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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  Loving the s60 I saved from salvage yard - 2004 Volvo S60
  By John - June 20 - 9:48 pm

  This car was sitting for almost 2 years... With that in mind along with 230+k on it, this has been the best car Ive ever owned.. I purchased the S60 2.5t awd for $1,000 with a blown engine and radiator. After the radiator and head repair, surprisingly the beast fired right up... Runs like a dream.. Best investment Ive ever made.... My husband an I absolutely love it.. Body and interior look brand new...

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  Great car to be seen in! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Naseem Helms - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had more compliments on this car than any I have ever owned. I have the atacama leather with black exterior. What a combination! Every drive-through I am in, someone comments on my gorgeous interior. This car is so much fun to drive. It handles great.

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  Not what a Volvo used to be - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Miguelito - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had many issues with this car. The transmission slips, hard start in the morning, and hard to keep it running when cold, stalls out repeatedly . Ignition Cylinder just had to be replaced. Electrical system also. Cannot understand what happened to Volvo quality. I have 3 Volvos. All 2002 model years, S40, S60,and a S80. No problems except with the S60. I am planning to get rid of this one very, very soon.

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  Almost Superb! - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Brnintx - June 8 - 12:30 pm

  I couldnt ask for a better everyday driving car. It fast, comfortable, and safe.

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  1st and last volvo - 2001 Volvo S60
  By rrh - June 3 - 4:40 am

  Bought this s60 for looks, quality, safety record and name. Very bad decision..i have been replacing bulbs since i bought the car...any dealer service fee is outrageous..cant find anyone that wants to work on the thing..."limp home" throttle body experience was maddening and very dangerous..fuel pump o-ring seal is a terrible design..gas fumes inside the passenger compartment..i am now having a really crazy electrical problem..drive the car, shut it off and come back a few hours later to a totally drained battery..nothing left on..no evidence of what the problem might be...just a dead battery... really cant explain why i still own this car..absolutely the least reliable car have ever owned.

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  Very good in most but not areas - 2002 Volvo S60
  By gls747@aol.com - May 29 - 10:00 am

  The S60 AWD is absolutely great in some areas. Interior is the most comfortable front cabin space I have ever been in. The dash, sound system, general feel is outstanding. The engine is very fast, smooth and quiet. It provides a very safe feeling in snow and hard rain. Relilabilty not an issue so far. The handling is bit of a disappointment. This car makes pretensions of being a sports sedan, but is very loose and goosey over rough roads, wind, etc. Loud thumps from median stips reverberate. That said, it still handles well on lane changes or around corners. A set of high performance tires has stiffened the ride considerably.

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  Very Unreliable + Expensive to Maintain - 2001 Volvo S60
  By David - May 16 - 6:46 pm

  This is the worst car Ive ever owned without question of the six total. It has expensive issues constantly popping up and has terrible rattles. I will never ever consider buying another Volvo. I cant wait to get rid of it. What a total disaster it has been. I regret the day I bought it. I dont normally complain about things, but they earned my scorn.

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  2004 Volvo S60 -- Good Car - 2004 Volvo S60
  By outlaw704 - May 14 - 11:40 am

  Ive put a little over 25000 miles on my White S60 since May 04. I am pleased. The exterior is excellent and the interior is very nice. My only negative would be the lack of legroom for back seat passengers. The ride is nice -- firm, but smooth. Positive steering feel and very responsive brakes. My gas mileage has been better than expected; about 27+ mpg average. Straight highway is around 32 - 33 mpg. This car is based in Texas; the air conditioning has no problem cooling the cabin quickly and comfortably. Generous, very large trunk. Mechanically, everything has been fine, so far... Fit and finish are excellent. I got $5000 off by waiting til the end of the model year.

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  Who knew a Volvo could be this much fun? - 2004 Volvo S60
  By boondoc - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Its strange to think that Im driving one of the faster yet also one of the safer cars on the road. With a car of this caliber, a manual transmission is a must. Auto shouldnt even be offered. Pretty much set on buying the 330xi until I noticed the R existed -- on this web site as a matter of fact.

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  Only serious complaint - 2005 Volvo S60
  By raymac8563 - May 10 - 10:06 am

  Have you ever tried to see what station is on your radio on a bright sunny day? Mission impossible. Same for the temperature and time. Very poor design I think. As comfortable and better handling than the Lincoln.