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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Shocked - 2007 Volvo S60
By jetwet1 - June 6 - 9:50 amThe first car we test drove was a 07 S60, we both liked the car a lot but we had other cars to test drive. After test driving every 4 door salon on the market we came back to the Volvo, it was everything we wanted. Great performance, very comfortable, good fuel economy and of course being a Volvo very safe. After a month of ownership, well the negative is of course the back seat, if you are traveling with friends make sure the dont have legs, on the other hand if your like us and dont have to worry about people in the back seat then this is a car to look at. On the highway it is a fantastic cruiser, ranking right up there with my 500E. In short, test drive it, you may well be shocked.
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Not the car for me - 2002 Volvo S60
By Mr. B - June 3 - 1:46 amI have had this car for 3 and a half years now and have more gripes about it as it gets older. There are bright some bright spots but it accelerates slowly (i run the car on premium and use synthetic oil btw) really gets slow after about 80, and has so-so handling. The car has left me stranded twice, things that have broken on it: the key would not remove from the ignition (dealer said theyve never seen this before), its AC turns on by itself when the car is sitting for over 40 minutes with no keys in it (dealer replaced the whole fan and it did nothing), the right side blows hot air and left side blows cold air and the dealer cant seem to fix it, the gas panel door has fallen off etc...
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Solid Car and Fun to Drive - 2002 Volvo S60
By Andy - June 2 - 10:00 amSteering and braking are excellent and have spared me from at least two accidents. Love the acceleration and handling at highway speeds. Leather interior is comfortable and has stood up exceptionally well to the wear and tear of two young boys. Will definitely buy another Volvo but only after this one wears out.
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Absolutely amazing! - 2012 Volvo S60
By nelaco - May 30 - 6:42 amWe love this car! We also have an XC90 from 05. Both cars have been extremely reliable. Just follow the regular maintenance intervals and youll be fine. Fairly inexpensive to maintain if you do your own work. This car drives like a dream. The handling is amazing. Performance is great, and even better if you switch to Sport mode but no need really. Beautiful cabin.
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Not Your Fathers Volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
By sesvs43 - May 29 - 2:00 amWithout a doubt this is the best sports sedan for the price, hands down. With all factors considered (performance, comfort, quality, reliability, technology and cost of insurance), there is not a luxary sports sedan on the road that can touch it for the money. I have previously owned BMW and Mercedes sport sedans. While BMW and Mercedes provide a better car in some areas, when you factor in the whole package, these cars cost thousands (10-20K) more to outdo the S60R. From a performance standpoint, go ahead and drive one, it will leave non high- performance V8s and most 6s staring at the S60 Rs tail-lights. Its a wolf in sheeps clothing!
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My Comfort Sport Car - 2004 Volvo S60
By GAZ - May 24 - 2:00 amOverall a fine Sports sedan. Very comfortable drivers power seat, lots of room in front/great interior. Plenty of power ( must get the Turbo), to move on to highways safely, and pass when needed. Car looks sleek, and love the leather and the sunroof. I enjoy driving this car. With airbags and Antilock breaks--its a VolVo--I feel as safe as one can be in a Sports sedan
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sleeper - 2005 Volvo S60
By sleeper - May 18 - 5:03 amThe S60R with spoilers is gorgeous! The interior luxurious. It smells great, and it feels wonderful. The lumbar and the enveloping feeling of the seats feels comfortable and supportive at the same time. The 300 hp is unbelievable. Smooth transitions, nimble, yet stable, and quiet. The roar is not quite a BMW roar, but it is not bad either. It is a fun car to drive........Husband says it reminds him of his C4 because the all wheel drive is similar.
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Glorified Yugo - 2004 Volvo S60
By Doug - May 12 - 3:56 amI can agree with the safety and reliability written about this car. The comfort is just marginal. What destroys this car is the turning radius! The car is slow and the gas mileage is average. The interior is sooo small. I have a child seat in the back and it takes over the backseat! Being 62" is a real problem with the interior size. Overall, I would never get another Volvo!
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Volvo strikes success again! - 2005 Volvo S60
By LOVE THE S60! - May 6 - 12:23 amWe had a 1999 S70 GLT and currently have a 2004 XC90. We traded in a 2005 Saab for as 2005 S60T this past weekend, and love the car. Feels heavy, handles well, and we expect it will be very safe and reliable. We have had an excellent track record with our Volvo purchases. My wife likes the car better than the Mercedes C240 we had (before the Saab), and hopefully it will be OUT of the shop much more than the Mercedes. Gets better mileage than the Saab we had (both were turbos) or the Mercedes.
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Poor dealer service - 2005 Volvo S60
By Rob Erb - May 2 - 11:36 pmThe vehicle itself is fantastic, very quick and the 6 speed manual is the only way to go. It has a bit of a rough ride and a very low profile but is an exceptional piece of work. Beware of the wide turn radius on u-turns or in garages, it is more work than my last SUV. The bi-xenon headlights were adjusted wrong and it took me 3 days at the dealership to get it right, now I can actuially see at night.
