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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  Just dumped my S60 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Mickey - December 4 - 1:30 pm

  I realized early that this car was not perfect. The drivers seat was uncomfortable, the turning radius must be almost 1/2 mile, the back seat is almost useless. But it handles well, has good power and is fairly good on gas so I kept it. 4 months later the odometer turned over 7500 miles and a written notice lights up on the instrument panel to announce that it is time for scheduled maintenance. I exceed the maintenance and frequency called for by Volvo ... but not at the dealer. I told the dealer when I got the car that Id go elsewhere for service based on convenience. Now they tell me that theyll turn this notice off every 7500 miles for $40. Enoughs enough. Traded it 3 hours later

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  Its a Nice car But - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Omajacks - November 23 - 7:40 pm

  I Purchased my S60R in Jan 05. I bought it for the safety, Comfort and Looks. However I have had a few Problems with it like the breaks (when they really get wet they let you and anybody with in 1 city block know it from the screaching it makes, Volvo has looked at multiple times and has yet to fix it.), Turning radius (if I had test driven this car better like in a parking lot I wouldnt have bought it it turns like a semi.) and the front bumper (Dont touch any parking bumpers with both your front tires, Ive done it twice and both times when backing out it has pulled off my bumper and stretched out the bottom of my bumper. ie. a 900 dollar replacement job). Other then that not bad.

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  Sleeper - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Acer - November 18 - 10:43 pm

  After a long research period and a slew of test drives (shucks) I finally selected the S60 R. My selection criteria were: 300 hp, AWD, and convertible; and I looked at GS300 AWD, G35 AWD, Z Roadster, M3, 330 xi, C55 AMG, SLK 350, WRX STi, and S4. None of the cars match all three criteria, but the S60 R did the best at the most affordable price. I also like the fact you dont see them everywhere like you would with a BMW. And aside from a few small "R"s there is nothing that readily identifies this Volvo as the hot rod version. The S60 R is the atheltic WRX STi that has grown up and wearing a suit and tie.

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  Gorgeous Styling - 2003 Volvo S60
  By MikeJr - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The Nautic Blue with 17" Tethys wheels is absolutely gorgeous! The styling is unique and does not look like the other European "jelly bean" sedans. It has an Italian design flair to it.

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  Whats wrong with my Volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Rainman4 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Volvo for dependability and safety. It is a very comfortable car to drive and I like it. However, within 18 months I have had it in the shop for repairs 4 times. Once was the transmission, once the fan and twice the cup holder. The cup holder is once again broken. I am disappointed in the quality of this car.

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  Great car!!!!!! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Chan - November 9 - 1:30 pm

  Awesome car, great pickup. Good ride, comfortable yet sporty and a very "tight" feel to the steering. Sticks to the road like glue! AWD great in the snow. Love the extras and the heated seats a must have for cold climates, forget that for all climates it is like getting a backrub on the way home from work. This car mellows you out after a long day at the office!!!

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  Swede Speed - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Bullit - November 7 - 10:00 am

  An awsome performer, that could take the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Although not quite as refined as the above makes, its definately unique and could give a run for the money. Best Volvo ever built

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  Fast and Furious - 2002 Volvo S60
  By rsochaj - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome, really fun to drive, with exceptional performance

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  S60 is the car to have - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Rick - October 27 - 10:43 pm

  WOW! This is the best purchase that I have done. I feel extremly safe and if I had the money I would buy another volvo for my wife. One of the reasons that I bought this car is for its safety feaures.

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  A great drive - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Volvoägare - October 21 - 5:23 am

  This car is about the best car I have ever driven. It handles like a sports car, in particular when setting the chassis to "advanced". The quality of workmanship is high and both the interior and exterior design leaves nothing more to wish for.