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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  First time volvo owner - 2004 Volvo S60
  By popec - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Very impressed with the smoothness of the ride. Has great pick up and really moves when you step on the gas. Turbo lag is something that I had to get used to, but does not affect the driving experience.

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  Throttle problem - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Adriano - September 26 - 1:40 am

  Got a problem at 94 k with throttle not working, needed ETM software upgrade and new accelerator pedal. I called Volvo and they said that this can happen with high mileage. Did not think that 94k is that high for a Volvo.

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  Pretty Nice Sedan - 2006 Volvo S60
  By kurt - September 22 - 9:50 am

  Bought this used through a dealership specializing in low mileage/one owner cars. The car is one owner- a leasee in a suburb of Chicago. As to low miles, the CarFax said 16,200 when I bought it so unless it was tampered with, that is what it was. This car excels on the highway; plenty of power, quiet, comfortable. In town it is a little less agreeable, mostly because the suspension is a bit more stiff than it should be. Mileage has been excellent for a car with this power- 24 in all-purpose driving, over 30mph strictly highway. Leather seats very comfortable, the radio is nice, auto climate control works great. No major complaints but overall the car is less luxurious than I desired.

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  Manual is much better ! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Lance - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Volvo - as well as my second with the manual transmission. The changes that Volvo has made to the transmission are amazing. I knew that going with the non-turbo engine would sacrifice some performance but the return in fuel economy and the fun-to- drive factor of the manual definitely outweighs the slight lack of power. I have gone on many long trips with my Volvos and the comfort level of the seats and interior is unmatched by any other vehicle I have driven in this price range. Volvo has another happy customer "For Life"

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  at 68K need to get new car - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Kathy, Mtn View - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had the S60 for 10 years now, it has never left me stranded but I never get more than 20 MPG, even for a long trip. Had to replace the sunroof, now it seems the radiator is leaking, the transmission seems quirky, it has trouble shifting into higher gear so that may be sign of trouble, at 68K would not expect any of those items to be an issue. So at this point I am in process of looking for a good used car, will trade this in.

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  Not as good as I thought - 2006 Volvo S60
  By LS - September 16 - 10:56 am

  I owned a 98 Mercedes C230 and was thinking about getting a new one. Instead I bought this car. I was in for a surprise. Here are the major issues I have found with this car: poor turning radius, loud engine noise, very rough ride and between 50 - 60 mph the car struggles with what the right shift should be so the steering wheel vibrates ever so slightly. Then there are the little things: headrest doesnt move, you have a button to open your gas tank but not one for your trunk, your driver door does not lock when the car takes off, the key is extremely bulky and heavy (I am a woman so I put it in my purse, feel bad for the guys that have to carry it around in their pockets).

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  COMPLETELY SATISFIED - 2004 Volvo S60
  By spooly10 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  THE S60 IS EVERYTHING I EXPECTED AND MOORE. JUST WENT THROUGH THE WINTER SEASON SUBJECTED TO SNOW AND RAIN THE VEHICLE HANDLED GREAT IN THESE CONDITIONS.

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  Beloved Car, great investment. - 2004 Volvo S60
  By ccolli17 - September 1 - 9:23 pm

  The 2004 Volvo S60 was my first Volvo, and will not be my last. It is my strong belief that the car has saved my life twice, and has also had minimal problems, especially for someone as hard on cars as I am. I bought the car in 2008 with only 28,000k on it, and put 89,000k on it in a 3-year time frame (117,000 k by 2012). The car withstood 2 minor accidents and 2 major accidents. During the time I owned the car, I replaced a fuel sensor that was a factory recall, one battery, one break job, tires when necessary, and all other replacements were due to car accidents- pretty amazing for 89,000k miles of use.

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  1 Fun Car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By MikeM - September 1 - 7:43 pm

  I smile often driving my R! Acceleration and handling are outstanding. I can make passing maneuvers in this car that I could not make in any other car I have driven. Interior is full of luxury with great blue accents. At first I thought I would not like to change tires ( a must for the R that comes with summer only tires). However, winter sport tires and high performance summers totally add to the driving experience. At 4500 miles to date, I am very satisfied with the purchase. This is not some quiet, boring Lexus/Acura; the R rocks!

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  Just bought it, love it - 2012 Volvo S60
  By rshenoy - August 31 - 11:13 pm

  Just bought a 2011 S60 T6. Got a great deal because there are trying to move the 2011s out. Was trying to keep it in the mid 30s. Was debating between a T5 or T6. Glad I went with a T6 because its all wheel drive and has 300hp instead of 250hp and front wheel drive. Great warranty: 5yr/60k