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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  Volvo s60 more bang for the bucks than B - 2002 Volvo S60
  By jrw646 - July 9 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I tested a long list of cars before we came to the Volvo s60 2.4t. I wish we had gone to Volvo first. The ride is fantastic and the fit, finish and features are head and shoulders above the compitetion. We drove the BMW 325i, Acua TL, Mercedes C240, and Infinity I35. The BMW and Mercedes have 168hp the Tl 225 and the I35 255. Not one of these cars has the excelleration of the 197hp s60 turbo I5 motor. Both of the Japanese cars drive like american cars, soft ride, weak handling. The Volvo hangs in with both the mercedes and the BMW in terms of confidence and response.

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  Try Building Something Competitive - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Darrin Johnson - July 6 - 10:00 am

  If you dont want a close relationship with the dealer service team, think twice about buying a Volvo S60. I found myself at the service center on a regular basis for the following: slipping transmission, sun roof replacement, radio seek button wouldnt quit seeking, headlights/talelights burning out, gas cover fallin off, key stuck in ignition, and the list goes on. The Volvo service team acted like this was standard, no big deal. It seems that Ford has stripped Volvo and is selling the name plate, thats unfortanate.

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  S-60 2.4 - 2002 Volvo S60
  By ripplek - July 4 - 10:00 am

  this is my first European Sedan. (Finally made the break from Camry). MSRP on my Volvo is about the same as a loaded Camry XLE,but this S-60 offers so much more for the money. The seats are outrageous! I drove it 2000 miles this summer and was able to walk upon exiting the car. (cant do that in a Toyota). Great handling overall.

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  Still Great After 75 Thousand Miles - 2004 Volvo S60
  By KPboy - July 1 - 1:50 pm

  I got this S60 hoping it would be reliable, and it hasnt let me down. Year after year it has been problem free. After almost 6 full years of service, it has been the best car I have ever owned. I even live in a mountainous region with constant hill driving and braking, and the S60 manages quite nicely. The only money I have spent on this car since purchase has been for the regular maintenance intervals. If you are looking for something rock solid when it comes to safety and reliability, then this one is the absolute best. I would know, ive had 2 benzes, a BMW and an Audi. This one impresses me more than any of those.

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  Volvo S60 - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Lou - June 30 - 7:20 pm

  This is my second S60 and I like this one as well as my first one. It is a very comfortable car to drive, well built, and handles nicely. The s60 is the best car Ive ever had.

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  swede is in - 2004 Volvo S60
  By rpaecm - June 30 - 10:00 am

  volvo - best value, who needs german performance? are we driving on a track. comfort, economy, value at 65% of the price

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  Mixed bag - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Mugsy1499 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Was willing to pay extra, but shouldve paid attention. Features made way more sense in my S70, which was totaled. Loud road noise, no pre-set radio station buttons, clock and odometer off when key is off, big blind spots, transmission slips, door locks are slow & no choice of lock or unlock on door control - dumb! Has been in the shop over 10 times for transmission & a/c. Seatbelt chokes driver - cannot adjust. Even new wipers skip and squeal. Zippo rear leg room.

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  couldnt be happier! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By peterson - June 16 - 10:00 am

  When it finally came down to choosing between the Volvo S60 or the Audi A4, Driving the car really made the difference. And the view of the front end. I chose black. And it still has an awesome shine today even though I park it outdoors. Too many people are still expecting the interior to be similar to the older Volvos. And every time my friends get in, theyre totally shocked. It defines clean lines and style. Now, I feel I have a much better car then the competing BMW as well. Plus, theres more hidden features the dealer doeasnt tell you about that makes the car a way better deal than anything else I could find under $50k.

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  DON - 2004 Volvo S60
  By none123 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The second day I owned the car I got stuck! Volvo has still not found the problem (2 months later). Certainly, things like car trouble will happen. But the truly concerning issue is the TERRIBLE customer service I have received from the dealership. (Another interesting defect I found was that the interior lights dim when the hazard warning lights flash...good luck looking at map while you are stopped by the side of the road.) My advice...dont make the same mistake I made. Spend a little more and buy a Mercedes.

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  A dream Come True - 2006 Volvo S60
  By shadow - June 7 - 1:03 am

  I wanted this car for 4 years and Now I have one. There is no more car that even comes close value and performance wise.