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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  Expensive junk! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By scott - February 9 - 10:06 am

  Do not be seduced by the wonderful design and comfort of the 01 S60- it is a complete piece of junk! Transmission has failed, the interior is falling apart, front suspension is garbage (I have spent almost $4000 in front suspension repairs alone). This car is a money pit. And I only have 82,000 miles on it! I am done with it, and cant even sell it, so there it sits in my backyard collecting spiders. Do yourself a favor, buy the BMW 5 series instead, I should have!

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  Tire Problems - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Schulmani - February 2 - 1:53 pm

  I purchased my 05 R certified with 25k miles and loved it until I had to replace all four high performance summer tires (it was covered by certification) then again 2k miles later (not covered by certification). Ugh! So buyer beware the sensitivity of the front suspension and tire wear. Other than that this is a great car - under the radar and superfast. Great performance with volvo safety - if only it was more reliable.

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  Fun Car with Class - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Bob Keenan - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Just lost my 12 year old 5.0 L Mustang and was looking for a more "adult" car (safer with more room). But I did not want to totally lose that engine power that I had with the Mustang. I did a ton of research and narrowed my selection to the Lexus GS300, the W8 Volkswagon Passat, and the Volvo S60 T5. The Volvo just felt right. It looks good, its soooo comfortable, its safe. And when you floor it it almost feels like the ole Mustang.

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  Fun in Sweden - 2005 Volvo S60
  By warran - January 20 - 10:00 am

  picked car up at the factory, drove in Sweden and Norway 850 miles in two weeks,fun car, easy to drive, built for the open road.

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  First car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By mostar94 - January 18 - 4:00 pm

  This was my first car, and sadly had to be ruined by a rear ender :( Overall great car, great safety features, good performance. The only downside I can see is being somewhat pricey when I first bought it (2007), as well as a boring and somewhat small interior. Overall great car, you will be missed bud!

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  S60 Turbo, 2005 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By S60 - January 13 - 10:20 pm

  I was planing to buy a BMW 325i and had test drove it, but before buying it I test drove a S60 2.5T(Turbo). I loved this car. It had great power, all the goodies and by far a better deal. I bought it on the spot and would not change my decision.

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  Beyond my expectations for an Automobile - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Michael Reeves - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Just picked it up last night. All I can say is Wow! Its a great car. it has all the power I desire in a sedan, and is so smooth. And the leather sport seats are so comfortable. And did I mention how nice it looks. I love that fact that it doesnt look like all of the other sedans out there and has its own original styling.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Happy_dadhusband - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Tight steering, excellent breaking, much more enjoyable to drive than the Mercedes E320 AWD or the BMW 330xi. Could use a little more room in the back seat. Pleanty of trunk space. For a luxury-sports car this is one of the nicest Ive driven

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  Swedes do a German Dance! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By criollo2mil - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Fabulous interior feel. The car feels like a much more expensive car. Seats are the most comfortable in the business.

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  Bad Trani - 2002 Volvo S60
  By horaciog - December 19 - 4:43 am

  The car has been ok for the first 75k miles however, thing started to go wrong. This car will not last past 90K miles without having major work done on trani or front suspension.