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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  Great Value - 2002 Volvo S60
  By BGTig - November 19 - 10:00 am

  AWD is a great value. Picked it up at the factory in Sweden. Very good overseas delivery program, which the VW group lacks. A computer chip failed at about 7k miles; drivable, just lit up faulty warning lights. Fixed under warranty. Currently over 17k miles, no other troubles, except I cant reset the "regular service" reminder, as I change the oil etc myself. Have the optional cupholder with no trouble. AWD is very sure footed in snow/ice. Love the interior, except the parking brake should be moved over a bit for more leg room. Giant trunk and decent gas tank size(check out a BMW, for much more money, on these details!) Hope to get an R as our second one.

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  Very Good Vehicle - 2002 Volvo S60
  By GP - November 18 - 8:13 am

  Ive had the car about 8 months. So far very reliable. It wants to run. Very, very comfortable car with great front seats. Stereo is excellent, climate controls intuitive. Ive always had 5-speeds in sedans, but this automatic has me converted with its performance. The 5-cylinder is a good compromise of performance and economy. Im getting 28 mpg [25 mile commute, cruising at 70 mph] with ample reserve power when needed.

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  S60 rattles and repairs - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Jon - November 14 - 3:20 am

  I bought the Volvo based on price (5 speed was deeply discounted) and the supposed reliability. Other than an 88 Tarus I had as a company car, the Volvo has been in the shop more than any car I have owned. At 500 miles the cam sensor went out. So the first 10 days I owned the car it was in the shop for 6. Its has been in for rattles three times. Bad oxygen sensor needed replacing. Fog light "plug" fell out of the bumper. Lug nuts are rusting. And the rattles are still present. I like driving the car the car, the comfort and fuel economy,32 mpg highway at 70, but you have to live with a lot of minor issues that are annoying. Oh, and the check engine light is coming on sporadically.

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  A good BUY - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Sonja - November 13 - 6:56 am

  Bought the S60 2.4T 1.5 years old (used) with 25,000 miles, because of its good ratings and great price. Comparable Audi and VW models would have cost me $10,000 more and seemed harder to get. Its an overall excellent car. The ride can be a little hard due to its suspension. This model EATS light bulbs with the dealer not being able to fix it. Overall very reliable and save vehicle!

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  Good enough for the money - 2011 Volvo S60
  By johnrush5 - November 4 - 9:59 am

  When I first got into the car I loved how wonderful the seats felt on my bottom. I have sat in every luxury sport sedan out there and this one still feels better after months of use than my 2009 Audi A4. The engine acceleration power,sound and smoothness was almost enough to sill the deal, but I had to see how it handled. The car is not as low to the ground but the rear torque vectoring offsets it enough to satisfactory overcome the height and front end weight on this 6 cylinder Porsche sounding (yes I just said that) engine to corner sharply. The brakes are just perfect in my opinion. They are not the in your face "right now" kind of brakes but do an admirable job without feeling taxed.

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  Volvo S60 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By HS - October 25 - 4:30 am

  I bought this car new and now at 76,000 miles, I am starting to have major problems with car: Front suspension ($1200), Trani ($4500). Very expensive to maintain. Would not buy another Volvo.

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  S60 S is for super fast - 2008 Volvo S60
  By smartgriz - October 13 - 12:53 am

  This is the fastest car I have driven. Out of the whole its a bit tnetative but the turbo takes it to the moon. Passing cars on the highway is a kick and shooting the mountain passes is like driving grand prix. Only real downsides are rear seat has very little room (kids only) and the fuel economy is not that great, 25mpg at 75 on highway, 22 at 90.

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  Multi Volvo Family - 2005 Volvo S60
  By ABrown - October 9 - 11:40 pm

  Just purchased the 2.5T sedan. After 306,000 miles on my 88 240. Love the get up and go, gas mileage, and solid feel. My husband has an 86 240 wagon which he will replace with a 96 (he believes in recycling). We are a true volvo family impressed by the reliability and safety factor. Besides the safety factor, the key selling point for us was Volvos turning radius. That unfortunately has been replaced with a significantly inferior turning radius. Volvo whatever were you thinking????

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  Not true to its reputation - 2002 Volvo S60
  By kylecallahan - October 5 - 6:37 pm

  Volvo is a safe car, right? Thats what weve all come to expect. Careful, my friend, you are being mislead! Ive been reasonably happy; reasonably.... until now. Seems our 2002 S60 indicated a difficulty with the airbag system. No matter, right? It has a bucket of them, whats the big deal if one goes bad? Well, the fact is, when one goes bad, the Entire Air Bag system is disabled!n Go figure! The safest car on the road becomes a hulking death trap. Seems like an extraordinary design flaw, doesnt it? Not according to Volvo - thats what they intended. Inconceivable! Price to fix? Over a grand. Expensive junk, uncaring company, flawed product. Beware, folks. Reselect!

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  Fun - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Cuyama - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, comfortable, great sound system, I have no regrets.