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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  Owned mine for 8 years - 2002 Volvo S60
  By johnc8551 - January 15 - 6:39 pm

  I bought my 2002 S60 used with 21K miles on it in 2004. It now has 110,000 miles on the odo, and Ive passed it along to my stepdaughter as her college car. I get it serviced regularly and it has not been overly expensive to maintain through my local Firestone service center. Its been an overall dependable car with only a few age related failures, such as alternator, water pump, strut mounts, etc. Nothing too big at all. The one gremlin this car has, and it seems to be rather common with this series, is that it eats tail light and headlight bulbs on a regular basis. However, these are easy to replace by the owner, and I now keep spares stashed with the spare tire in the trunk.

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  Lots of pros and cons - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Sara - January 12 - 3:26 am

  I bought a certified used S60 T5 from a great dealership. Unfortunately I moved and the dealerships Ive dealt with in Los Angeles are pretty bad with customer service. Calabasas Volvo in particular is horrible. Anyway, I do really enjoy the car, but have been frustrated with some random problems that I think are unacceptable for a "luxury" car. Pros: 1) Very comfortable, wonderful seats and beautiful interior 2) adequate power and muscular feel 3) safe and stable Cons: 1) The turning radius is AWFUL. I cannot make U-turns, period. Ever. Even turning around in a parking lot is tough. 2) Visibility is really poor. 3) CD wont play burned CDs, often gets "stuck". 4) random electrical problems

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  great value compared to BMW - 2006 Volvo S60
  By mick - January 11 - 11:00 am

  I have a 2005 S60 T5 (manual)...performancewise the S60 2.5T and T5 are a lot of car for the money...the worlds most comfortable seats and built like a tank with a lot of get up and go....if you are looking at a BMW 330 or ACura TL this Volvo is a much better value...

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  S60, Better than the 325i because..... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By gator1845 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  As an Auto buyer, i was looking for something a bit snotty, but reasonable at the same time. I was impressed with the sportiness of the S60 2.5 T, the comfort and craftmanship. When i drove the BMW 325i, i was not as impressed. One of the reasons is that it lacks the power of the S-60, the BMW is nice mind you, it handles well, but the S-60 is very competent on the road as well, also the luxury features for the money are better. The safety features are bar none, you owe yourself at least a drive, if you are considering a 325i. I suggest getting the premium and sport package at minimum, it makes the car very fun.

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  I look forward to driving this S60 every day - 2013 Volvo S60
  By virginiacarguy - December 29 - 12:31 pm

  Having owned many BMWs, Audi, Acura and various other cars and SUVs, this S60 is the perfect balance of comfort and fun to drive. The old Volvo stereotypes are long gone. While it doesnt have the track or tech specs of a 3 series (like 50/50 weight distribution), it excels at daily driving by perfectly balancing performance and comfort. The S60 is smooth, quiet, composed, solid, quick, very comfortable with superb seats and firm suspension that is never harsh. I recommend the Polestar modification that makes the vehicle faster, reduces throttle/pedal travel and makes power available more immediately. A loaded 325 hp S60 is thousands less than a loaded 4 cyl BMW.

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  Great Car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By julia - December 25 - 6:53 pm

  I commute 100 miles/day round trip to work and this car makes the drive fun. Passing on the tollway is easy and the interior is nicely designed and comfortable.

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  no regrets - 2004 Volvo S60
  By lung doc - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for my wife. We had previously leased a 2001 volvo XC70 but wanted to downsize, as I drive a Honda Pilot (great vehicle). The dealer offered me the S60, black with sport and premium packages for 28 K (sticker was 35). I took it for a test drive and was impressed.

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  2012 Volvo S60 T-5 - 2012 Volvo S60
  By danf7 - December 10 - 7:57 pm

  The sign and drive offer coupled with covered maintenance made this car an exceptional lease value. I was also looking at A4, Acura TSX and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe but the horsepower, torque and features of the S60 far outweighed the competition. The car is fast especially in Sport mode. The Blind Spot Information System and City Safety are nice features and lowered my insurance! Ride is fairly quiet and comfortable. Steering with the Touring Chassis could be tighter. (The Dynamic Chassis may have addressed this issued but I didnt want to spend extra money.) Volvo Sensus is excellent and integrates well with my ipod and phone. A great entry level luxury sports car for the money.

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  First Impressions - 2003 Volvo S60
  By SF Bay Area Randy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I admit that I never thought I would buy a Volvo. The end of year incentives made me give it a look. Those incentives allowed me to get a 2.4T with sport, luxury, and touring package for under $30K. I kind of like the distinctive styling. Around San Fran Bay Area, 90% of the cars are Honda, Toyota or BMWs. I am glad I at least got something semi- unique. It is a nice car that has decent power. I am a little wary of how it will hold up, given some of the comments in here, but I tend to treat cars gently so I think it will last a long time. The gas mileage is OK. The fronts seats are very nice.

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  Not Too Happy - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Springer - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The first week we had the S60 it dumped antifreeze in our driveway and had to be towed away with a faulty radiator. The dealer told us no rental could be given because we didnt break down on the road somewhere. So much for their great roadside assistance. The power door locks are a perpetual problem. In for same repair 4 times. Dealer has ordered wrong parts and made us return yet again. Left turn signal works intermitantly. And by the way the pwer door locks dont work right again! I think its so safe because its always in the shop and not on the road.