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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  Fix the Turning Radius - 2004 Volvo S60
  By 360 degrees - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely dissappointed that Edmunds didnt list the turning radius as its #1 con. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to make a u-turn on a 2 lane highway without having to back up. My wifes 2002 Honda Odessey Minivan has a bettter turning radius than this. My recent rental 2004 Chevy Malibu has a better turning radius. If you drive in California which requires many u- turns and tight parking spots think twice about buying this car. Volvo has to fix this!! Other than that it is fun to drive and a great value considering what you are getting for the Money. I wish I performed U-Turns on the test drive.

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  What a surprise, a joy to drive - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Thomas - April 22 - 8:23 am

  I did not head out to the car lot expecting to drive a Volvo home. I wanted a pre-owned, luxury vehicle that was somewhat practical and that would not break the bank. After looking at a few Jags I made a comment out loud about how surprisingly uncomfortable the Jag was to drive. From that comment the sales associate mentioned how comfortable the Volvos were to ride in. In a good mode and wanting to insure I considered all options I decided to allow the Volvo to be brought around for a test drive. My first word uttered once I sat in that drivers seat was wow. Comfort is a rule when choosing Volvo. Now I have had the car a while I must say, what a value.

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  Good performance- poor design-interior - 2005 Volvo S60
  By David Draaisma - April 10 - 4:23 am

  It has great acceleration & handling. Nice sporty look. My wife loves the car, I would look else where mainly because of the interior design and options. I am 6’ 1”, on long trips the arm rests are not comfortable. It does not feel like they are positioned correctly. Power seat on driver side works with the key out. Passenger power seat does NOT work with the key off. Big pain when cleaning car. Nice stereo system. 2 levels of FM settings. Two step process to change FM levels where most stereos systems you can do it in one. Very distracting when you are driving. Do not plan on having 4 people in the car unless they are children. Two adults will not be able to fit in the back. No leg room.

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  Small car carries a big stick - 2001 Volvo S60
  By family man - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I became interested in the Volvo S-60 because of the way it looked. I cross- shopped the BMW 330I, Infinity G35 and Mercedes C320. It became apparant after test drives that the Volvo T5 had the best combination of looks, performance and price. The G35 was faster, BMW handled better, Mercedes did not stand out in any way. But, the comfortable interior and full array of premium options kept me coming back to the T5. I still love the way this car looks and drives. Friends continue to complement. Ive owned 3 Mustang GTs and two Camaro Z28s and this car gives me most of the thrill of those. Plus, it actually drives well in the snow.

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  My favorite car ever - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Michael - March 27 - 7:30 am

  I do love my Volvo. It is so incredibly comfortable. The seat fits me perfectly and for once I dont have to tilt my head back to find the headrest. The premium sound system is outstanding. My only concerns about the car are the fact that I have probably changed lightbulbs (mainly in the rear) about 10 times in 2 years. I am not too pleased with the gas mileage as I seem to average 22 per gallon. The car drives great, is very quiet, and is styled beautifully.

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  BAD IN THE SNOW - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Volvo Finatic - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 4 volvos. The s-60 being the 4th for my 18 year old daughter. I have owned mercedes,porches,and bmws. Volvos by far have always been more economical in my eyes. They do not have the power but they offer the protection. HOWEVER, I do not recommend using the s60 in the snow. My daughter got stuck 3 times in the past 3 snow storms that Connecticut had. The car gets no traction, slides from side to side is not a safe snow vehicle. I made a huge mistake by not buying the AWD s60, it is a DEFINITE must because this car cannot handle snow! She also complains that the heated seats are not warm enough.

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  All around good vehicle - 2001 Volvo S60
  By yomendos - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Although I have had to bring the vehicle into the shop for a few minor adjustments (covered under warranty), for the most part this vehicle has been everything that I expected of it.

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  Good Driving - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Chris - December 4 - 11:43 am

  This car is fast and fun to drive. Handles like a real tight sports car. High performance. Like it better than the Acura TL the gas mileage is not good but has improved since the car is more broken in. (25 on the highway at 1800 miles).

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  Transmission Problems with the S60?? - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Toc - November 4 - 10:00 am

  We have been relatively satisfied with our S60 but have noticed that the transmission slips from time to time (it seems as if it shifts into neutral for a few seconds and there appears to be no pattern to this problem). We have been to the dealership 3 times for this issue but they were "not able to replicate the problem." At the dealership, there were 3 other customers with S60s and they were all there for transmission problems. Is this a common problem with the S60s?

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  Just ok - 2002 Volvo S60
  By jambo - November 1 - 10:00 am

  The seats are very comfortable for tall drivers as they have a good range of tilt. The telescopic wheel is a great feature although a little more range of movement would help. The engine and airconditiong are a nightmare. It sounds like someone is gargling water when you accelerate. There is also a popping noise when the car shifts. The lousy dealers (and i do mean lousy) say it is normal despite the fact that the loaner car i had had none of those problems. The dealers are terrible. I live in south Florida and had to buy my car in Atlanta because they were so bad. Overall, comfortable car when not acting up.