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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  Couldnt be happier - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Jim - April 25 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned my S60 for three months, and have 2,400 miles on it. The car has performed perfectly, with no flaws mechanically or in its worksmanship. I enjoy the interior comfort, and the turbocharged engine, which really jumps when you punch the pedal. I get about 21 mpg in town, and 29 mpg on the open road. The car is agile on the road, feels firm, and gives a smooth ride. To me, its a much better car and value than competitors at Acura, BMW and Lexus.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Kirrannus - April 24 - 4:53 am

  Excellent touring car with good power. Drives well in winter with the DSTC. Steering column controls are easily accessed.

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  Fun car - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Bob R. - April 19 - 1:33 am

  Purchased the car with 1500 miles on it in September. Impressed with the comfort of the front seats although the back seat legroom can be a bit tight for those over six feet. Instrumentation is handy and functional. The car responds well in passing situations and seems to hug the road with no problems. No rattles or shakes noted to date. The design of the car is sporty w/o being presumptuous. I enjoy the fact the the car is not as common as the BMW and Lexus.

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  Good But Could be Great - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Glenn S - April 12 - 2:00 am

  The AWD S60 does deliver in looks, comfort and bad weather handling. Probably the best Ive ever had in snow. Extremely comfortable and great amenities. Safety should be great. The car is reasonably fast and can corner extremely well. The Achilles heel is a strange suspension that wiggles and jiggles you to the point of distraction. Most small road variations get translated into movement within the car - sharp, annoying and fatiguing. Ultimately I am less confident at speed than in say the Audi A-4, which felt much more solid.

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  Love this car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By ladyjean - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Volvo and I couldnt be more pleased. Every time I buy a new car I test drive similar makes but always come back to the Volvo. My last Volvo was the S40; I wanted a bit more room and luxury and the S60 delivers on both. I chose the titanium grey with taupe leather. I look forward to driving it, its responsive, comfortable, fun and great to look at. My favorite Volvo by far!!

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  Great Deal - 2002 Volvo S60
  By af - April 6 - 10:00 am

  First of all, the deal was great. 36 month lease, 1st month lease payment free, $2800. below MSRP, 0.34% interest rate! The car has been perfect for a rough New England winter. Only two minor problems. One was weird "service engine" messages from the message center which were untraceable and the other was an easily depleted battery with minimal radio use while engine off.

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  love my volvo s60 AWD - 2002 Volvo S60
  By trusgold - April 1 - 10:00 am

  i am happy with this car. good stereo comfy seats good a/c

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  The R-evolution! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Brian L - March 30 - 9:06 am

  After looking at the Audi A4, Bmw 3 series and Saab 9-5 I decided to go with the Volvo S60R and man was I right! This car handles like a dream, has great power off the line and the seats are unbelievable. My relatives all own Audis & BMWs and were extremely impressed when I let them test drive my "R". I had the car ordered from Sweden and it only took 4 weeks to be delivered. I recommend purchasing the "sport body kit" as it lowers the ground clearence for less wind resistance and also for a real sporty look. Ive only owned the car 1 month and had 10 people comment on the style. Whats best is many other European cars will not know what this car can do so let them try, then gas it!

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  STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR!!! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Vick M. - March 26 - 9:57 pm

  Reading the reviews on here, I cant believe my eyes. But then I see that most people raving about this car also say this is one of the only cars theyve ever owned, so that puts things into context. This is HORRIBLY EXPENSIVE AND UNRELIABLE CAR. Ill get into that in a little while, but let me list the pros and cons before I list all the reliability issues. Pros - Exterior has a classic, timeless look. Not unlike a similar year BMW 5 Series. - Luxury car with low resale value, inexpensive to buy - Great Handling on corners - Turbo Engine available with non-premium gas Cons - TURNING RADIUS IS THE WORST IVE EVER SEEN IN A SEDAN. - Horribly designed cabin. Cheap hard plastic at literally all of the places you rest your knees when you drive. (Door handle and side of middle gear shift console). - Small back window and poor visibility - Fuel Economy is crap. Its 19/27 and most of the 3 years I spent driving this car, I averaged sub 21 mpg. Its only recently with 90% highway driving that Im getting 24 mpg combined - Sound System and Speakers are lacking - Center console/dash is just ugly - Green interior lights give it a 1980s feel. My 03 Honda Accord Coupe had red and gray. Now for the REAL problem. I bought this used with 75K and am now at 120K. I made the decision early on not to put money into this vehicle unless it was for required maintenance Best decision Ive made as it has saved me over 10K in repairs in that time. - CD Player doesnt eject any CDs or take any CDs in. On/Off button is glitchy, and there is an electrical short somewhere in the car that Im 90 % sure is related to the non-working audio system. I havent used it AT ALL for the last 15K miles because it almost killed me, twice. - That electrical short, on TWO occasions, KNOCKED OUT THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER AND MY CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO EXPLODE! I HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND CALL TRIPLE AAA. I literally havent turned on stereo since because Im scared for my life when I drive this car. Both times the transmission shop said that nothing can be done because the short is ruining the transmission computer unless I want to spend hundreds of dollars to find the short. Better not to use the stereo at all. - The drivers side leather seat has completely ripped at both sides. The passengers side power window adjuster broke so now I cant use that window (the part is 300+) and the shocks on that side are messed up too. - There is rattling from 3 or 4 different areas and the window noise from the passengers side window is super loud. - The Fuel gauge is idiotic. 75-80% of your car fuel can be used and still be on half way and then the other half of your fuel gauge empties out incredibly quickly. This is a HORRIBLE car. I had a 03 Honda Accord coupe that was in a frontal collision and drove for 130K miles with absolutely no problems even coming close to the issues Ive had with this car. STAY AWAY.

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  A good car to own - 2001 Volvo S60
  By turbos60 - March 23 - 12:00 am

  Im 24 years old and I got the car when it first came out. I have never had problems with the car except the fuel door falling off. I have over a hundred thousand miles one the car and never had any issues. The next one Im going to is going to be the volvo s60 R. I love the car and would not trade it in on anything. I purchased the evolve programmer and the advanced exhaust system and it opened the car up. if you have the money def get get the evolve kit.