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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I think I like it. - 2003 Volvo S60
By CeeCee22 - November 5 - 2:00 amI tried to install an alarm system and the anti-theft system already present seems to clash with the new alarm system. Im still dealing with getting that worked out. Also, I live 150 miles from closest dealership and Ive been told that since Im still under factory warranty I will have to return to the dealership should any issues arise. I was told something TOTALLY different at the time of sale. So I feel a little bit misled. As for the car itself. It drives ok. I love the way it looks and have wanted a Volvo for years. A little disappointed with the ride and handling. I thought it would be slightly better.
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Good Purchase - 2001 Volvo S60
By Mike - November 1 - 2:10 amWe purchased this vehicle used with 29K miles on it after test driving nearly everything on the market. We had a few very minor issues after purchasing but the sales and service staff dealt with everything as if we were their only customer, perfectly. AC compressor kicking in is a little rough, gas mileage is great for the car size and weight (29-33 mpg). I traded my Mitsubishi Eclipse for this and never lost the sporty fun. Im at 64K now and no issues. My 13 yr old wants it when im ready for my next Volvo.
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R you having this much fun? - 2004 Volvo S60
By ctekjeff - October 31 - 10:00 amLove my R. Fast and furious looks with the sport package which makes it stand out from the crowd of Audis and BMWs. Car changes behivior at the touch of a button from comfort to race car. The seats are excellent. The turbo is awsome. Sound system is great. Absolute fun to drive. Does not attract too much attention from police (yet).
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Great Car! - 2007 Volvo S60
By J-Mac - October 28 - 7:40 amI purchased my Volvo S60 T5 back in July. I couldnt be more happy with the car. The included features are excellent. It is a sporty sedan that is definitely fun to drive. You owe it to yourself to at least give it a test drive. I drove a half dozen cars when I was shopping around and the S60 was by far the nicest car for the price.
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VOLVO S60 - 2004 Volvo S60
By DORWIN - October 26 - 10:00 amGREAT LOW KEY SALES GROUP. PURCHASED BELOW DEALER INVOICE BECAUSE OF VOLVO INCENTIVES. SOLID ROAD READY CAR THAT ZIPS AROUND TOWN AND IS SOLID ON THE FREEWAY. STYLING WILL NOT BECOME DATED.
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Fun Car - 2005 Volvo S60
By AL Volvo - October 21 - 2:33 pmThe car is extremely fun to drive. It has the most comfortable seats that Ive ridden in. Ive had a couple of little problems but nothing keeping me from recommending this car. The back seat is a little tight.
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Volvo: True to its Mission - 2004 Volvo S60
By mickeyalso - October 12 - 10:00 amVolvo has produced an excellent car in the S60 T5. It has performance, reliability, looks, safety, and value in a European sedan. Furthermore, our dealer treats us like royalty when we come in for service. We have had various other luxury makes (including a BMW M3) and they do not compare to our Volvo experience. Still I do love our 2002 Z06.
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Great Car !! - 2006 Volvo S60
By Fekix - October 5 - 7:03 amThe car is great. Where I live you dont see many Volvos so we get lots of heads turning. The car rides smooth as has plenty of power, the seats or the most comfortable I have sat in.
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Original Owner, 6 yrs later, still love - 2002 Volvo S60
By KentaJeff - October 1 - 10:46 pmI have never kept a car this long, it is still as great as the day I bought it. The car is reliable, fast, and gets good gas mileage. The reliability, the big stuff is great, but I agree with others, my fuel door fell off, and I seem to replace a lot of brake lights. Other than that it has been very good. The engine uses no oil (I design engines for a living , I would know), it maintains very clean oil through the oil life, indications the rings and guides are in good shape still. The paint is amazing, I dont wax it because it seems to not need it, looks new still (not garaged for most of its life).
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Worst car Ive ever owned - 2002 Volvo S60
By Janie Doe - September 22 - 10:00 amI bought this car about a year and a half ago. Since that time, it has been in the shop on no less than 5 occasions for major electrical/computer malfunctions: total shutdown of all electronic read-out; power window,locks and sunroof not working; and brake lights that stay on despite the fact that the car is turned off. I thought I was upgrading from my Honda Civic when I purchased this car, however, the Civic was not in the shop once in the six years I owned it. I would NEVER buy this car again.
