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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  dont waste your money $$$ on it! - 2002 Volvo S60
  By xsnirvana - February 2 - 10:00 am

  even for an entry level luxury sedan, one has high hopes. this car fell short even with the $$$. there are fit and trim problems. a re-ocurring issue with the front suspension, poor service from Volvo dealers who basically treat you no better than going to a Ford outfit! perhaps Ford made too many changes when they bought them???

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  Excellent family sedan - 2003 Volvo S60
  By Incubus - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The ride comfort and handling are excellent. Suspension is rather softer than other makers sports sedans. But if you like comfortable ride, thats not a big problem at all. Tire grip is also good, especially with sports package (P215/55/R16). People recommend to choose non-turbo model if you drive this car more than 60,000 miles.

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  S60 AWD Good Bang for the Buck - 2003 Volvo S60
  By cccccccccccccccccccc - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first "luxury car" and Im very pleased so far. AWD was a must where we live and the lease deal on a similarly equiped car couldnt be found among competitors. I had a manual Maxima so the turbo lag took some getting use to, but pick-up is nice and interior is beautiful. Love the exterior look. Very classy! Cant wait to test out winter handling.

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  Great personal car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By dsensing - January 24 - 6:40 pm

  Great car for a commuter or a couple. Very smooth ride and I get 30 mpg on the interstate, better than the Camry this car replaced. All the power I need (2.5T). Best front seats in the business, bar none. Back seat good for kids only; adults can tolerate only if front seats are moved well forward. Good sized trunk. Ive had no probs with long steering radius reported in other posts. Best long-range cruiser there is, period, better than Infiniti, BMW or Mercedes Ive owned. Very secure driving experience, feels like Im driving a fast bank vault on wheels. Appearance is very handsome (ruby red ext. with tan leather int., very nice combination). I am very satisfied.

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  Excellent balance - 2005 Volvo S60
  By DocG - January 18 - 12:03 pm

  Have driven this car for just about 1 year now. It has been a great balance between practical and fun. Two back seats for the kids, very comfortable seats, and a great sound system, matched up with the 300 HP AWD has put a grin on my face every day. With winter tires, it is unstoppable in the snow.

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  Great Car! - 2012 Volvo S60
  By kj83 - January 15 - 8:26 am

  OK, so the other reviews describe the car well. For those wondering how they hold up over time: my S60 T5 is nearly 2 years old (purchased May 2011), has about 24K miles on it, and has had no problems (OK, well, I did get the wiper blades replaced for free at my last routine service, and a firmware update before that). I bought this over a BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Infinity, etc, and that was a bit of a shocker as I only stopped into the Volvo dealer because it was on my way to another car dealer. Good thing, as I was won over after many test drives, and I do love the car.

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  Off to a good start - 2004 Volvo S60
  By kjessen - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I received my 2.5 turbo awd on Dec 15,2003. It was great timing with a good snow storm coming the next night. I went out at midnight to drive up and down the unplowed hills in this part of Wisconsin and was amazed at the cars ability to just go where I wanted it to go with out any real effort. I took a quick cruise to Detroit and back (averaging about 78 mph going along with flow of the crazy drivers around Chicago and across Michigan) It was extremely comfortable and secure feeling. It has taken me a little while to get used to the "turbo lag" in city street driving. So far (about 5000 miles) it has been totally without defect or problem.

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  Never thought Volvo until I test drove this car - 2012 Volvo S60
  By waylone - January 13 - 7:31 am

  I had a Acura TL and then a MB E350 sport Both nice but Gas millage was not great on either. I stopped at a dealer and really like the comfort style and GAS MILLAGE. Only have for 1000 miles so far, but the 250hp is good enough. I was used to 6 cylinder cars, but this has plenty of power. Got the car loaded for $36,500 plus it has 5 year/50K miles service on everything but tires. Also finance rates were 1.9 for 72 months. So far I am getting High 20s on combined city/Hwy. Much better than the Benz, Infotainment system is a little confusing but the sound is good and the nave is better than MB. Good value compared to Audi, MB and BMW go test one an you will love it.

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  Early life crisis - 2005 Volvo S60
  By R_Rated - January 10 - 11:50 am

  I needed a car that was a bit more pretentious than my Mercedes. At my age and a sales career I needed something more responsible looking. The volvo fit that perfectly. I wanted a toy that was fast and fun to drive.... This car has been perfect from the get go. Add some goodies and before I knew it, I had a 600 hp monster on my hands. (463 to the wheels)

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  Volvo S60R -the fist few weeks - 2004 Volvo S60
  By witek - January 10 - 10:00 am

  More Im driving this svedes rocket, more I like it. Excellent acceleration and throttle response. Good, thight steering and very immpresive cornering ability. Fun to drive!