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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  Not quite a BMW yet...fun anyway - 2002 Volvo S60
  By CanadaEh! - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Tromp on the gas peddle and youll fly by many cars. The turbo lag is annoying, as it the slow shifting "tiptronic", but on a straight line, once the turbo kicks in, look out. My only issue is with handling around corning - too much power and chassis needs to be tuned to handle the power of the car. Excellent design, not a fancy electonic stability system, should be the force behind handling. The interior is, quite frankly, flawless. The most comfortable and well designed car on the market.

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  Sweet car, poor reliability - 2002 Volvo S60
  By MODandANGRY - March 30 - 2:16 pm

  By far, one of my favorite cars EVER!!! Too bad its always in the shop. I now only have 57K, and the Central Control Module has crapped out twice. Ive also had to replace the clutch master cylinder which wasnt covered under warranty for $800. So far, these two are the only serious problems, but other little electrical things occur. The power window switches wont work, the radio randomly turns on and off, any number of light bulbs are constantly burning out, and the headliner vibrates which can be VERY irritating at times. I would recomend the 5sp. Besides the master cylinder no other problems, unlike the auto. Problems aside, this is an EXTREMELY fun and comfortable car to drive.

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  Relability Stinks - 2008 Volvo S60
  By lordway - March 21 - 8:03 am

  I liked this car a lot when I first bought it. Now I regret my purchase. Its too small for a normal sized person and forget about fitting anyone in the back seat. Its too small for even a child. The trunk space is not practical. Its not a true sport sedan and the gas mileage is poor considering its size and that it has only 5 cylinders. Furthermore, the relability is suspect. It has been to the dealership 4 times in 4 months for two intermitent problems (antilock brakes and the radio). No resolution for the second problem yet. The dealer has not been able to fix the problem without keeping the car for a week at a time. Bottom line: Dont make my mistake, buy Japanese.

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  S60 R - 2006 Volvo S60
  By SCMJ - March 18 - 4:56 am

  The S60 R is an outstanding car. I recommend this car to everybody. The best feature of this car is the active chassis setting. You really see the difference in handling on the different road types. The performance of the car is great. My transmission is auto, the manual trans take away one full sec from 0-60. The quality of the interior is excellent; you will see all the gizmos that the car has. The space of the back seats is very small. But if you have kids just buy a mini van. If you are going to buy a Volvo s60r I recommend you to buy the sport body option. This option gives the car the sporty look that will turn head.This car is also AWD; basically the car is glue to the road.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Billd0no - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The S60 is my every day driver. I also drive a 98 Corvette convertible. The S60 isnt as much fun, but only a nut drives a Vette in Midwest Winter weather. I especially like the way it has handled this crummy weather weve had. Its sure-footed. My wife keeps commenting on how comfortable the seating is. I have to agree. I had read a review about some minor annoyances others have experienced with this model. So far I cant see what the complaining is about. Would there be some things Id like to see changed? Of course, since no car gets everything right. But for my monthly lease payment Im very satisfied.

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  Could be better - 2002 Volvo S60
  By pjw - March 15 - 3:26 am

  I bought Volvo primarily for the safety features. However, Ive had several disappointing occurrences with performance. The transmission slips from time to time. The door locks are constantly out of sync. I made 4 trips to the dealer for warning lights about the engine without resolution until a recall solved the problem. I expected a more luxurious interior/panel for the price. The buttons, knobs on the panel look cheap - my compromise for safety. Im in the market for a new car and wont be a repeat Volvo customer.

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  From Mercedes to Volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By QualityFreak - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 2001 Mercedes C240 to the Volvo. The Volvo has much better acceleration and the ride is more sports-like (which is either good or bad depending on your taste.) The interior is gorgeous despite fewer luxury touches than the Merc. Build quality is excellent and the seats are the best Ive tried. The "thunk factor" on doors and trunk lid give an impression of better quality than the Merc.

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  2006 S60R - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Lily - February 9 - 9:06 pm

  This car is amazing! Surpassed my expectations. Its fast, comfortable, sleek, sporty, sexy. Too bad she cant be driven the way shes meant to be, which is way over the speed limit! Love shocking the guys when they see a woman behind the wheel just blew away their M3.

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  Volvo is a solid sweet ride - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Rachel Miller - February 8 - 2:50 pm

  very fun to drive. its really good looking and sporty in 2005 with the side molding matching the paint-looks a lot sleeker. my 2.5 t has great pick- up. I also like that it is not as common as the 3-series bmws. volvo silver is very nice

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  2015 S60 T5 - 2015 Volvo S60
  By thrux - February 7 - 2:20 am

  I recently finished a lease of a 2012 S60 that I loved. The 2015.5 is even better. I had an incredibly hard time finding a better overall value. The fuel efficiency, performance, price and feature mix is tough to beat.