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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  almost... - 2002 Volvo S60
  By oldingmar - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Had S70 GLT before. S60 2.4T is an improvement, stiffer body, better transmission, better wheels(mine has tire and wheel option). Used it 10 000 miles in Europe, from Lapland to Mediterrainia. In most situation handled OK but I still found it lacking as far as handling is conserned. Something appears to be missing - just cannot match the feel of the BMW. no it is not the front wheel drive! I like front drivers, but S60 comes up short. To bad, it is otherwise a really nice product. Lets see how it matches the traffic in California - it should be here soon. Probably it will do better in our traffic here just as the S70 did..

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  Company S60 II - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Tom - October 10 - 10:03 am

  My company provided me this S60. If it were my money, I would not buy one. It is a fine highway car with wonderful straight-line acceleration and a comfortable drivers seat. The S60 is not good on curves and in corners -- its weight and vague steering adversely influence the handling and do not inspire confidence. After 29,350 miles, the only problems I have had are a loose passenger side door seal, fixed during an oil change service, and a rattle that I cannot locate by the passenger door frame. Passenger seat is awkwardly oriented and uncomfortable on long trips – seems to place passenger at an angle within the car.

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  Needs work but NICE - 2002 Volvo S60
  By beli - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice car in many ways but needs a few thigns to make perfect: 1) Has BIG blind spots b/c of saftey features and design.. adjusting seats may help or narrowing support beams. 2) Electronics have always been Volvos weakness.. they should outsource all to Japan ASAP! 3) My S60 needs turbo.. my fault. 4) Maybe a rear wiper.. rear window is almost flat and gets covered easily.

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  not really a good value for the dough - 2003 Volvo S60
  By karen frietsch - August 19 - 3:26 am

  very expensive. mediocre fit and finish. sport model will cost you in tires no matter how careful. noisy. uncomfortable drivers seating even with power adjustment. cramped. lots of plastic.blind spots.unimpressive for the money. dealership price gouging. running lights will also cost you in bulbs and they are a challenge to change.stereo is ok, not great.cant believe there is no homefinder garage door opening system. exterior dents easily. overall, i wouldnt recommend this car for the price. you can do better, for sure.

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  Overall Impressions - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Ed Mytych - August 10 - 2:26 am

  First year of ownership was fantastic. No problems at all to report. At times the frequency of the automatic wipers seemed to be inappropriate for the conditions. Really enjoy the ride and handling!

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  Wow Fast Euro on the Cheap. - 2006 Volvo S60
  By TTRx - July 26 - 3:50 am

  300 HP with a very stealth look. Makes the Nissan 265 HP Commercial look slow. I have had the car for a few weeks and can not overstate how great the fit and finish is. The first choice was safety (has too many airbags to list) and getting great performance what a bonus! I might look at the xc90 to replace my BMW X5!

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  Not the best, not the worst - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Hit-s60r - July 4 - 12:13 pm

  I was sitting at a red light – behind 2 cars when a 27 year old woman (on the cell phone, looking over her shoulder) slammed into the back of me going 45, again I was at a dead stop. The impact sent me into the car ahead and broke my seat (Volvo safety design, break-away front seats). The Honda Insight which hit me square on the back bumper was totaled, and unless you looked at the rear deck of the Honda, you wouldn’t know what it was that hit me. The Volvo trunk, bumper was smashed back to the rear wheels and some damage was found in the bracing, not the frame. The car wasn’t totaled since the damage was about 24K and the value was north of 32K. The main thing was I walked away!

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  Alls good! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By kzoomn - July 1 - 11:06 pm

  Having previously owned a V6 Camry, this Volvo seems slightly under powered. But one gets use to the power curve very quickly. The Volvo seems to corner very well and I think the seats have something to do with the cornering feel. Gas mileage stays aroung 22mpg city and 28+ highway. There are many small features that once you become familiar with, help to make this model a pleasure to own & drive.......

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  S60 2.4T I love it!! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Scott A - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car 2 months ago with 27K miles....absolutely love it...most comfortable seats of any car Ive driven. My only complaints are with some of the plastic dash material, radio control functions, and at times rough suspension over city streets. Still, I absolutely enjoy driving the car which is a huge step up from my 15 yr history of driving Hondas. Finally, the 2.4T provides plenty of power with minimal turbo lag....glad I didnt spend xtra for the T5.

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  FM Problems - 2004 Volvo S60
  By drrjb - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this turbo for three months now and on the second day I noticed poor to no reception on the FM radio its been in the shop three times and goin in for #4 and still no fix...The people at the dealership have not been very understanding and basically deny the problem exists...The fourth time better fix it or else.....The turbo with the tiptronic is hard to power shift due to the turbo lag...the headlights are set to low..The AWD creates oversteer..The turning radius is horrible for this size car