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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  A Prince of Cars - 2002 Volvo S60
  By trusgold - July 24 - 10:00 am

  reliable and the volvo people are so so so attentive

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  Volvo S60R - 2006 Volvo S60
  By outlawez - July 12 - 8:43 am

  Excellent car...very roomy throughout the front seats, rear seating could be larger. Safety features on this car are top-notch. When considering a safe, fun four door nothing else compares.

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  Definitely Recommend - 2003 Volvo S60
  By M_T - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I had S60 AWD for 8 months. No problems. Fun to drive. Also considered AUDI and BMW. Definitely recommend

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  Great car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Matthew - July 10 - 7:43 pm

  I purchased this T5 with 50K on it from a Volvo dealer figuring they would have auctioned it off if it was bad. This car has been a joy to drive, fast and fun, with no machanical issues. At 113K, it still feels new. I have had a few repairs but no big deal over all. I will be looking to buy the R once I reach 200K on this one.

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  Im never buying a different car! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By ikey - July 9 - 5:53 pm

  The S60 has been a pleasure to drive. 247HP out of a turbo 2.3L I-5 is quite impressive and it is very reasonable with fuel. My mixed average is 25MPG, which is comparable to that of smaller cars. A lot of attention has been given to details and the build quality; it feels solid and is a quiet ride. The outside design is tasteful and simple and the interior is nicely laid out and ergonomic.

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  Great - 2003 Volvo S60
  By dgghh/dfghf - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is comfable, this is the best car I have ever had

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  An outstanding sedan - 2013 Volvo S60
  By smerdyakov - June 22 - 10:02 pm

  In the last three years I have had an Audi A4 quatrro and a Buick Regal GS, and this car is superior to both of them. The seats are the best that I have ever had, and the 6 cylinder turbo is powerful, and runs on regular fuel. Unlike the same feature in many other cars, the Sport mode enhances performance considerably. It is quiet, smooth, and much faster than I had expected. Mileage tends to average about 32 mpg on the highway, which is not outstanding but adequate. Interior and exterior styling is restrained and elegant, and the layout for all controls is excellent. I dont understand why I feel so few of these cars on the street.

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  Bimmer to R - and very impressed - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Leejlb - June 17 - 6:20 pm

  I traded my 540 in on a Volvo R and its hard explain my enthusiasm. Sure, a Bimmer is performance - and Volvo stands for safety - until you drive it. Total performance all the time. Going for groceries has never been a faster trip and what a sleeper. One of the faster 4 door sedans on the road and the "R" emblem seems to disappear at a red light to the unsuspecting teenie racer with the lawn mower exhaust next to you... Great car so far - hope its BMW reliable in the future... :))

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  SUPRISED - 2016 Volvo S60
  By neil - June 12 - 9:53 pm

  im having fun with this car -i like the rumble of the 4 cylinder -visibility is great -seat comfort perfect -overall in/out size is ideal -nice tight ride that feels sporty after deriving two genesis for the last six years -economy is outstanding

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  I love it! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Michelle - June 10 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my Volvo S60 new in 2001 and just turned 92,000 miles. For the most part, I have taken the car in for regular service maintenance. It has been a solid, reliable and fun to drive car. I have read some of the reviews below and I dont know why I havent experienced any of the issues. The only thing I can say, is my car was maintained through the dealership. As the salesperson suggested, I changed the oil every 7,500 miles not the 3,500 recommended for most cars. Volvo has truly delivered with this car! The seats are comfortable. I have sat in the drivers and front, passenger seat and have absolutely no complaints.