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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  What a fun car to drive !!! - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Simon Lee - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Very strong and safe car.

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  sport tires to week - 2006 Volvo S60
  By ben - September 5 - 6:23 pm

  The wife and I love the S60. It makes her feal special when she visits patients. We love the quality and the safety for us and our daughter. The sage green is a pretty color, not to flashy, but elegant. Car is comfortable for the three of us and can hold all of my wifes nursing supplies in the trunk. It is a rolling ambulance. The dash is clean and simple. The radio can blast METALICA very well. The sport tires are very week and are not worth the money. The seats are the most comfortable I have seet yet and I have driven Lexas, MB, BMW, and others. I am kind of round and they support me very well. Being Sweedish drew me to the car, but the comfort is what sold me.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By LoriSF - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car! It not only looks great but handles fantastically. The ride is smooth and the car stays hugged to the rode when going around turns. Volvo has made great design improvements with the very elegant exterior of this car. I hope they keep this style for a long time. The seats are extremely comfortable too.

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  I have driven Caddys , Alfas, Lincolns, Saabs - 2016 Volvo S60
  By s m - August 29 - 11:17 am

  I test drove Jag, Mercedes, Lexus , BMW , Caddy and quickly found out car manufactures design from the outside in where I think Volvo designs from the drivers seat out . Lets face it you spend 100 percent of your time in that seat and the passenger seat normally gets the second most use . The Volvo seat is by far the best , sound level the best , the new E drive engine blew me away . Such a sold car, drive it and you will buy it . They say the back seat is small but would not know and if it is buy the Inception it is a stretched version . I am getting over 37 miles to the gallon on the HW and around town 27 . Controls so easy to use and simple , the safest car on the road also . I am sold on Volvo

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  Ergo Zoom! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By womangolf - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased this car from Garden State Volvo in Manasquan NJ who with David, my salesman gave me an amazing deal. I also own a Porsche Boxter but needed a winter car with AWD because of where I live. Much to my surprise this car goes like the devil! It must be the automotive industrys best kept secret, a safe, reliable car that goes way fast I have owned BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches and this is among my favorite! I can see a speeding ticket in my future

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  2005 S60 2.4 - My First Volvo - 2005 Volvo S60
  By DOUGLASS - August 15 - 10:36 am

  My new 2005 Volvo S60 2.4 is a solid, well built sedan. There seems to have been a big improvement in styling and features since Ford purchased Volvo. This car is as good as my daughters BMW for a lot less money.

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  Lemon - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Lemon! - August 11 - 10:23 pm

  Purchased what appeared to be a good condition used S60 - DIM module replaced, new boots, plugs, alignment, balancing, lower control rods all replaced within 6 wks time. Still cant make hard right turn without jerking motion from car. First and Last foreign car. Waste of money.

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  Wonderful car! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Hayley - August 9 - 10:00 am

  When my sporty new Tiburon was totaled, I didnt even think of Volvo until a coworker suggested it. I checked it out and took the S60 for a test drive. Man was I surprised! What I thought would turn out to be a "grandma car" was not just extremely comfortable, but was fun and sporty to drive as well. Safety was definitely a factor in my purchase decision because of my recent accident and Volvo has all the bases covered. The interior is beautiful and everything is conveniently located. I decided to lease rather than buy and will definitely buy/lease another one in four years.

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  A lemon of a car! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By ddd - August 8 - 12:30 pm

  Thankfully I was able to return this vehicle under CA lemon law. In 12 months I had taken it in for brake squeak/squeal on 7 separate occasions. Tried euro spec pads, update US pads, deglazing rotors, etc. No fix worked. What good is a stealthy car if everyone around you is staring because of the HORRIBLE squeal from the brakes. Trust me, on many occasions I had to roll up my window because I couldnt stand the noise! And on top of all that, the Service Manager had the guts to tell me, "well all brakes squeak; its part of normal day-to-day sounds of a working car" To their credit, Volvo paid me back in full less $433 of accrued costs through ~1,000mi when I first reported the problem)

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  From Audi to Volvo - 2003 Volvo S60
  By G1wzwnd - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I just got my S60 after driving an Audi A6 and there is no looking back. This car is beautiful, drives like a dream and has a very comfortable interior. Its a great choice.