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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  My new R - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Ramib1 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car Ive ever driven - or own. I almost bought a G35, until I took the R for a test drive. I bought it on the spot. Its not only the amazing performance, but the complete package, including comfort, design, quality, and of course, safety. For a price of a BMW 330 you get a bigger, faster, better looking car, with performance only a tad below an M.

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  Volvo S60R, 2006 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Sheldon Rabin - December 21 - 6:50 am

  This S60R has had chronic suspension and alignment problems such that all 4 tires were cupped after 6000 miles. Of the 4 tires, the right-rear tire has the worst cupping. Attempts by the dealer to fix problem were not initially pursued and are now reluctantly pursued. Ongoing

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  A most unreliable great car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Chuck P. Sacarmento - December 20 - 11:36 pm

  Stay far away from this great car! Its reliability and Volvo support stinks! This was our 2nd Volvo and our last! Suspension components that break every two years, oil leaks, constant bulb failures, gas door, trunk lock, and a failed transmission! The transmission was a known problem early in life of car that reduced its life. Volvo created a feature that resulted in premature trans failure. This is well documented. If your trans fails out of warranty, which it will, Volvo and the dealer will say tough.

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  Very Comfortable but Brake and Trunk Pro - 2003 Volvo S60
  By allen - December 12 - 2:26 pm

  Bought this vehicle 6 months ago - very comfortable to drive and looks great but persistent problems with brakes and trunk. After 5 attempts the dealer finally fixed the trunk alignment problem but they have decided the brake noise is just "normal" for this car. Never had a "normal" brake noise on any of my previous cars (Toyotas and Hondas) The trunk is also too small to fit my golf clubs in without taking two of them out of the bag! Finally I have a low pitched "rumble" at highway speeds that despite three attempts to get the dealer to fix is still present. Car also needs a better coin box.

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  Priceless - 2007 Volvo S60
  By juniorCBR - December 7 - 6:46 pm

  Amazing car! Incredibly quick, amazing exterior and interior looks, amazing sound system, gages are beautiful, powerful brakes, sharp rims, soft and easy clutch, AWD system definitely keeps the car grounded. An huge bargain for its price compared to its counterparts. Definitely go overseas delivery if you have the chance, nothing beats zipping by BMWs on the autobahn.

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  A Smart Persons Car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Jakebird - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Though I havent racked up a lot of miles, this is a reliable, sporty, true luxury sedan without the Lexus or BMW sticker shock. It could use a little tweaking of the interior (wood trim, for example), to put it into the true "luxury" class, but it is safe, fast, and a very reliable player for the money in the competitive mid-range luxury class. I do wish the mileage was a little better in the city, but my car it actually exceeds the EPA estimates on the highway. Finally, my last Volvo was traded running strong with 183K miles and expect the same here.

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Volvo S60
  By mojo - December 3 - 7:23 pm

  A blast to drive--can handle sharp turns at high speeds, great acceleration at all speeds and very comfortable seats. Turns heads as well, people comment on it to me all the time and are shocked that its a Volvo. (got the Sports package with the wheels, rims and spoilers) Test drove the Audi S4, new Lexus GS300 and BMW 5 series before deciding on the S60R. Others were great cars, but the S60Rs combo of performance, looks, price and uniqueness won me over. Great car!

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  Good Car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Ron - November 28 - 10:50 am

  Car is great, I love the Acnatera interior. I have had it for approx 5K miles so far. Only problems are the dealer cant seem to figure out how to adjust the Xenon headlamps and the wheels scuff real easily. Already have 2 severely damaged ones. The problem seems to be the tire has no shoulder to protect the wheel, even in a drive thru carwash. I wish I could contact someone at Volvo in the "R Division" to talk about the car but cant seem to find anyone. DCXs SRT division has great chat rooms. Guess Volvo is too small??? or I am not good on the tube.

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  850,S70,S60 whats next? - 2004 Volvo S60
  By tmorgan4 - November 22 - 2:16 pm

  Ive had the 850, S70 and now the S60 and this is probably the best car ive ever driven. Great on gas mileage,probably the most seductive sedan on the market and fun to drive. Pound for pound this might be the best european sedan on the market! I love everything about it, I cant even imagine what the next generation s60 will be like.

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  Volvo S60 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By dlester6909 - November 19 - 7:33 am

  Best car I have ever had. Its very responsive and agile. The smooth drive is what I expected from a midsized luxury sedan. The power from this 2.5 must not to be overlooked. I would encourage all to just take a test drive to see what I mean.