
  By quattrofan74 - February 16 - 4:01 am

  My wife and I decided to downsize with the aim of lowering our overall car payment. My previous car was a 2008 BMW 335i coupe. I loved that car - its performance, handling and appearance endeared itself to me daily. However, I live in Pennsylvania and winters in it were never really "fun". Also, getting the kids to school became a chore - and a sedan made sense. I decided to lease this time around. Long story short, I got a S60 T5 AWD with Premier and Sport packages. Overall, the car has a decent amount of "go". Its no 335i, but it pulls off the line well. It gets a little asthmatic as the revs climb. The Sport package definitely made a difference in handling too.

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  Sweet - 2004 Volvo S60
  By ATY - February 12 - 5:43 pm

  I enjoy driving this car and plan to keep for at least 10 years or more since I only put 10K miles per year on the car. Besides $ for oil changes, I purchased a new set of TSW rims that are powdered gray against the white car. I do have a recurring problem where the computer loses it program and the dealer has to download a new one, on three different occasions. Also, the turning radius is pathetic and the tires grind when turning too hard. But, it gets great MPG and drives like a dream. Also in the past 4 years I probably replaced 5 tail light bulbs?

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  Great Car - 2006 Volvo S60
  By bigt - February 10 - 7:50 pm

  This has been an awesome vehicle. It looks great and really moves. It really is a kick to drive. It may not be as refined as the BMW 3 series, but it is alot of fun and much less expensive. I got a great deal and Im quite pleased.

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  Very Nice... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By PDaddy - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased w/ the premium and sport packages. Ive only had it a couple of weeks but I look forward to every opportunity to take it out. The ride is smooth, comfortable and peppy. As for roominess, Im 62" and 175 lbs. My girls fit nicely in the back seats but adults are a little more cramped, however thats expected in a sport sedan. The turbo gives it the added power it needs. I test drove the non- turbo and found it to be too lacking in the power dept. Seats are very comfortable and the stereo is above average and easy to work. Hope to have a more thorough review after I put more miles on it. Im looking forward to those miles!

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  Great Value - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Hannah Keller - January 25 - 8:23 pm

  I considered and test drove the Lexus GS300, Acura Rl, the Infiniti G45 as well as the Volvo S80. Safety, price, reliability, driving fun, ease of handling, comfort, gas mileage, power and visibility were my criteria. The Volvo s60 beat all the others hands down.

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  Overall good, WATCH maintenance $$$ - 2001 Volvo S60
  By CB1 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought for safety, performance, style and strong $$ value for features standard. Ride quality good, not very sporty handling (leans too much) and turbo lag with excessive torque steer. 5spd "adaptive" automoatic isnt your average automatic. I was told that the tranny shifts into neutral at a stop. When your foot releases off the brake, it shifts back into gear, creating a buck or feel of drivetrain slop. It is a strange feeling, but appaently normal according to Volvo.

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  Our 2002 Volvo S60 2.4T - 2002 Volvo S60
  By idrum4u - January 3 - 7:41 am

  Good on open highways, terrible ride on rougher roads. Great engine, but terrible car quality overall. Purchased new with 8K on odometer: * Before 30K miles: - Engine mounts broke - Black smoke from air.cond vents (on inspection Calabasas Volvo reported nothing found.. yeah right) - some air.cond fans no longer work - Radio sporadically changes station - Suspension bushings broke - Defrost broke - only does 1/2 window * Before 60K: - Transmission problems - takes 5+ secs to get in gear - Roof gutter-tracks paint is pealing - Plastic ext. trim is popping off - Plastic ext. trim quickly faded to light gray - Eng. mnts broke a 2nd time * much much more..

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  Impressed - 2004 Volvo S60
  By volvoguy6 - December 23 - 2:15 am

  When I bought this car I had some serious questions about weather I had done the right thing or not. I did have to put some $$$$ into it to catch the maintenace up, but I knew that going in. A month later and Im in love! This is my 3rd Volvo the other 2 were from a time when a Volvo was a Volvo so I was very skeptical when I bought this one. The body design is what really caught my attention and after doing research I was sold. The car gets an amazing 30mpg on the hwy (at 70 mph) and its also fairly efficent in town so the fact it needs premium is not that big of an issue. The seats are very comfortable and the car stops on a dime. Im really very happy with it so far.