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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  great car - 2002 Volvo S60
  By bayof3 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  fun safe car to drive. test drove the mercedes c-class and it was junk compared to the volvo. It looks like bmw 5 series from the side but without the price tag

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  Great Car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Pittsburgh Sean - April 30 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I leased the S60 2.4T. This car isnt perfect, but we love it none the less. None of the quirks we have found in it would cause us not to get the car again. I would have probably preferred a 3 series, but ruled it out because of rear-wheel drive and that arrogant stereo-type of BMW drivers. There are some things that I would have expected to be a little better in a car of this price (stickered at $36,000). The engine is kind of noisey. In my opinion, it should be whisper quiet. Also, when the AC compressor kicks on, you know it. I wish the car had more "nooks and crannies" to put stuff in. Storage space in the cabin is at a premium.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Soon Ex-Volvo owner - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This car has the worst quality of any I have owned! In the two years I have owned this car it has been in the shop four times for warranty work and has completely broken down where Volvo had to tow it to a dealership. Prior to owning this car I WAS a loyal Volvo driver. If you buy this model, proceed with caution.

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  Volvo S60 Is Just Alright With Me - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Edan S. - April 23 - 11:07 am

  Im not quite sure what to say about the S60, I bought it to replace my 2000 Volvo V70, which I loved. I sort of bought this car because I was getting reading to take a winter road trip to Montana and wanted something with AWD. I would have preferred an XC-70, but couldnt find one for the right price or in the time I allotted myself. I ended up seeing my S60 for sale at the local BMW dealership for $6995 with 102,000 miles. It was a one-owner vehicle purchased from and always serviced on time at the local Volvo dealership in town. After taxes and fees I think I ended up spending more than $8K, which in retrospect was way too high. I did, however, end up getting new tires (Michelin all seasons) right away, the old ones were "ok," but not great, some sheep skin seat covers (some of the stitching split on the drivers side seat), and some OEM Volvo all-weather floor mats (all worthwhile investments). So the car, its much smoother than my old wagon, great acceleration despite the additional 600lbs of the Haldex AWD system, decent gas mileage and road handling. Like all Volvos, the seats are supremely comfortable--second-to-none! My cars trial by fire was a 900+ mile road trip to Montana in December amid regular blizzards and arctic temperatures. My gas mileage was pretty decent over 28mpg at over 80mph most of the time. As with most vehicle, it handles really poorly on ice, it does however, do great in the snow. Once those back wheels start to grip, the thing can go almost anywhere (within reason). I did find out at the dealership during my last service that my control arm bushings are bad, so that might account for some of the sketchiness on the ice and just the freeway in general. Much to my surprise yet again, the A/C and heating systems are some of the best Ive encountered! Some of the other reviews have mentioned the cramped nature of the backseats, that is true, its very tight with a full-size adult sitting back there. The trunk while spacious has a fairly narrow opening which makes it a difficult to put some things in. I have a wheeled cooler that I like to take to the beach which often has to sit on the backseat rather than in the trunk. It fits fine in my wifes 2007 Jetta, but that has a higher and wider trunk I guess. Overall, I dont have a lot of gripes with this car. I enjoy driving it and its a nice looking vehicle. One of my biggest concerns though is the creeps, groans, and clunks I was experiencing over the winter. Anytime I would go over uneven pavement or speed humps the car made some weird noises from the front end. Maybe its some back chassis bushings, maybe it is the control arms, or it could even be the struts? All I know is it makes me apprehensive when it happens. Its been great over the summer though, no issues like that whatsoever. I can foresee this car treating me well for the foreseeable future. Will it be as good as my old V-70? Only time will tell.

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  R for Racing - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Volvo - April 22 - 5:46 pm

  This is the 2nd Volvo R I have purchased. It drives smoothly and has good balance. If you drive on rough roads this isnt the car for you. If luxury, safety and performance are of concern, look no further. The Automatic is significantly slower than the manual - absolutely take the aero package. This car gets more looks than Pamela Anderson - Enjoy.

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  Not A Family Car - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Renaek - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is great for just 2 people. If you have children do not buy this car. I have a 7 month old daughter. When we put her car seat in the car I have to have the passanger seat almost all the way forward. This makes it hard for my husband to go with me in the car since his knees are hitting the dash. I am looking at getting rid of it and I have only had it for 3 months

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  Value! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By peglegger - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Great value for a high-performance, fun-to-drive car with an awesome interior. The Atacama leather is an option that I wasnt going to do, then decided to get it at the last minute...awesome. Stereo is incredible. Big step up from my previous car, Audi A6 (that was only the 2.8 liter, however). Interior and variable chassis would be the two biggest plusses over the A6.

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  2006 S60R - 2006 Volvo S60
  By TA1GMB - April 3 - 3:30 pm

  Have had several Volvos over the years and the S60R is by far the most fun to drive. Awesome power combined with control. Best car in its class for the money. If Volvo could only catch-up on interior design and make Navi a standard option, this car would be untouchable.

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  First Volvo Purchase - 2004 Volvo S60
  By TEB - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle so far. A couple of vibrations that need attention, but fun to drive. Build quality/comfort is exceptional. Dealer experience was superior! Interior choice of materials and leather were good. Car feels luxurious and sporty at the same time. Sport package w/ driving lights and premium package was a good choice.

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  S60 2.5T Hasnt Failed yet!! - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Richie T - March 27 - 11:48 pm

  Lower MPG than 04 V70 2.5t wagon....though it improved a bit with new tires. Had it about 2 years and its very comfortable in the front seats. Just doesnt drive as smoothly as the older wagon.