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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  Exceptional Performance Value - 2004 Volvo S60
  By strike eagle - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Volvo spent a lot of money developing this car and it shows. I looked at BMW M3 and Audi S4, they may be a few ticks faster than the Volvo but not by much and the Volvo is a lot less money and cheaper to insure This is my third Turbo engine car, first was a 78 Buick LeSabre V6 Turbo (165 Hp), then a 83 Ford Thunderbird 2.3l turbo(140 hp). Nothing like this one! Exceptional throttle response handling and driver comfort,

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  S60R...awesome and subtle - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Marty - June 26 - 3:06 pm

  I have driven an A4 Quattro and find the S60R hard to beat. After driving it the first 2000 miles in mixed driving, the unique power is really exhilarating yet efficient. The looks are unique with the 18" wheels without the added spoilers and such. Detail in the interior is very good and the upgraded sound system is awesome. I bought the Sirius and Ipod options and all kinds of entertainment is at my finger tips. I LOVE IT!!

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  great car - 2006 Volvo S60
  By ingrid - June 14 - 12:43 am

  The leather and sport package make this car as much fun to drive as my husbands BMW 530i. Plus, I didnt have to drive around with the owners manual the first week like he did.

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  Not your Uncle Olafs Volvo 240D - 2012 Volvo S60
  By silverfox13 - June 8 - 5:12 am

  I am truly blown away by this car. I owned a 1980 Volvo 240GT years ago and loved it. I sold Volvos and BMWs in Canada for 4 years and loved both brands. I have had my T6 R-Design for only 5 months and was a little concerned I might miss my Infiniti G37 Sport with manual transmission. The S60 is so much fun to drive, I havent thought much about the G37. I liked what I saw and read when the S60 was redesigned and got seriously interested in the new R-Design. One test drive and I was sold. Only mistake I made was letting my wife use it for a short road trip. A week later we had traded in her Ford Edge on a stunning white/taupe interior Volvo C70 convertible.

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  I thought this was a volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By androidv11 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Nice exterior styling and sleek interior, though the back seat is a little crampled. 5 speed very responsive and quick. Sound system good though not as good as Japanese models Ive owned. Three significant events in first week of ownership; fuel line coupling broke rendering the car inoperable, Volvo would only tow the car 25 miles free (dealership was 31 from my location, right rear shock absorber squeeks loudly. Might consider another car next time.

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  Wed buy another....and we did. - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Volvofamily - June 3 - 2:53 am

  This car has been a joy ride....literally. No problems whatsoever and we just turned 105,000 miles. The only issue to date has been a factory recall on a throttle sensor. Rides smooth, great pick up, and has been a good car for long road trips. We upgraded to the XC90 for kids and our 75 pound English Bulldog (hope he can make the jump to the back seat). Well report on that later...

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  Excellent Performance and Build Quality - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Leo - Rochester, MI - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive gotten the car for about a month and only can say Im very happy with the performance and brinsky acceleration of the car. The engine is very strong and feels much bigger due to the high low end torque. No turbo lag experienced even when loaded in stop and go city driving. The powerful response at higher speeds is simply unmatched for sedans of its class. No torque steering and perfect handling at all conditions. Fuel mileage can hurt when driven at high performance mode. Marvelous brakes and tight feeling manual transmission.

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  Volvo S60 - 2001 Volvo S60
  By James Anthony - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. Very comfortable, very economical.

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  Not Bad - 2001 Volvo S60
  By freeworld - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Lots of squeaks, rattles, clunks, and electrical glitches. Otherwise it runs nicely, looks nice, and is EXTREMELY comfortable.

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  great car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Scotttttt - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great freeway car with great looks and the smoothness that seems like you are riding on glass, with power to spare!