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:

• 

  Ultimate Volvo Turn On - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Hilltop Volvo Fan - August 12 - 7:53 am

  Volvo epitomizes "safety" to me and most important feature in a car for me was simply a comfortable, safe, and affordable ride until I bought a used 2004 S60R that has completely rocked my world! What a beast! I love the way the car handles, drives, and looks. AWD and lightning fast acceleration and solid braking... man, I am in love!

• 

  Great used value. Safe and sporty - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Popps - August 9 - 10:50 pm

  I love my S60, even with its flaws. In my opinion, the best looking body of any sports sedan. Great reliability history, especially for a Volvo. Lets hope they continue this trend. Ride is good. Peppy, but Id prefer a bit more power. (I have 2.4T) Interior design is fine, but could be a bit more refined for a luxury sedan. (See Infiniti) Gas mileage is surprisingly good. An excellent used value, as Volvos dont hold value like a BMW/Mercedes. Again, its not perfect, but I love mine and doubt youll do any better for the money in the used market.

• 

  Smooth Ride, but at what cost? - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Still ridin - August 8 - 10:13 am

  This car is amazing. Definitely an eye turner. Great acceleration in top gear when pulling away from traffic or overtaking slower cars. I have a geartronic and I believe that it needs to be six gears and not five (Volvo corrects this with the latest models). The front seats are comfortable for taller people. Theres a lack of storage space for things but otherwise not bad. I noticed fuel economy got better after approx 15K miles. Can somebody please do something about the turning radius and the wheels?

• 

  Stay AWAY FORM THE AUTOMATIC - 2004 Volvo S60
  By bigmistake - August 6 - 10:00 am

  After break in I realized just what a total joke the S60R GT/Automatic was. DO yourself a favor and really drive this car prior to buying it. You will find early upshits kill all the performance and just as lousy downshifts limit how much fun, acceleration and control you can experieince with this joke of an R car. The S60 T5 is faster by far as well as other cars in the Volvo line up. I wont even get into VOLVOS total reluctance to acknowledge a problem with the automatic...all they say is operating within specs....yea maybe if it were builf to compete witha Honda accord...heck the honda will beat it in a drag race..I kid you not

• 

  S60 step up - 2004 Volvo S60
  By skm - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I previously leased a Volvo S40 and with the lease coming up, my husband found a private owner of an S60 who needed to sell because of a change in circumstances. We test drove the car and what a step up from the S40. Dont get me wrong, I loved the S40 but my kids quickly outgrew the backseat. The S60 has so much more leg room I am sure I will be keeping it for a long time. The drive is beautiful with a tight steering wheel smaller than I am used to but feels like a race car!

• 

  so NOT for life! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By DL - August 3 - 4:50 pm

  I will never set foot in a Volvo dealership again. First, an acorn cracked the windshield. My husband would NEVER have believed me if he had not been driving the car when it happened. Light bulbs have failed the entire 81,000 miles (I have lost count), gas door fell off, starter replaced TWICE (service says it may have more to do with the solenoid valve), oil pan is shot, car leaks oil. It is currently sitting in my driveway because it will not start for me to unload it on a trade.

• 

  Awesommmme!!! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By KeyBlake - July 31 - 2:00 am

  What a great car! I originally went looking for the C70 convertible, but when I saw this one on the showroom floor, I couldnt resist. Imagine: 4 doors to accommodate a family; 6 speed manual transmission; AWD, 300 HP, and great gas mileage to boot! I love this car.

• 

  Highly Recommend - 2001 Volvo S60
  By mbecker - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has a very tight design. Its like youre driving on a cloud...you dont feel the turns or the fast breaking....

• 

  I Love It - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Ariel - July 27 - 6:46 am

  I bought this car new in 2001 after having 3 Mercedes in a row. I love this Volvo! Zero problems in 7 years. Only have had scheduled oil changes, etc. I bought this car because I demolished my husbands Volvo Wagon on a trip, flipped and rolled it down a ravine -- and opened the door and walked away. I wanted that feeling of safety for myself and have not been disappointed.

• 

  love it - 2004 Volvo S60
  By DONNY - July 26 - 2:00 am

  love this car it is fast and a good car for the highway