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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  Ballaz Mobile - 2001 Volvo S60
  By farbdogg71 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car I have ever purchased. I am very satisfied with all the features on it and the options I had equiped with it. All my friends are jealous.

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  GREAT and Terrible all in one - 2002 Volvo S60
  By DrQ - July 1 - 10:56 pm

  We bought our S60 in 2003 and we have been very happy with the performance of the car. Cosmetically however there is room for a world of improvement. The gas cover doors have a tendency to fall off (Ive seen at least 50 Volvos from 2001-2003 riding around without the cover since ours fell off while traveling on I-95). According to our mechanic (Volvo certified) they replace about 10-15 gas covers per month. The console door likewise has a tendency to become non-functional.

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  A great car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By so cal owner - June 23 - 11:20 pm

  Ive driven the S60 for four months now and my overall satisfaction is a 10. Its a great car and stands out on the Southern California roads filled with MBZs and BMWs. After happily owning a Mercedes for over 15 years, Im glad that I decided to consider alternatives. I looked at Audi, Jaguar, Acura, MBZ, BMW and Volvo. Its fun to drive a car that you dont see everywhere you turn. Especially one that performs and looks as good as the S60.

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  Peace of mind - 2006 Volvo S60
  By MyS60RRR - June 21 - 11:36 pm

  I have had a lot of cars over the years, but the Volvo S60 R sedan is probably the most fun to Drive and the safest. I traded in my Infiniti G35 coupe for the R car. I like being able to select my suspension setting from comfort (soft) to Advanced (Stiff) where you can feel not only feel the bumps in the road but also the cracks. The acceleration is outstanding. The car is also all wheel drive and will be useful in the winter.

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  GREAT RIDE...DEPENDABLE - 2006 Volvo S60
  By safety proved itself, unfortunately - June 20 - 7:35 am

  My Volvo 940 sedan was 20 years old @330,000 miles, and the final decision to retire it was not passing the Smog Test w/o $. So, being that Volvo had me impressed, I found a very low mileage S60 (depreciation and parking lot door dings were decision metrics) and jumped on it. This car has been amazing. Not one day has gone by that I regret it. Its sporty, fast, and rides like a glider. Its roomy, comfortable, and so far, just the consumables. Yeah, BMW might have the status, but Im really happy with my Volvo S60. THIS IS A REVISION in lieu of my accident post. UPDATE: Jan 2018- Still in LOVE w/ my S60. The headlight replacement is a tight area to work w/ but hubby invented a tool to make it easier. Also, should you own a black vehicle (like my S60) and you scratch the paint, a permanent marker and car wax will work, or black nail polish and a clear nail polish, depending on the depth of the scratch. My S60 has been terrific, and were still having an "affair". SYNOPSIS of original post This car was hit my another vehicle that lost control do to flip flops getting suck on the accelerator, and I thought my car was totaled, but to my surprise, just bumper and panel damage. I was surprised how well this vehicle did. I saw the Camry wrapped around a tree (she was lucky-alright), the stop sign down, and the violent hit my vehicle took, and the minimal damage, and my elderly mother and I had no injuries. Truly, this car did amazing. This is the only time in my 23 Volvo brand history, I had to find out, and this was not a minor accident to other vehicles. BTW, Volvo created the collapsing zones in vehicles. Great engineering and what a safe car. Now granted, physics played a role.

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  Best car for under $40k - 2004 Volvo S60
  By dbugbee - June 20 - 2:00 am

  If you want the biggest bang for your buck, you cant go wrong with the S60R. It looks great, both inside and out, and is not as ubiquitous as the 3 series or A4 series. Plenty of power, handles great, and has the most comfortable seats in the industry.

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  Volvo for Life - 2002 Volvo S60
  By SStevens - June 19 - 10:00 am

  As tradition and loyaty continues, Im now in my 3rd Volvo, a 2002 S-60 2.4T. So far its living up to its reputation. Its by far the most enjoyable model to drive.

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  Very solid entry level sedan - 2007 Volvo S60
  By cwkim - June 17 - 7:13 pm

  I recently purchased this vehicle as preowned and after reviewing other consumer reports and reviews, and I am very pleased with it so far. I agree with what other people have noted and it seems pretty accurate far as performance and drivability goes for most drivers like me ( everyday commute for BASIC entry level luxury sedan). It has very nice standard features as noted in specs and does seem utilitarian overall and not as sophisticated as a BMW or Lexus but it seems more functional and solid. I would highly recommend it for someone with kids or someone looking for value in a sedan with good standard features and known for safety.

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  Had my S60R for 7 months and I love it! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Iluv2raceit - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The car performs great, has all-wheel- drive (AWD), and luxury to boot, and all for under $38,000! I test drove the BMW 330XI and Audi S4; the S60R is the best deal. The Audi S4 is faster (it has a 40hp advantage), but for $10,000 more, I WILL PASS, THANK YOU. The S60Rs AWD system is superior to both the Audis and BMWs. And, the S60R comes with the Active Chassis System (called 4C) which ontrols both the suspension and the throttle response. Neither Audi nor BMW has this option. So, the bottom line is this: The S60R has it all; luxury, sportiness, performance, and SAFETY.

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  Not a minivan - thank goodness - 2008 Volvo S60
  By Mc Mom - June 1 - 8:16 pm

  This car is fun to drive and is just beautiful to look at. Its great for driving kids around, but even more fun when you get to drive it on your own. No one will ever suspect this is Moms Taxi. This is no minivan, but has lots of room for 5 and a huge trunk. I never thought I would drive a Volvo, but my T5 is just awesome.