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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  Moving Out - 2005 Volvo S60
  By bruce ulrich - March 19 - 1:40 am

  Ive got the 6-speed manual R version which are extremely rare- found only two in the entire L.A. metropolitan area- 100 miles in all directions! Only complaint so far (Ive only driven it 1,000 miles) is that it has a tremendous thirst for gas and Im not racing in the quarter mile on a daily basis! Im told it improves as the engine gets more broken in-I certainly hope so. 16.5 miles per gal. avg.-

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  See my original review for more details; this is a follow up - 2013 Volvo S60
  By raindances - March 16 - 6:22 am

  Everything about this car is junk. Build quality, mechanical quality, transmission programming. I have never had a car I hated this much. Just wish it wasnt leased so I could trade it in. Dont believe what you read. I have driven other examples and they are similarly afflicted.

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  rattle, rattle, rattle - 2003 Volvo S60
  By do not buy this car - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Nothing quite loke a car that audibly lets you know that it hates bumps in the road. Back to the dealership several times - they have no idea. Rattles and jars - even though the suspension is so loose it could be taken by a Ford Escort - oh yeah, who makes this car now? Should not be marketed as a sports sedan it does not even compare to the others in its class - A4, 3 series, etc.

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  Sounding Off! - 2012 Volvo S60
  By Robert Pagano - March 2 - 10:16 am

  Bought this S60 AWD new. Absolutely love the handling and ride..good gas mileage and safety features. Cannot stand the center console sound system. Have had it replaced once and it still doesnt work. AM reception - lousy at best. The entire system, including the phone, just shuts down at random. Push FM button and get AM or nothing. Push phone button and get radio. Have complained and been told as recently as two weeks ago that they had to replace the system for the newer models because the 12s thru 14s were so bad. Leather seats also wore out after 20K miles

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  What a blast - 2002 Volvo S60
  By kevingh - March 1 - 5:36 am

  This car is absolutely FUN to drive. Very plush and elegant interior. Too many safety and convenience features to mention. This car really hugs the track as well. I was disappointed with the 2.4 (not enough "get up and go") but the 2.4T is perfect around town or out on the interstate. The 17" wheelse really sets this vehicle off. I cant wait to have to drive places now.

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  Dont Buy Volvo S60 - 2003 Volvo S60
  By cward13 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I have made several trips to the Service Department to repair the STC system. Overall the quality of the car is extremely poor, performance is very average. The only attribute this car has is comfortable front seats. Interior engine sound is very noisy. Nothing quite like a car that audibly lets you know that it hates bumps in the road. Transmission doesnt shift right. Any favorable rating on this site must of come from the dealerships.

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  Volvo Lover - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Annette Ferrell - February 26 - 2:56 am

  I searched many months for a car and my decision came down to the Volvo and the Acura TL. I love this Volvo - its quick, FUN to drive, yet has a feeling of sophistication and sexy! This car feels like its floating on the road - watch your speedometer - youll be at 90 mph before you know it. This car is comfortable and well appointed. Leg room in the back is a little tight, but I rarely have rear passengers so no problem. I drive about 80% highway and consistently get 27-28 mpg.

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  Great Car For The Money! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By dingo686 - February 22 - 8:43 pm

  I have put 30k miles on mine and these are my impressions so far at 80K miles. I used to be a Honda guy but when I couldnt find a used one at a descent price I drove this car and boy am I glad I did. These cars have all the reliability of the Japanese cars but better fit and finish and quality. Just open and shut the doors of this car and youll know what Im talking about. Only problem Ive had with this car is the fuel pump cracked but it is a recall item so I took it to the dealer and they replaced it no charge. I have replaced one daytime running lamp and the oil and thats it. To me you get the looks, feel, most of the peppiness and quality of a BMW 3 series but at half the price.

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  2001 Volvo 2dr Sdn - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Andrea Smith - February 22 - 5:46 pm

  Overall, a very good car! Purchased car for safety features as well as design and have been satisfied YTD. Took 3 years of ownership before realizing that there is a trunk release above rear license plate when doors are unlocked push up on rubber cover this will open the trunk without using the fob.I have to agree that the car does burn bulbs. Car only has 38000 miles and replaced over 6 bulbs. The dealership I go to is not so generous and charges $4.00 a bulb a bit pricy. Had some problems with plastic runners on roof pitting and discoloring the first year but they were replaced under warranty. Also, experienced some electrical problem that was also covered under warranty.

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  150k miles and counting!! - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Christian - February 21 - 6:51 am

  I bought my 2007 Volvo S60 R used at 85k miles. It now has over 150k miles on it! In this time I have not had one problem with the car. Its given a scheduled oil change every 5k miles, and had its 120k mile regular maintenance. I do take very good care of my car, however, I enjoy having fun in it as well. With the DTSC system combined with AWD, the back country roads couldnt be more fun. This was my first car, and have had it since I was 16, so Im sure you can guess the limits Ive pushed this car to... None the less, it has held up better than I couldve imagined. I recently took the car for a full 130 point inspection and it passed every single one. My mechanic doesnt doubt if Ill see 300k miles with this car. With all the good, I will have to complain about the turn radius, as its about the same as truck. All in all its a great car, I look forward to the life of this car and the other Volvos I will be purchasing.