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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  Having Fun in the Sun! - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Mike - December 14 - 9:46 am

  What a ride - beating out the Lexus IS 250, Acura TL and BMW 3 series, this is the best car if you want a flexible car - fun when it needs to be and luxurious when you want it to be. Added spoiler, Premium Package and Sport Package makes for a very sleek looking and luxuriously appointed car. Many positive comments about the interior and exterior fit and finish. Geartronic transmission a nice feature - like other posters I thought that the pedal response was a bit slow on the highway, before I realized I was doing close to 90 mph! Excellent pickup under 40 mph, consistently. It moves with any pedal pressure - immediate response. Very satisfied buyer!

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  Volve S60 2.5T - 2004 Volvo S60
  By JerryJ - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I just moved from a Saab convertible and into a four door sedan S60 2.5T. Being in real estate, the car is just the right size for me and so far Im enjoying this car more than I thought I would. I agree with one other post, there needs to be an inside trunk latch and the standard stereo could have a better quality sound to it. If Volvo is going to build in the middle speaker for the Bose system, then install it from the factory... I think most people would pay for it. My car is silver with sand leather... a beautiful combination and a real head- turner. The bi-xenon headlamps are very cool too!

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  Beauty lasts so long - 2002 Volvo S60
  By omid - December 9 - 1:46 pm

  The car rides comfortably. The seat grabs your body and makes for great long trips. The exterior is well designed. The trunk is full of space and Ive moved several times with the car. Rear passengers are really comfortable. The two plugs are great. Other than that the car is a pain. Things that shouldnt ever go bad, go bad on the model. Ive changed the brake booster and front suspension and O2 sensor. It would have been nice if the O2 sensor had lasted a bit long. The repairs are really pricey too. The stock stereo is plagued, either the speakers blow easily or the stereo gets tired of your music. My heart wants a new Volvo but my mind knows a reliable cheaper to fix car might be better.

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  Not up to luxury standards - 2012 Volvo S60
  By emlod - November 20 - 3:53 pm

  I bought the car after looking at and test driving several entry level luxury cars. I liked the S60 and thought it was a good value. I decided on one car but it was sold when I went back so I ended up with a more expensive car but I got a good deal so I bought it. The cars handling is OK but Id prefer more rode feel but it was acceptable. Acceleration was good. However, I did notice some fit and finish problems in the interior after a few days of driving. I went back to the dealer to point these out and they took pictures and sent them to Volvo. I bought the car in Feb. 2012 and it is June and the problems have not been resolved. I should have bought the Mercedes C Class.

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  S60 AWD is a great car - 2004 Volvo S60
  By amsr - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Volvo automobile that Ive purchased and so far I am very pleased. I wanted a car with a nice blend of performance and luxury that also stood out over the others aesthetically. The S60 was my choice over other AWD sport sedans such as BMW, Audi, Infinity, and Volkswagen. The other choices are nice cars but their body style was too bland for my tastes except for the Infinity which was my second choice. I really like the overall look of my Volvo S60 with my favorite features included.

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  From a Mercedes to a Volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Chitoe - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I sold my 2000 E430 when I had to leave to goto China for work. When I came back to the states, I needed a car. I compared cars like Acura TL, TSX, Jaguar X-Type, C320 and count less others. I never considered buying a volvo until a nice salesman told me of the big rebates that they were offering. I got almost $7000 off the listed price of a brand new volvo. I can not find anything under $30k new that I can compare. The Acura TSX was the closes thing to compare with.

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  Fun Sedan - 2005 Volvo S60
  By BlazinBob - November 15 - 9:16 pm

  Great car. I got the Premium, touring and sport packages on mine as well as the "geartronic" trans. Plenty of power, handles GREAT, Sporty car and safe too! Not much room in the back, but its plenty for the kids and they have their own AC vents back there. Seats are very supportive and comfortable. Lots of neat little features like if the wife uses her key to lock the car, the drivers seat and side mirrors remember their positions and return to her settings when she uses her remote again. Auto down AND Up on the front windows. They also have an obstruction safety that will automatically reverse the window if it encounters an obstacle while being raised. My second Volvo.

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  Got it over the Audi A4 - 2012 Volvo S60
  By mklay - November 8 - 5:58 am

  Over the past 15 years, Ive owned Audis. Yea, I know, the BMW 3 series is best, but for me I liked Audi. Prior to getting my "wonderful" 2013 S60 T5, Audi gave me a new 2013 A4 2.0 T (w) premium package to use for three days, while my A3 was being fixed. Needing a new car & my recent experience with the A4, it gave me a good reference point/comparison to the S60. Anyway, for "me/myself & I", the Volvo S60 T5 was "much better" than the A4 for city and highway driving. Also, it handled very good (not as good as the Germans, but good enough) and provided better steering feel, a more solid feel/smoother ride, quieter cabin, better seats, and "just enough" power to have some fun.

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  Great car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By JBW - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car- extremely comfortable to drive, especially on road trips.

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  S60R Delivers! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By John2 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The car has been a delight to drive. The handling is excellent, acceleration and torque are as advertised. Brakes offer amazingly short stopping distance. The interior is great, especially the really soft leather (I have the navy blue and I would highly recommend that color)and the seats are the typical Volvo--very comfortable. This car combines sportiness with practicality quite well.