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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  Great for all - 2002 Volvo S60
  By golferaz - April 19 - 12:21 am

  I bought an s60 in November of 2010. Its the t5, 5 speed automatic. I am absolutely in love with this vehicle. I bought it with 127k miles on it in Arizona, its been driven around there and then across the country to Arizona. Most people would be hesitant to drive a car with 140k miles on it another 2000 miles, across unfamiliar ground, but the car did great. Great range, averaged around 29 mpg on the trip. Great sound system, comfortable, handy on board computer system to check information. I did put W rated tires on it about a year ago (speed tires), and I noticed that the cornering and stability increased ten fold. A bit expensive for parts, but you pay for quality. Great for all

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  Great on the Autobahn - 2002 Volvo S60
  By driving in Europe - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The car is great on the Autobahn, it is capable of diving 230kmph or approximately 130 mph all day long. When you do so forget about good MPG, however up to 100mph you can still get 20MPG. I have driven this car all around europe and bought it over the 3 and 5 series BMW, which says alot since my wife is German. I did drive the T5, which was nice but decided the 2.4T was a good compromise and could drive as fast and handled as wel as the T5. Note it drove as fast based on the goverened top speed, the T5 will get you to 230kmph faster.

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  R does stand for Race - 2004 Volvo S60
  By duner - April 9 - 10:00 am

  We had a C70 crap! S60R is a much nicer more modern vehicle. Ride and performance is great. Brakes are Brembo fabulous but they always squeal, always! Turning Radu=ius is very poor. Car sticks like glue and scoots when you squeeze it. 5 speed auto is nice,manual function in up shifting has to much hesitation. audio system sounds really nice but very hard to operate and display is barely readable in sunlight. lights are great as well.

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  Not naughty but very nice - 2012 Volvo S60
  By jimbonada - April 8 - 11:55 am

  Coming out of a 2008 G35x, i did have second thoughts, but after only 140 miles, im giving it two thumbs up. Im averaging approx 25 mi. per, quiet cabin, interior wreaks of luxury and the seats are the best...ever. Minuses...small trunk, handling is a bit numb and no voice command for bluetooth. If youre looking for an entry level luxury sedan thats great on gas and wont kill your budget, the T-5 is it!

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  S60 in Alaska - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Tucker - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Manual transmission gear box a little notchey in feel. Gas mileage not much better than a V6 so it might as well be a V6. Great support from local dealer for maintance.

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  Fast and fun - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Jared Nikle - April 4 - 3:53 am

  Worth the cost

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  Best Car I Ever Met - 2003 Volvo S60
  By geo123 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I test drove every car in the near luxury segment and was amazed at how superior the S60 was. Nothing approaches the quality of the interior, the safety and it is deceptively fast. The only negative thing you might hear is someone complaining about rear leg room, but everyone knows rear seat passengers have no rights, so tell them to shut it.

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  Blast of Fun - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Padilla - March 28 - 6:30 am

  This car is a get up and go vehicle and is totally different than the traditional Volvo. With the flexibility in performance choices, this car is a lot of fun to drive and change the suspension at the push of a button! Go Get One! What are you waiting for?

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  s-60 R - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Bill - March 25 - 2:20 pm

  The Volvo s60 R is a very fast, safe , and reliable car. It has excellent control from the all wheel drive and has awesome interior features.

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  S60R - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Kim Viner - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Good looking car that has great performance and very nice interior. Performance very trong at higher elevations due to the high boost turbo(I live at 7000 ft). Litle turbo lag and the six speed transmission is well suited to the engine. Selectable suspension settings make a noticeable difference. Rie quality on interestate type surfaces is really smooth in comfort mode. The active suspension cures the body role problems of other S60s. Sapphire black metalic paint has a slight hint of purple which makes it look not "too" black. I had reservations about the "blue" leather interior, but when seen in person, it looks really nice.