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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  Exceeding Expectations - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Camster - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Volvo. I had thought that I would never own a Volvo due to their older, boxy models that did not appeal to me. But their newer, current models caught my attention, and when we test drove the S-60 we were quite impressed. To get a comprable car with the plush interior and performance engine, such as BMW or Mercedes, youd have to pay about $10K more. Alternatively, you could get an Accura TL which is comprable in price, performance and size, but it looks and feels cheap compared to the Volvo S- 60.

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  Great Car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By marlito - December 20 - 2:00 am

  With the impending arrival of my daughter, my wife persauded me to get her the S60, little did she know that it has now become "my" car. As to the car seat issue, we have never had a problem. While you cant have the front seats all the way back, there is still room. I am 61" and put the car seat behind the drivers seat and only have to slide the drivers up a inch or two; when ever my wife has the car, she puts the car seat behind the passenger seat with out any problems.

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  Excellent Car, Excellent Value - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Debra - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I am leasing a Volvo S60 and absolutely love it! The car is sturdy, gets great gas mileage, is extremely comfortable especially for long trips, has a great stereo, and has so many great standard features. When I was researching cars this summer, I compared the Volvo S60 to many other vehicles in its class. Volvo gives you more for your money - you can get a fully loaded vehicle for a few thousand less than its competitors. Also, its nice that the new Volvos are "rounded out" -older models were so square. The main reason I have a Volvo is because of the standard safety features. The car is built nicely and handles really well.

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  Not worth it - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Butterfly2 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Volvo has a complete lack of customer care concepts. Weve had several mechanical problems and fear the day the warranty runs out. Very difficult to see in order to change lanes. Back seat has NO leg room.

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  Outstanding car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Bbear - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The car is the best Ive owned to date. Very comfortable on long road trips. Fun to drive. Lots of power. Love the styling. Id definitely purchase one again.

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  A "best buy" in its class! - 2012 Volvo S60
  By cars4fun - December 7 - 3:41 am

  I test drove a lot of cars. I mean a LOT of cars. My husband thought I was crazy, as this became a weekly thing for me to go out and test drive something. After owning the first gen Lexus RX for 12 years, I felt like a kid in a candy store, with so many cool features to explore. Since I was planning to keep the ute for bad weather and hauling stuff, I finally narrowed down my search to sporty 4 door cars. Almost bought a Volt. Then I almost bought a new 3 series. And then I went all the way back to one of the very first cars I tested, in January 2011. I wound up with a gorgeous sapphire black S60-T5. its fantastic!

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  Fun for the Price! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Doc_TCF - December 3 - 8:40 am

  Tje 2004 Volvo S60R is my wifes car and I have trouble not taking her car in the morning instead of my Lincoln Aviator! I have so much fun driving the R, that I insist on driving when my wife and I travel together. It has great acceleration with only a slight turbo lag at the start, but really starts to move in 2nd/3rd gear. The front seats are the most comfortable Ive been in. And as a young professional couple with a baby on the way, I feel great about having such a safe car as well. The AWD is also a bonus in the rainy NW. Volvo has better customer service than BMW. Only complaints are a recurring theme here: poor turning radius and the wheels scratch easliy.

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  Man, you have no clue!! - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Karen - November 27 - 9:56 am

  I bought this car this November and I absolutely LOVE it! I planned on getting 2006 BMW 325xi and was very impressed with it, but there was something missing. The Volvo dealership was across the street so I ventured over to take a look at the S60. After test driving the S60 I fell in love with it. It drives with such a well balance of performance and luxury that is just incomparable for the price. I was given nearly $2700 off the msrp of $38,885..BMW wasnt going to give me anything off(b/c its a new a highly desirable car they said.. haha..they lost a not so BMW 325xi desirable customer) The Magic Blue is an absolute beauty..although its difficult to keep clean..and the sport pkg.is a must!

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  Volvo S60 - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Kern Barrow - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful automobile great styling comfortable tight construction.Volvo has done a very good job with this car. It really is fun to drive. It has a Swedish austerity and insouciance that I find quite reassuring.

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  S60 at Altitude - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Philh2o - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This car exceeds our expectations for style, utility and performance living at 7800 and driving through a variety of conditions. A great freeway flier, it leaps over the continental divide and has replaced our Grand Cherokee as the ski-mobile. Will take two pairs of skis (196cm or shorter) and poles through the trunk/rear seat pass through option.