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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  Good and TBD - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Cristian - October 10 - 5:40 pm

  Love driving this car! I bought one with Geartronic and all options except nav. My other car is a 99 Boxster and it is going to spend a lot of time in the garage now. The bad is the temp sensor went out the first weekend I had the car. Remains to be seen if reliability will dull my enthusiasm for the car I enjoyed test driving more than the A4 3.2 Quattro and 330xi.

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  Very Surprised - 2004 Volvo S60
  By listen105 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Audi A4, Saab linear and aero, and BMW 325i models were the cars I was test driving as a potential second car (have 4x4 for winter conditions and needed cargo space). I drove 04 S60 turbo on a lark, and was completely not expecting the speed (have an old Volvo wagon turbo also -should not have been TOO surprised I guess) at such quiet acceleration. It was a complete surprise to drive - for under 30K US dollars, a true bargain.

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  Practically Fun! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By cade8 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Build quality is much better than the 01 model I had sold. The power feels great and the clutch is not as bad as I have read in the car magazines. The engine feels smooth to me up and the car is deceptively fast...was touching 100 while passing a row of trucks without realizing it. The ride in sport mode is also better than I expected. Had the opportunity to run with (blow by) a 330i with sport package...looking forward to the snow with all-season tires!

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  My Sexy S60 - 2011 Volvo S60
  By ravidas - October 5 - 9:40 pm

  When I first test drove the car here in Michigan, I did not want to stop driving it. It felt that good! It was a pure monster with poise, elegance and personality. Then I went to Gothenburg to pick the car up in late Oct 2010 as part of the Overseas Delivery Program. I was blown away by the entire deal: great Swedish hospitality and the truly satisfying factory delivery center experience. Due to timing, I could not drive it around Europe, but was more anxious to have it shipped back to the US! I received it in December, just before Christmas :) To summarise the S60: It is a pure engineering marvel, that blends sportiness and safety in one outstanding package!

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  Volvo, not for old geezers anymore... - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Marc A - October 5 - 5:16 pm

  My wife and I had considered Volvos several times over the years and I finally got tired of the lousy mileage in my truck and traded it in on a Black Sapphire, S60 2.5T with sport package, gorgeous beige leather interior and premium package (including cool wood steering wheel). I thought I would miss my truck but this car is such a pleasure to drive that I havent. Nicely refined, good acceleration and surprisingly good fuel economy. Theres a little too much body lean and the turning radius is a bit wide but other than that, I am extremely pleased. A GREAT alternative to the 3 series BMW, which are a dime a dozen in south Florida. I get lots of looks and compliments. Highly recommended!

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  Great Purchase - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Erica - September 27 - 4:30 am

  I just got this car a few days ago and absolutely love it. Its a lot of fun to drive and feels much heavier than my 01 Honda Civic (which I also liked as well) on the road. Great transmission and excellent power. Jurys still out on gas mileage , but for the smooth ride, its worth it! Also very pleased with all of the safety features. Hope to have the car for a long time to come!

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  Quite the cruiser.. - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Bap106 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I enjoy road travel, and this car has shown us that it is capable of cruising for hours without breaking a sweat. You quickly realize the car just seems to eat up the pavement. We especially enjoy the comfort in knowing the safety features are there...just in case you may need them.

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  Not really a Volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By John Henry - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Volvo - safe, functional cars, right? Well, not really with the S60. Yes it is a fun car to drive, but is this any different than the S40? No, would suggest not spending extra for this car. Seems as if Volvo lost sight of what Volvo stands for. Sure has great handling on perfect road conditions. Get some bad weather though, and look out, big time problems. Finding out safety record is disappointing - another non-Volvo feature. Forget using back seat - this really should be a coupe, not a sedan.

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  So far so Good - 2007 Volvo S60
  By blawdog - September 12 - 9:13 pm

  Sports package really makes a difference. I test drove a premium without the sport upgrade and was disappointed. When mine arrived on the back of a carrier with 2.7 miles and a surprise sports package I was delighted.

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  S60 Volvo 2.5T - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Gemini - September 8 - 4:26 pm

  alot of fun to drive. Holds the road better than originally expected. Fuel economy is better than expected as well. 208 hp have plenty of power. The leather seats are very comfortable, especially on long drives. The sound system is awesome. The fold down seats are also a great feature.