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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  Review 2005 S60 - 2005 Volvo S60
  By zawinul - January 24 - 10:44 pm

  Best car I have owned...the car is smooth no wobble from the front end tracks very good, it is a pleasure to drive.... would I buy another Volvo... yes. I do take very good care of my vehicles I pride myself on that... if the car breaks down it wont be from neglect. when you want to sell your vehicle show the service records... cant argue about price with a maintained vehicle.

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  Fun to drive, good looking, really nice - 2006 Volvo S60
  By abjammin - January 24 - 9:50 am

  Made a decision to purchase this car after evaluating it and several others. Very happy with my choice. BMW was nice but everything is a la carte. Volvo included all the features I needed/wanted in a beautiful pkg thats a blast to drive. Cool looking and very comfortable interior. Only warning is that the sport pkg skirts are very low and the steering in tight places - parking lots is not very tight. Once you get used to it, its fine.

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  so happy!! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By jenn - January 17 - 10:00 am

  We drove pretty much every imaginable car, truck and SUV out there before we settled on the Volvo. Ive had it just about a year and am SO happy with my choice. We drove many other luxury cars, Lexus, BMW, Infinity and werent sure which to go with. I have friends and family who went with the other choices and have had so many problems. So glad I stuck with Volvo.

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  Euro Fun without a Roundel - 2004 Volvo S60
  By SMack - January 13 - 1:43 pm

  We have owned a number of BMWs and like their balance and drivability. When we saw the high performance Volvo at a much more reasonable price than an M car, we had to try it. Car has great styling, raw power, sophisticated suspension and powerful brakes. The interior is very comfortable and the seats are simply the best. The car is stable and corners very flat. There is no real noticable turbo lag. The suspension is expectedly stiff, even on the "comfort" setting. Engine is not as smooth as some others but it comes across a bit as a hot rod. It is pretty thirsty when driving spiritedly (which you will want to do often). The S60R is a bargain and we have been very pleased.

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  S-60 rocks!! - 2006 Volvo S60
  By bkinchlt - January 12 - 11:50 am

  There was an initial problem with the starter fuse, causing the car to die twice, but since then it has run flawlessly. The turbo kicks in immediately (I dont know what they mean when they say lag, because there is none.) This is the most comfortable car to take on a long trip. You cant beat Volvos seats.

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  Love my S60 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Kim - January 8 - 10:23 am

  My parents have owned Volvos for the past 20 years and have never had a problem. So when it was my turn to move up in the car world I was excited with how far Volvo has come in design! I looked at Acura and Mercedes and just melted into Volvos seats. After going to our regular Volvo dealer, I was sold, at 8:45 at night! I am extremely satisfied with my decision. I was actually originally looking into the S40, however with the financing/leasing deals for the S60, it turned out to be a better deal...and more room in the car!

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  1st Impression - 2008 Volvo S60
  By Stravage - January 6 - 2:23 pm

  In the past 2 years I have gone from a jeep grand Cherokee to a Nissan Sentra to my Volvo S60. Wife and myself sat in the S40 just looked at each other and knew that we didnÂ’t want another small car, took the s60 out for a test drive and we were hooked. It was love at first sight. Within 3 hours we drove the machine home. This is not a car, itÂ’s a driving machine. Of course that coming out of a Nissan that dragged you down the road while the S60 gives you a ride on the road. It was late and the s60 tank was on empty, stopped for gas 3.65 a gal it took $44 to fill the tank. Now I remember why I bought the Nissan. Driving it home we were all smiles.

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  Volvo for LIFE! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By DonGuba - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Best Car for the Money - New or Used. Will never buy anything else but Volvo. Audi, SAAB, ro BMW are not even close. Volvo for LIFE!

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  Excellent buy! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Dave_n_Ruth - December 25 - 10:00 am

  What can we say, we love our car! We would recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive and demands quality.

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  Good buy, Great car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By marky mark - December 16 - 6:13 pm

  This is a great car! I am only 18 but I love my parents for getting me it, what can I say, were a volvo family. My dad has the s80 and the s60r brings the sport back to volvo. I also have an 2000 s70 glt which is fun, but doesnt compare. I only wish I had gotten manual.... except in those traffic jams