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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  Tire problems - 2004 Volvo S60
  By steveng - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I have two major complaints. First of all I have had to replace two tires already. My theory is that since the tires are made to run flat in order to give the car a sleek look, this puts added pressure on the sidewall and this was where the holes were in my tires. Second, there are an excessive number of blind spots because of the stabilization bars.

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  Five reasons to get a Volvo S60 2.5T fwd - 2004 Volvo S60
  By vooman - January 17 - 10:00 am

  1) The leather seats that come with the sport package are incredible. 2) The power of the car is right sized for the specific front wheel drive version. 3) The S60 receives a one rating in the five star ratin system with five being the worst, meaning that the Volvo S60 has the highest rating for maintaining the value of the car 4) Sleek and sporty looking but still a four dour sedan that makes the car very versatile 5) An incredible 8 speaker sound system and radio, even at the stock level. Volvo works very closely with Dolby Labs, Bose, Harman Industries, Nokia, Dynaudio, Alpine Electronics, and Mitsubishi Electronics.

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  2004 volvo s60 after 8000 miles - 2005 Volvo S60
  By douglass - January 10 - 6:40 am

  We are very happy with the non turbo S60 California version Volvo. Sport seats, 17" tires, 5 sp auto, etc. Looks good, runs good, quick on take off, fits my 65" frame, built like a tank, good decision, and it is owned by Ford so we dont feel bad sending jobs off shore.

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  Love it - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Love to drive - January 9 - 2:40 pm

  I used these reviews before buying, so I feel I need to contribute. Own an SUV and wanted a "run around" car. Its safe (I have 2 kids) and very fun to drive (I got a manual transimission). The gas mileage is excellent. It has a luxury feel but is sporty. My heated seats work just fine. It handles curves nicely. Took me a while to figure out all the bells and whistles.

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  S60R Best bang for my buck - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Steve D. - January 8 - 11:23 pm

  Bought this certified pre-owned and after only 1 week every expectation has been met. With only 22,000 miles car smells and drives like it just rolled off the assembly line. One issue I have is the summer OEM tires which are worn out. Theyre being replaced with Ultra-High Performance M+S Yokohomas Advan S4. With a treadwear rating of 400 and rotation every 6,000 miles I should get approx. 40,000 - 50,000 miles out of these Yokohomas) C4 Suspension settings >> Comfort, Sport and Advanced. I can go from a Lincoln Town Car ride (Comfort) to a race car ride (Advanced) with a touch of a button! By far the safest car on the road today

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  top notch ride - 2006 Volvo S60
  By john p - January 6 - 12:13 pm

  I bought my 2006 s60 2.5t new. I now have 134,300 on it and it still drives and looks new. Volvo interiors hold up incredibly well, the seats stay comfortable and all components stay in place. True quality. The cars is great to drive, has smooth power great handling and comfort. Anyone looking at a used 2006 will be surprised and satisfied especially with the price you can pick one up for. Just over 140,000 now, new tires, shocks and brakes. Feels just like new. Go to a Volvo dealer and just do some comparison shopping against any BMW, AUDI etc. Volvo will hold its own.

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  Simply a great car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By GAJeff - December 30 - 5:56 pm

  Our 2001 Volvo S60 now has just over 12000 miles and we absolutely love the car. Having tried many others before we purchased the Volvo - I am 100% satisfied that the quality, looks, and performance of the S60 is better than just about everything in its class.

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  More than what it looks - 2003 Volvo S60
  By JCMoya - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car, so I dont have enough experience to comment about reliability. So far I have just excellent comments. The first thing that came to my mind when I bought it was "How people can prefer a Camry / Accord over this car?" Crazy! This car feels more powerful and spacious (front) that what is on paper. Its a perfect blend of sporty and comfort. The seats are by far the best I ever seat on. The basic Sound system is even better than the $1500 aftermarket that I installed on my Bird.

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  Volvo S60 2.5t - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Lysa - December 24 - 2:56 pm

  I just bought my volvo. I LOVE IT!!! The only problem I have is control. It gets a bit squirrely when you put the pedal to the metal.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Volvo S60
  By AvRick - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Just took delivery two days ago and I absolutely love this sedan. The fit and finish is next to perfect and it handles great. Its the quietest car Ive ever driven and although it only has the 2.4, it is quick and nimble enough for this 50 year-old.