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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  Company S60 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Tom - August 28 - 10:36 pm

  My company provided me the S60. If it were my money, I would not buy one. It is fine on highways with blistering acceleration and comfortable seats. The S60 is not good on curves and in corners -- its weight and vague steering adversely influence the handling. After 9500 miles, the only problem I have had is a loose passenger side door seal, fixed at the 7500 mile oil change service.

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  A little Disappointed - 2012 Volvo S60
  By paria - August 25 - 7:50 pm

  I am a little disappointed in my 2012 Volvo S60 that I bought brand new last year. Ive only had it for one year, but it was taken to the shop 4 different times. The Volvo symbol on the front came off, the silver part on the steering wheel cut me when it peeled off, the mp3 player connection within the arm rest had to be replaced, and I replaced the windshield wipers(after owning the car 2 weeks) due to invisibility from rain. I thought something was wrong with the windshield, but after Volvo dealership mechanics assured me it wasnt the window, I realized it was the windshield wipers. I wasnt expecting to return to the shop (using my gas) For a luxury vehicle at this price.

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  Volvo s-60 - 2003 Volvo S60
  By itnom yemrat - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Overall can run nicely, however the service after your 36,000 is very high- 400.00 from this dealer(beechmont Volvo in Cincinnati. to change out the plugs & filter & call it a tune up!

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  No more SAAB stories. - 2012 Volvo S60
  By thinkwendy - August 22 - 5:55 pm

  I was involved in an accident with my 2006 SAAB 9.3 2.0 turbo in April returning from Spring Break. I was very lucky... I was going 70 MPH and a box truck had pulled over for the night, but did not pull all the way off the driving lanes. I was the third car to hit debris in the right driving lane and unfortunately my car was totaled. I had very minor injuries and witnessed some major injuries of the two vehicles that crashed before me. I went searching for a new vehicle and my mind was made up that I was going to get an SUV or crossover, but my heart did no race like it did when I was in my SAAB. I was spoiled and wanted luxury. I tea drove everything and fell in love with the VolvoS60

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  S60R - The Perfect Perfomance Sedan - 2005 Volvo S60
  By da60015 - August 21 - 10:53 pm

  Having already been impressed for over three years with my S60 2.5T, I welcomed the opportunity to test drive the S60R. This was following test drives of comparable BMW, Mercedes and Cadillac models. Safety and the comfort for a 6 foot plus adult being a given, the power and handling of the "R" exceeded even my expectations. I have not had this much fun since my Corvette. The car hangs tough with my friends Porsches and MBs on our monthly country outings into the backroads of Wisconsin.

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  Marvelous design - 2011 Volvo S60
  By Lennart - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Went to Goteborg, Sweden to pick up my new 2011 Volvo S60 in October and people would come up to the car and admire the style. I picked white exterior with 2 tone leather brown/black. The car feels secure and the rain in Sweden did not stop us from driving 900 miles in a couple of days. Need to work on all the knobs but all in all this car will be a success.

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  153,000 miles and still tight as a drum - 2001 Volvo S60
  By slcraft - August 7 - 1:33 pm

  I bought this car and have owned it for a year. It was bought used as a two owner of lease. For the year, miles, safety features and modern amenities/luxury items if offered it was the most car for the money I could afford that was also the safest. Mine is still super tight and rattle free. I was able to get the TPS (throttle position sensor) which is about a 1000-1500 repair done free at my dealership because it was a recalled (ww.vexedvolvo.com) and DO NOT buy a car that hasnt had it replaced, they all fail. They warranty is 10 years and 200,000 miles for replacement. Other than that it has been trouble free. Make sure tranny fluid has been changed and timing belt done too!

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  My Second T5 - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Bob - August 6 - 5:56 am

  I love my first T5 but the second one is so much more. Now comes standard with sport supension, added the 4-C chaisis control with a 6 speed standard. This car has it all over the BMW 330 and costs less. In fact this T5 had more and was less than my 2003 model!

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  Love my Volvo ! ! ! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By volvoguy - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and dont feel right driving anything else. The car has a very heavy feel to it very solid. The design of this car turn many heads and I constantly recieve comments on my car all the time. You have to have the sunroof when driving with the sunroof open I can still listen to the music perfect. I also have the Navigation system in which is very helpful for me being in a new city, when not in use it tucks away automatically in the dashboard itself for some reasons all my passengers are like WOW. Overall this car is absoluetly a winner ! ! ! ! !

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  My Impressions of S60R - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Kheeky - August 4 - 2:00 am

  You cant appreciate the car until you have actaully driven. Unbelivable acceleration and handling. Ill take on an S4 anyday.