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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  Get a Lexus! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Liked My Lexus More - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Car has constant clanking. Vision is impaired when turning or driving a curve. whiplash protection seats move back of their own accord during normal driving. Car takes even small bumps really hard. Seat bottoms tend to force legs together (uncomfortable for female drivers). Hand brake makes it hard to get to anything (like a purse) on floor of passenger seat. Trunk almost impossible to open with the remote and once open is so stiff its hard to close. Gas mileage indicator nice idea, but not at all accurate.

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  Perfect Compromise - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Mike - May 24 - 5:43 am

  The objective reviews of this car are right on. On balance, the severe flaws in this car are outweighed by the advantages. I came from an Audi A4. The A4 just "felt" much better but the S60R blows the A4 away in pure speed and power. The S60R is not terribly reliable but more so than the A4. Both cars are expensive to maintain. The A4 was more comfortable inside and the A4 interior is more attractive.The safety features and the standard "extras" on the S60 far exceed the A4. There is a major problem with the turning radius of the S60R - MAJOR. The rear seat room in the S60R is nothing short of disgraceful. The stock tires on the S60R are dangerous; trammeling.This car is a compromise.

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  2004 Volvo review - 2004 Volvo S60
  By eturner - May 23 - 2:30 am

  Have owned two previous Volvos and now own two 2004 S-60 2.4 sedans. Have driven both long distance and around town and find them to be very enjoyable to drive.

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  Drive it till the wheels fall off - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Bet - May 22 - 12:13 am

  I love my car however it has been costly to maintain. Many problems occurred during the warranty period which thank heavens were covered. I now have 164,000 miles on it and hope for 100,000 more at minimum! It is beautiful however it is hard to see out of the back, turning radius is too big and handling is not as tight as I would like. I have also experienced interior issues including loose door panels, broken dash knobs and broken gear shift knob! All in all I would recommend Volvo to others however the overall quality of the car needs to be improved to compete with other cars in its "class.

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  This is Volvos M-Series - 2004 Volvo S60
  By dropthatpuck - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I drove and evaluated the new M3 and 535I compared with the Volvo S60R. The R has better lines and exterior design than the BMW and the standard power, although turbocharged, gives you the torque and power you need to satisfy even the most discerning motorhead, particularly with the standard 6- speed. Turbo lag is nearly non- existent and even when cruising along at 70-80mph+ in 6th gear, pressing the accelerator will push your head back into the seat. Volvo solid throughout, great interior (upgrade for Atacama leather is outrageously expensive - and it looks like a new baseball glove for $1,800). Incredible braking power.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2004 Volvo S60
  By gator21 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  When I told my friends that I was buying a Volvo, they laughed. Now they cry. This is without a doubt, the best European Sports Sedan, under $30,000. You dont know until you drive it. This car should not be purchased in AWD. It is not built for that its built as a FWD rocket. You wont get the fun from the AWD.

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  wow - 2005 Volvo S60
  By skipney - May 17 - 6:36 am

  Have the sports package that truly gives this car a styling edge. Definitely a head turner. Love the interior displays. Car handles and drives with ease. Very fun to drive.

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  S60 T5 is great on highways - 2004 Volvo S60
  By volvo_md - May 15 - 10:00 am

  We also considered competitors with manual tranny: BMW 330, Acura TSX, Saab 9-3 vector, Lexus IS300. Quite happy with s60t5s looks, acceleration, handling and stability at high speeds, and comfort. Main grouses: wide turning radius; a little ponderous at low speeds that affects driving in stop-and- go traffic. If we had valued driving dynamics above all else we would have gone for the 330. Otherwise, T5 is a good package of performance, handling, safety and ride quality.

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  Volvo Return Customer - 2005 Volvo S60
  By grserody - April 30 - 12:10 am

  I owned a 2000 Volvo S40 and while I liked the car, it was small and not heavy enough for me on long trips. Since I bought the S60, I have been on 3 trips on interstates and love the way it handles and feels.

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  Best sedan on paper and on the road - 2006 Volvo S60
  By sfoster - April 28 - 11:33 pm

  I test drove many comparable sedans but could not get past the S60Rs choice of features and performance. The car is a sleeper but still has an exclusive factor. 4-C suspension is great and the 6-speed is smooth. Truly nothing like it for the price (I got if for 9k under MSRP!) and performance.