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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  oops - 2004 Volvo S60
  By blue eyes - February 24 - 10:00 am

  bought the 2.4t liked the looks of it. Plenty of room up front with supportive seats, to bad the leather is falling apart after 3 months. Highway driving is noisy, lots of wind noise crap tires I bought the sport package with the 17" rims. When turning the wheel full lock the tires rub against wells. At times I feel like im driving a cheap car.

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  Still glad I did buy it. - 2003 Volvo S60
  By pj650 - February 21 - 11:30 pm

  I still love getting in and driving my car. The interior looks 10 fold better with the woodgrain package which I have. I solved the radio display by getting the windows a mild tint. The rattle I heard was coming from the spare not tight enough. All is well now.

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  Solid performance at any speed! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Volvojoe - February 1 - 10:00 am

  This car feels glued to the road regardless of the speed you are traveling. In fact, I cant wait to accelerate through the curves in the road or expressway on-ramps. The overall precision built into this car is evident in the adjustable suspension and 4-C system - Heck, even the clock and speedometer are dead on! Warning: You will find yourself putting more miles on this car than originally anticipated due to the Fun-Factor!

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  True Sports Sedan - 2004 Volvo S60
  By JYH - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Loved it as soon as I saw it. Looked at Jaguar X & S Types, not sporty enough. Got the 6 manual, 4 disc in-dash CD, nav system, 18" wheels, sport package with ground effects. The sport package really dresses the car up nice. I get alot of looks & compliments. The nav system is very good, alot of good & useful options. The active suspension & three settings are great. You can feel the suspension really change as soon as you push the button. The engine loves to be pushed. This is truly a car that can be driven comfortably on weekdays and driven like a sport sedan on the weekend. Volvo safety speaks for itself. They really

• 

  Love this car! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Linda Sinclair - January 28 - 4:18 am

  I bought my car brand new in August 2003. It has 177K miles on it. Other than a tiny parking lot door ding on one side, which I will have a mobile dent guy repair, and a bit of wear on the door side of the drivers leather seat, the car still looks like new when its just had a good wash. I have followed the manufacturers maintenance schedule during the almost 12 years of ownership, except I now get regular maintenance every 5K miles instead of every 7500 miles. I plan to keep driving this car until it simply will not go any longer, which I am hoping wont be for another few hundred thousand miles.

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  my volvos60r - 2005 Volvo S60
  By djayselinger - January 27 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive . great pick up. driven jaguar , mercedes and bmw. having the most fun with this special car. and most of all car is unassuming. no one knows whats under the hood.

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  Was A Great Car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By kjb - January 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car under the preowned program. Had 14K miles when we got it. The car was wonderful. Surefooted during nasty weather and handled well (it had the 17" wheels on it but not the sport package). Local dealer service was excellent and we were always treated like royalty everytime we were in. Unfortunately, the car was rear ended by another driver doing 45- 55 MPH while I was sitting at a dead stop waiting for the car in front of me to turn left. The cars was totalled but I walked away with minimal physical injuries and no whiplash despite the ferocity of the impact. The other dirvers insurance adjuster couldnt believe someone walked away from the crash. Buy one it could save you.

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  excellent - 2002 Volvo S60
  By burningsuitcase - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best value for teh buck in the automotive industry... Bar None...

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  10/10 Would buy again - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Grayson T - January 23 - 6:00 am

  This review is coming from a previous BMW 7 series owner. This car in short is reliable, safe, extremely comfortable, great on gas and more! I purchased this car at 163,000 miles. Right after i purchased the vehicle, i drove 12 hours straight, and i instantly noticed how comfortable the car is. The seats are great for long drives. It also is great on gas. Got 30 MPG on the highway doing about 80 most of the time, and about 24-26 MPG city. The stereo is amazing, i ussualy listen at hugh volumes and it handles it well. As far as overall reliability, it has been great! Only a few minor fixes. This car does have a few minor annoyances, like the wood steering wheel has started to crack at the top (just surface cracks), and there are a few rattles from the dash when small bumps are hit. Overall this car is amazing. It drives great, super easy steering, easy breaks, and it accelerates exceptionally. I would reccomend this car to anyone.

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  I love it! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Debbie - January 21 - 4:13 pm

  I picked up my S60R in Sweden, and have been driving it in Italy, where were stationed, for the past 4 months. Im not sure how Im gonna afford the tickets Ill probably get when we return to the states, as its very difficult to keep this car under 80mph-- 90 or so is a comfortable cruising speed on the Autostrade. Have 2 boys, and the 58" 13 year old hasnt complained on 3 hour road trips about the space in back, but could use a little more leg room, Im sure. Plenty of cargo space, and I love the elegant feel of the interior, and I love knowing that Ive got a powerful engine under the hood, as well as a safe car for carting my kids around.