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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  Long Term Evaluation - 2004 Volvo S60
  By swedewheels - December 8 - 6:57 am

  I have owned the S60 2.5T for ten years, 175,000+ miles, until the sad day I totaled it. What Ive learned from my Volvo experience - ultra reliable, smooth running, and well built. Some driver sight line issues. Repairs: after 75k much front end work on tie rods, bearings, & struts and was still a little rattely. Replaced many tail lights (always kept spares in trunk). No drive train issues except some trans shift flaring from day 1. Interior plastic parts (console lid and steering wheel adjustment handle) broke about 100k. Gas port lid hinge (cheap plastic) broke off at 35k and lost lid on freeway. No rear seat space. Overall an 8.5 out of 10

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  A Blast To Drive - 2013 Volvo S60
  By jeffm5 - September 23 - 7:30 pm

  My S60 T5 is the FWD model. Ive had it for about 6 wks. and have 2,000 mis. on it. Its loaded with NAV and safety options. Front seat comfort is outstanding. All of the controls are on the steering wheel or within easy reach. Handling is outstanding,, power and acceleration are very good. The car has a solid feel. No rattles. Good visibility. The ride is a little choppy on rough roads, very good otherwise. Im getting 30+ on the highway at about 65 MPH and around 24 in mixed driving with regular gas.

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  S60 AWD - 2002 Volvo S60
  By J L - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my S60AWD 7 months ago with 10000 on it Ive put 8000 miles on it so far, and it has been perfect. I lowered it and it transformed the car into a handling fool. The ride is as good or better than before and it handles like a slot car. Comfortable, roomy in front. No complaints whatsoever. Could have a better (standard) stereo and speakers. I wish it had the optional Volvo radio as that is a wonderful piece J L

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  S60R Worthy opponet - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Barry N - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Having owned BMWs, Saabs, and driven the latest Audi A4s I must say that Volvo has come up with a worthy competitor in this lux sport sedan class. It offers decent handling with optional modes depending on your mood and has enough power to earn respect of the best. AWD is a great asset and overall the car offers great value for money to the enthusiast.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2001 Volvo S60
  By TURNER - August 1 - 12:33 am

  This car had more problems than I care to think about. I babied this car and still had sensors go bad, sunroof broken, transmission go bad at 80000 miles, lights burnt out and impossible to adjust. And last but not least, the cars engine was shuttering when I traded it in, my guess, bad turbo charger. The gas mileage was decent, but nothing spectacular. 19 city and 28 highway.

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  Great Car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By holmgren - June 24 - 9:13 pm

  This car has been reliable and trouble-free for the first 8000 miles. The base with the 5-spd has plenty of get up and go for most driving situations. Car handles great in the snow and rain, especially with Stability Traction Control. A great car for the money if you take it easy on options. Highly recommend the Volvo Overseas Delivery program unless you can get a great deal off the lot.

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  Fun and Relatively Economical Sleeper - 2005 Volvo S60
  By DNeuwir - June 2 - 2:56 am

  Owned for about 3 months now. With 5000 miles on the odometer, I can say this is definitely one of the "funnest" cars Ive owned. With 300hp, its exhilarating driving up freeway onramps. Though a little sluggish off the line (0-10mph, mostly due to being a low- displacement 5-cyl) once above 2500RPM the sky is the limit. The full-time AWD keeps all rubber on the road, even on wet pavement, though the P-Zero tires are NOT suited for icy or snow driving. Fuel efficiency is better than expected: 25mpg average combined (window sticker claimed 24 highway--I regularly see 30-32mpg on long straight stretches at 55-65mph). Build quality is not flawless, but is very good given the $40K price.

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  a/c noise - 2004 Volvo S60
  By lynvale - June 2 - 2:00 am

  car seems to put a strain on the a/c.when ideling a/c tends to be very loud and seems to hesitate.

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  Nice car, horrible reliability - 2003 Volvo S60
  By D - May 12 - 3:53 am

  The S60 has a solid, safe feel, which is ironic as it rattles constantly due to the harsh ride. The design inside and out is fantastic and timeless. Interior quality and ease of controls are excellent, but lacks storage space. Comfort is great, but legroom is tight in back. Visibility is horrendous, as is low speed maneuvering. The car is fun to drive when its pushed hard. Reliability is unacceptable. Ive replaced the starter motor, sensors, seat memory, and a bunch of other computer related things I dont know how to explain. The transmission is dying. The auto wipers have a mind of its own, as do the interior lights and the fuel gauge. The car makes lots of weird noises.

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  many many problems - 2004 Volvo S60
  By wakk - May 4 - 7:10 pm

  i leased my s60r in 2/04 and have had nothing but problems with it. first the hose for the power steering went out and then a week later a fog light burnt out in april. since then it has 7500 miles and the chassis setting has gone out and it keeps backfiring between shifts. the backfiring has been a problem since april and service told me to first wind out the rpms and now i am told it is a characterisic of the s60r. the front tires are now rubbing when turned to the far right or left.i am meeting with the tech guy and volvo rep 11/10/04 hoping to get out of my lease and move on to a dependable car like the nissan maxima.