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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  Enjoyable, but quality concerns - 2004 Volvo S60
  By porterj - December 19 - 2:00 am

  The dealer experience was only average at best, however I felt the S60 offered the best value. I also strongly preferred the European feel of this car to its Japanese made competition. Car is very well laid out, has a fantastic all wheel drive system.

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  My 1st Volvo - 2003 Volvo S60
  By RRomanel - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Several of my friends have owned Volvos for years. I never liked the older "box" type models. The S60 is a real good looking cars. Great features and the it has the best seats youll ever sit in. Dont let the 168 hp worry you -- the engine has plenty of power and torque. Very nice ride.

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  fantastic - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Chavez - December 18 - 11:06 am

  The car is fantastic. Has pretty much every option I wanted, but about $3,000- $7,000 less than similar category cars. Also, I have 50,000 more miles of Volvo certified warranty...

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  Great bang for the buck - 2005 Volvo S60
  By daytrip4fun - December 15 - 3:46 pm

  I compared the Volvo s60r to similar models from Audi, Saab, and BMW. The volvo provided more performance, luxry, and features for less! This car is extremely fun to drive and handles very well. There are not many of these cars on the road, heads turn when they see this Volvo coming... As far as annoyances, the glove box is of poor design and rattles, the dealerships offer no help. It is an admitted problem with the s60 series. As with most performance cars, it REQUIRES the 91 octane fuel, so be ware of that... The car now has about 4k miles on it, tire are already not gripping as well as they did the first day. Of course, I corner sharply at every opportunity!! Love the car...

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  If you can only have ONE CAR... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Shadowfax R - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the car to get if you can only have ONE car. It is luxurious and fast, without the S4/M3/C32AMG price tag, but arguably without the status either. It doesnt perform (speed and handling) like the cheaper EVO or STI , but its a car you can drive to a business event and take long road trips without punishing you and your passengers with the ride quality. The S60R is tastefully understated and doesnt attract unwanted attention, but yet an automobile connoisseur will know exactly what it is and what it can do. It is the best all-around car in the $40k range. If you can have 2 cars, then I would get a roadster and an SUV.

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  Dont think Id buy another one. - 2002 Volvo S60
  By ratcher - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is fine for someone who rarely transports more than one passenger unless the backseat is for kids. It drives well on all kinds of roads. The interior layout is okay; the stereo system is confusing and a pain to use. They needed to add a changer for the component as well as station/track on the steering wheel. The airconditioning system is also confusing. Blind spots make backing out an adventure, though the flip down rear head rests are helpful. The battery is nearly inaccessible in the trunk (you must hold the trunk floor up with your head to access it), though a jump point is located underneath the hood. Pricey for the quality of the car.

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  Exterior Beauty - 2004 Volvo S60
  By amspychalski - December 12 - 3:00 pm

  Bought my S60 used with 60k miles, and couldnt be happier with the price I paid. While I was not completely happy with the overall acceleration from stop (which was greatly improved by adding a cool-air intake for $30), the performance and handling of the car is great. Before the addition of the intake, the car got 30 mpg (around 35 with). I get positive comments all the time regarding the looks of the car. The bi-xenon headlamps, leather interior, and 18 inch wheels are must-have options that drastically change the appearance of the car. The handling on windy roads is fantastic. Acceleration from stop is not great, but makes up for it in the quick jump it can make from 40 to 80+ mph

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  Bad Bad Tires! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By confussed veteran - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 240 dl,850,940,andloved them all!I thought the s60 would be a step up!I love the bodystyle,heated seats,& gadgets.But there is a HUGE problem with the car,it haslow profile tires!5 blow out/flats in 1.5years!I beleive this is directly related to the wheel base size and the tire size.In my total driving experience with a volvo I have never had a flat or blow out! I fear this is a serious design flaw and would warn anyone about purchasing the car with the low profile tires on it! They are very expensive and replacing the tires is making me have a bad taste in my mouth with a company I have loved for so long.

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  Volvo S60 2.4T - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Roger LeVine - November 28 - 7:26 pm

  Generally happy with the S60. The only complaint I have is an excessive amount of wind noise comeing from the front pass. door. I took it to the dealr once for a repair. They changed out the window front pass. window but there was no improvement.

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  a good allround car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By mark - November 26 - 10:50 pm

  I bought the 2002 s60 base model in 2003. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. VERY SAFE! I worked for years in a trauma room and wanted a safe car and this is it. VERY comfortable too. Most comfy seats of ANY car! performance is fine for a comfort sedan, but its not a BMW, ppl! If u want a BMW sports car, but it. This is a comfort/safety car. VERY reliable. 6 years and NO problems! Upgraded foglights and headlights (replaced crappy ones with xenon). Luxurious, thick leather! Smooth, comfy ride. Feel safe, which u should in a volvo. Expensive maintenance, but well worth it. I am VERY happy with this. DO NOT buy the Turbo, u lose LOTS reselling it cuz they know u hotrodded it