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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  Overall, a good car. - 2001 Volvo S60
  By dimitris - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Volvo has opened up to a new segment with this new, less boxy style. The car has been both a pleasure and an annoyance. Pleasure is the feeling of comfort, safety, gas mileage. Annoyance is having the car die on us (battery & alternator) on the day our first kid was born! Dealer service is somewhat poor compared to the average German Luxury Sedan. Lexus is classes above in that area. Volvo does make good cars, with safety and comfort being the key points. However, be prepared to sporadic breakdown and spotty dealership service. Volvo wants to play in the luxury league, yet theyre not there yet...

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  Good start but could use a little help.... - 2013 Volvo S60
  By jimdd - October 9 - 12:28 pm

  Been driving my S60 R-Design for just over a year. Great styling differentiates this car from a standard A4 or 3-Series. Motor is smooth and powerful with very little or no turbo lag. Interior is clean and comes off like a German car with a little twist. I actually use the on-dash dial pad often. Its not simply a gimmick. All in all, its a nice upgrade from my G37x but leaves me wanting just a little more. Maybe Ill consider the new Limited Edition R-Design if it isnt cost prohibitive.

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  A Nice Upscale Vehicle - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Sunny Blue Skies - October 8 - 1:50 am

  I bought my 2002 S60 in 2004. The car already had 75,000 miles on it from being a corporate lease vehicle. I was a bit leery at first to pay a higher price for such high miles. So far, I have had the small things wrong. Repair is fairly comparable if you get it done at a non-dealer repair shop. Sad to say the repair shop I took mine to for most of my ownership, ruined my oil drain plug opening, and now I am faced with an $800 repair for a new pan as the hole can not be repaired. Also the fuel door hinge broke and now I have to place the door on the trunk at fill up, but that part is only 10 bucks and I will repair myself. Overall its an ok car, hopefully Volvo has improved any issues.

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  Value - 2006 Volvo S60
  By S60R_Boy - September 3 - 9:30 pm

  Its true that this car is not quite in the same league as the Audi S4, BMW M3, and Mercedes C55. HOWEVER, for about $10,000 less than these German competitors, the Volvo S60R is an outstanding value. I just leased a 2007 model and got an amazing deal. A 36-month lease on an Audi S4, BMW M3, or Mercedes C55 would have cost me an additional $250 per month - not worth it in my opinion. The value proposition presented by the S60R was hard to pass up!

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  We now own 2 - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Aaron Barkus - August 10 - 8:51 am

  I baught this car with 89,000 miles after driving my Parents and falling in love with thier 2012 s60. Once you get on the road its great there is some road noise but its also an older small car. Idle is basically silent and the engine sounds amazing. Mine has the upgraded dolby pro logic 2 sound system and its very loud with great quality but the bass just isnt there, the speakers are very capable the settings just wont let u crank the bass. One thing is when you drive really slowly (parking) and its just warming up it shakes and rattles alot. My t5 averages around 24 mixed driving. most of all you fall in love with this car and you cant say that about and Japanese or German rival.

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  Great Car, Very Comfortable - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Mase - August 8 - 3:03 am

  The seats in this car are extremely comfortable. The layout of the dash is very user friendly and ergonomic. The heated seats were excellent. The sound system (HU650) sounds superb. Few parts are flimsy. Rattles too much. Could be a smoother ride. Very quite. Too much curb weight when taking corners. Very fast car. Slow at first, but once at about 35 mph, this car accelerates very smoothly. The turbo is amazing. Makes passing cars on the highway a pleasure. Extremely comfortably ride at 70+ mph. Excellent car, could handle just a bit better.

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  2005 S60 - 2005 Volvo S60
  By BC Volvo driver - July 26 - 9:46 pm

  Overall, a great car. Fun to drive, very comfortable. Luxury interior with the leather package, great options. Nice sound system. Feels like a luxury sedan - a joy to drive. Small enough to get around easily in city, fits into small parking spaces.

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  sweds build a nise knife - 2001 Volvo S60
  By salbfone - July 22 - 10:00 am

  nice car abit small in side, brakes to quick to grab, wish volvo had a v6, gas door does not lock, no trunk or gas release lever very annoying, radio reception not great, but besides these small but important things a very nice car with very good promise.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Max Monrovia - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Cant beat it for the money, Unless you want to drive something ugly. Its fun to drive, fast, and quick. I find myself driving much faster than normal and cursing those who drive merely 10mph over the speedlimit, because the car makes it so easy to do. Looks good (specially for a Volvo). Plus it has all of the thoughtful conviences youd expect from a luxury car.

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  steering/poor - 2002 Volvo S60
  By R.J.D. - July 10 - 10:00 am

  When taking turns, they are poor because ,of front wheel drive.Very tuff in tight parking spots.Try it before you buy.GOOD LUCK.