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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  Beautiful Vehicle - 2012 Volvo S60
  By piplanih - March 10 - 8:40 pm

  Bought my first Volvo couple of weeks back. The exterior really wowed me initially when I saw this car at the Minneapolis Auto Show during the Fall of 2011. In my mind, the looks are only half a step behind the Audi A7 (which costs 2x the volvo) and better than BMW or MB. The interior is clean, solid and classy. Controls are well situated and I really like the standard connectivity. As advertised, the seats are really good and supportive! Last, the car drives very well. Very smooth power delivery. And quick too. Using the manual mode shifter, I was in 6th gear at 2500 rpm!

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  So far, still good. - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Ybba - March 6 - 7:06 pm

  Its been a year and Im even more impressed and pleased with my purchase. Went on a couple of road trips from MA to VA on I95, through major cities like Stanford, NYC, DC, Richmond. 31MPG - Impressive. The comfort of the driving position is wonderful. I am reminded of the line from a competitor "... when you turn your car on, does it return the favor?" In this case a resounding yes! Climate, seating, interior quality, reliability - all excellent. Engine purrs at night. Had two service visits and the only thing changed were indicator bulbs. 1 year and 16000 miles later I am happy with my choice.

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  Stylish and Safe - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Kim - March 6 - 10:20 am

  I have been longing for the S60 ever since it first came out. I jumped the gun and bought the S40 in 2000, and was not too happy with it. I did not stray from the Volvo family, in 2004 I traded in the S40 for the S60. So far I could not be happier. The look and style of the car is sporty yet classy. I do not have the turbo, yet it had definitely got a lot of pep to it. Not so quick out of the gate, but on highway, really nice ride. I am a fan and would reco. this car to others. Now, I have my eyes on the S80...the plan is to keep upgrading!

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  nice sports sedan and a deal on the 2009 - 2009 Volvo S60
  By marcy,ny - February 27 - 2:30 pm

  This s60 is like a sports sedan, not luxary. The 2.5 turbo is great. The front seats like sitting in a cockpit. I owned a 2002 passat, 2006 passat, 2008 Nissan maxima. The max ride was better, but this car is easier to drive, more like the passats but better. I just $9000. Off on the s60. As they are clearing them out for a redesign. These cars are a bit overpriced normally I wouldnt look at this make but with this money off was a better deal than the new maxima. Classy little sedan.

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  Fantastic Volvo S60 T6 - 2012 Volvo S60
  By atlas4 - February 26 - 8:42 pm

  Purchased the Volvo 2012 S60 T6 after owning a 2011 BMW 328i for 13 months (bought in June 2010). I can say the Volvo beats the BMW in every area. The S60 is a very fun car to drive, the interior is very comfortable well layed out and easy to use. The safety features are first rate. We test drove both the T5 and T6 but like the T6 much better, it just has a better feel on the road and the T6 is much more smoother than the T5. This is a great car for the value, with many items that come standard vs. others like BMW and Audi. Engine uses regular and the 5 year/50,000 mile maintenance care is excellent. I highly recommend this car.

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  Awesome Volvo S60 AWD - 2003 Volvo S60
  By SilverBullet - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This Car satisfies all the needs of this owner. Performance, Exterior and Interior Styling and above all Safety. By far the best car I have ever owned.

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  My Lemon - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Carlh - February 23 - 9:10 am

  I bought the car at around 80K miles and the car checked out fine from my Volvo mechanic. After a snow storm, the bottom of the car was basically corroded and I needed to replace the entire exhaust system and several brackets. I was unable to find tires that would not rub against the interior wheel well, so it made this awful rubbing sound whenever I turned. The tire company insisted they sold me the manufacturer recommended tires. At 113K miles, the transmission gave out. Repair estimates are $5000-$7000. The car is basically junk now.

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  The car your wife will let you have. - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Carlos Stevenson - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This car was a Blast its 300+ hp engine refined handling and comfortable seats make it the best. But unfortunately its styling is a little bland and i would have rather had a benz. For those of you who have wives and want a safe car while you want a fire breathing racer this is a good comprimise.

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  Excellent Alternative - 2004 Volvo S60
  By biscuit - February 17 - 10:00 am

  If you want to consider a viable alternative to the BMW or Audi, you should look at the Volvo S60R. It is extremely quick, comfortable and well constructed. Its price point is better than its competitors. Overall, there is significant value in this car. There have been no problems or defects noted since we picked the car up in May.

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  NOT THE FAMILY CAR WE WERE LOOKING FOR!! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By kris - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car, if you dont have young children, in car seats! Only one rear facing car seat on the market fits in the car, and it cant be placed in the center, (the safest place in the car for children) by the way the car seat costs $300.00! If you use any other car seat, the passenger seat cannot be used. So much for our family car. Doors dent and scratch very easily. CD player has problems, fuel gage says it has gas, but car wont start?