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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  Love this car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By MH - July 9 - 4:00 pm

  I love this car. It is fun to drive. It is a comfortable, good looking car. The inside is a little small but I really like the looks (inside and out), the performance, and reliability. The interior wood grain is really nice. I would buy this car again and out of all the cars that I have owned, this is the only car I can say that about.

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  Superb car - 2012 Volvo S60
  By owlieono - July 7 - 6:47 am

  My wife and I are long-time BMW owners, and we love those cars. We compared the T5 to a new BMW 3-series, and the T5 won hands-down. It is simply more car for less money. Excellent pickup on the freeway, deft steering, nimble handling. Before buying we also test drove the T6, which was AWESOME, but more car than we needed. The T5 is so much fun to drive and so well-built that I have a feeling our enthusiasm will last long after our last car payment. If you are considering a BMW, Lexus, or the like, you MUST test drive this car. Gone are the days of the stodgy Volvo. This car positively rocks!

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  First Volvo - 2004 Volvo S60
  By rooster94 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought our First Volvo. got 4350 off MSRP of 33500...maybe could have done better, but seemed like a lot of car for under 30k. We are very pleased with the dealer, price, and performance of the car.

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  Silky Smooth Swedish Thing!! - 2001 Volvo S60
  By John M. - June 29 - 2:43 pm

  If this car were a woman, it would be the one youd never forget. Maybe it has a few quirks, maybe the turning radius is slim, maybe controls arent instantly intuitive. But the S60 has a silky smoothness everywhere your hands touch. And the T5 is more than just a pretty face. Theres something about a very comfortable driving position with a huge amount of power underfoot and silky smooth controls at your fingertips that make this Volvo an unforgettable experience. Granted, Ive only had mine for four months and 5K mi., so my impressions might be premature. But I almost always opt for driving the T5 over my BMW X5 when I have the chance. It just feels better.

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  volvo girl for life - 2004 Volvo S60
  By volvo gal - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I owned a S40 for two years and wanted more power, the s60 was it! the Volvo moto is correct. Volvo for Life. Once you have driven a volvo you will find it hard to ever go back to a honda! The s60 offers power when needed and comfort the whole way. Highly recommeded, body style is big and bad! if the HP of 204 w/ turbo is not enough plan on the ECU chip being released later this year, boosting to 304 HP!

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  The stealth car... Rather the car no one knows about. - 2006 Volvo S60
  By IntParty - June 28 - 7:10 am

  was stunned when I test drove it and several moments told Gary the Carmax sales man." I like this I like it a lot, I think Im going to take this home with me tonight." So I took it home. I have no problems with this vehicle other then the leg room in the back for passengers. But since I rarely ever drive anyone else its no big problem.

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  Nice mix of sport and luxury - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Ken K. - June 27 - 5:23 am

  I bought the 2.5T and splurged for the sport, luxury and comfort packages to get the 17" wheels and leather as well as other feature. The car looks great (metallic black and tan leather with wood appointments) accelerates quite well and is extremely comfortable for longer commutes. I was looking at the Infiniti G35, but I was able to negotiate a much better deal at Volvo and was surprised that the Volvo was only marginally slower with better looks and comfort. I was surprised to learn that you can use regular unleaded in the S60. The only sour point is the turning circle is on the poor side, especially noticeable when parking. Overall I love this car.

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  Superb with few exceptions - 2004 Volvo S60
  By New Englander - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is extraordinarily comfortable (in the front seat) and very handsomely styled. The back seat legroom is tight, but not uncomfortable. Open road performance is quite good in acceleration and braking. Holds curves well at higher speeds. Advanced suspension setting is unusable for roads in my area - other settings are good. The premium sound system is very average. Why anyone would want Dolby Prologic for their non-Prologic encoded music is beyond me. H.K. should have offered a better surround mode.

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  First and last Volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Got a lemon - June 23 - 2:00 am

  first child was on the way went for the safety factor-solid feel on the road- this replaced a BMW 325-drove 12 years with 240,000 miles-Volvo has had more major issues in first 32K miles than the BMW ever did-first winter car would not start below 30 degrees (it gets cold in Sweden,right?)-new ignition system, transmission slipping-like driving a manual and pushed in the clutch while stepping on the gas-new transmission-door open warning light kept coming on-latch sensor bad-Low Coolant warning-bad radiator-this car will be with us until the warranty expires.

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  Unsuspecting S60R - 2006 Volvo S60
  By righter - June 21 - 5:43 am

  We had never even considered looking at a Volvo and were looking primarily at Audis when a teenager mentioned that we should try the s60r. Best advice! We loved it and bought it. More luxury than we expected, handles amazingly and so damn fast! It was a surprise to us and we are so happy with it - yes we agree about the turning radius though, a sacrifice we are willing to make.