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:

• 

  Good Car, Bad gas Mileage in T5 AWD - 2013 Volvo S60
  By frugal_car_guy - March 18 - 1:41 pm

  I have owned a T5 AWD automatic premier for 5 months. I have averaged 19 MPG combined! That is just plain awful for a 5 cylinder. And no, I do not have a lead foot. This is typical suburban driving and light commuting. (FYI: In 2015, the new 4 cyl engine is faster and gets 25 city, 37 highway.) Other than that the car handles great, is very smooth and comfortable and has very good acceleration. I have had no problems so far. Another negative is that the controls, radio, seat heater etc. are difficult to operate and poorly designed. This car is smoother, more comfortable, quieter, and handles better than my wifes 2012 Acura TL. I got a great deal on a demo, but I should have waited.

• 

  My 2nd Volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Christopher Taylor - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I must say that this has been the most trouble free car that I have ever own. It has the best sound system in the world next to then Lexus M&L system. This the perfect car to drive from Ct to GA in total comfort.

• 

  This Is a VOLVO? - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Wolf021 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many cars, including the automatic version of this car which completely lacks FUN of any sort as I knew before I drove it. However, I was locked onto the interior. What a pleasure! I made calls and wrote e- mails and behold someone backed out of their special order...6 Speed. Night and Day compared to the auto. And yes I drove the heck out of it before I purchased it. I put so many miles on it I had to buy it. I wasnt about to let this one go.

• 

  Volvo S60 R - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Jabrwkjer - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car.....balanced, fast, well built, safe

• 

  New S60 R - 2007 Volvo S60
  By JCSTOCKMAN - March 1 - 7:26 pm

  My new S60 R is a pleasant surprise from a company known more for safety than performance. With 300+ hp this car really moves and with AWD I have the confidence to push it farther than I might otherwise. I originally was looking for a mid/large sedan like the Charger R/T, Impala SS, Maxima, and Mazdaspeed6. After driving all these vehicles it was clear the Volvo was in a different class and was exactly what I was looking for.

• 

  Awesome Safe, Performance & Luxury - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Greg Colley - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I sold my expensive,loud, hard to get into, Porsche 911 C4 Cab. to get the S60R. What an great performing automobile. The 300hp. gets up and move you down the road in luxury, and I mean luxury, the seats are the most comfortable you will ever sit in! Get the groud effects package for style. Safe too.

• 

  Trouble in Volvoland - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Clyde Beck - February 21 - 10:23 pm

  In may of 2004 my Fiancée and I traveled to Sweden to pick up my new S60. It was a wonderful experience and most of it was paid for by Volvo. Im in to my forth year now and early last year I had an issue that never got resolved. While driving one day my side view mirror glass began to wobble. I quickly pushed on it and that prevented it from falling off. Five days latter while making a left hand turn my passenger side view glass mirror fell of and crashed to the ground. I contacted my Volvo dealer where I had been taking my car for service for four years and they replaced the mirrors and charged me. I thought that wasnt right because it had to be a manufacturing defect.

• 

  Wow! - 2006 Volvo S60
  By David Kasten - February 21 - 12:30 am

  This is overall a great car and fantastic value for money. It is an extremely comfortable car with a great ride. Pickup is extremely smooth and vibrant.

• 

  S60R Review - 2004 Volvo S60
  By chiro444 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the perfect car for me. All wheel drive, 6 speed manual transmission, electronic suspension and 300 horsepower. Plus it safisfies the need for a "family car" with four doors and reasonable gas mileage.

• 

  Smiles Every Day - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Nick - February 16 - 7:53 am

  This car has two personalities: casual cruiser, all-business performer. I have done two 8-hour+ trips in this car and arrived fresh. But on tight curves or in tough traffic, change the suspension and it will deliver. Sport and advanced settings deliver good road feel. No torque-steer noticed on hard acceleration. Brakes are excellent. I love entering the highway from a standing start...then glancing in the mirror. My mileage is a few MPGs above rated. Parktronic is a must-have, and watch the blind spot off the left. Winter road grip (w/ snow tires) is rock solid. Manual shifter takes practice, but is smooth. No mechanical problems.