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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  Just dumped my S60 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Mickey - December 4 - 1:30 pm

  I realized early that this car was not perfect. The drivers seat was uncomfortable, the turning radius must be almost 1/2 mile, the back seat is almost useless. But it handles well, has good power and is fairly good on gas so I kept it. 4 months later the odometer turned over 7500 miles and a written notice lights up on the instrument panel to announce that it is time for scheduled maintenance. I exceed the maintenance and frequency called for by Volvo ... but not at the dealer. I told the dealer when I got the car that Id go elsewhere for service based on convenience. Now they tell me that theyll turn this notice off every 7500 miles for $40. Enoughs enough. Traded it 3 hours later

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  Whats wrong with my Volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Rainman4 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Volvo for dependability and safety. It is a very comfortable car to drive and I like it. However, within 18 months I have had it in the shop for repairs 4 times. Once was the transmission, once the fan and twice the cup holder. The cup holder is once again broken. I am disappointed in the quality of this car.

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  Bad handling - 2003 Volvo S60
  By hotdog - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Nice car but tracks terrible. It will follow groves in the road and cause you to swerve to regain control. Also during hard acceleration vehicle will swerve from side to side.

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  You may have big trouble with S60 - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Incubus - August 14 - 4:13 pm

  Well, Ford-owned Volvo needs to improve a lot. After riding a year, the engine of S60 stops sometimes during maneuver and the big problem cannot be fixed yet. The suspension is now too soft to give firm ride comfort and the interior makes a rather noisy sound.

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  so NOT for life! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By DL - August 3 - 4:50 pm

  I will never set foot in a Volvo dealership again. First, an acorn cracked the windshield. My husband would NEVER have believed me if he had not been driving the car when it happened. Light bulbs have failed the entire 81,000 miles (I have lost count), gas door fell off, starter replaced TWICE (service says it may have more to do with the solenoid valve), oil pan is shot, car leaks oil. It is currently sitting in my driveway because it will not start for me to unload it on a trade.

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  My Lemon - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Carlh - February 23 - 9:10 am

  I bought the car at around 80K miles and the car checked out fine from my Volvo mechanic. After a snow storm, the bottom of the car was basically corroded and I needed to replace the entire exhaust system and several brackets. I was unable to find tires that would not rub against the interior wheel well, so it made this awful rubbing sound whenever I turned. The tire company insisted they sold me the manufacturer recommended tires. At 113K miles, the transmission gave out. Repair estimates are $5000-$7000. The car is basically junk now.

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  The car your wife will let you have. - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Carlos Stevenson - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This car was a Blast its 300+ hp engine refined handling and comfortable seats make it the best. But unfortunately its styling is a little bland and i would have rather had a benz. For those of you who have wives and want a safe car while you want a fire breathing racer this is a good comprimise.

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  NOT THE FAMILY CAR WE WERE LOOKING FOR!! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By kris - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car, if you dont have young children, in car seats! Only one rear facing car seat on the market fits in the car, and it cant be placed in the center, (the safest place in the car for children) by the way the car seat costs $300.00! If you use any other car seat, the passenger seat cannot be used. So much for our family car. Doors dent and scratch very easily. CD player has problems, fuel gage says it has gas, but car wont start?

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Janie Doe - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car about a year and a half ago. Since that time, it has been in the shop on no less than 5 occasions for major electrical/computer malfunctions: total shutdown of all electronic read-out; power window,locks and sunroof not working; and brake lights that stay on despite the fact that the car is turned off. I thought I was upgrading from my Honda Civic when I purchased this car, however, the Civic was not in the shop once in the six years I owned it. I would NEVER buy this car again.

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  Bad transmission after 2000 miles - 2007 Volvo S60
  By WPBFLA9 - April 13 - 9:03 am

  My transmission conked out after 2,000 miles. I have not yet received any explanation or a repair. I am disgusted with the car and with Volvo. Also, the handling on my old VW Passat is Much better.