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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  R doesnt stand for Reliability - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Greg - February 20 - 10:13 pm

  Ive had the S60R for about one year now; its a blast to drive, sporty and luxurious. The navigation works well, but does not have voice activation or a touch screen. So far Ive averaged at least one trip to the dealer per month for "nuisance" problems and technical bulletin fixes. The 6 speed will make even the most seasoned stick drivers feel like a 16 year old learning to drive a manual tranny, its never the same clutch twice. In spite of these shortcomings, Volvo has done a nice job entering into the M3 and S4 realm. The R can hang with either car and not embarrass itself. Just be prepared to fork over alot of cash at the pump.

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  Its G-RRRRRR-EAT - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Silver Bullet - February 18 - 10:56 am

  Excellent value for the price. I would have liked to purchase more of the extras, but wanted an S60R now! After the test drive I lost sleep waiting to purchase. I would have purchased two, but opted to purchase a Dodge Charger SRT-8 as our "bigger" car. The sixth gear is an asset. The fuel economy is nice. We traded in our 2004 S60 and feel that the R version is heads and shoulders above the competition and other S60 models. The gauges are gorgeous!! The overall interior room could be a bit bigger (this is my one and only negative point). But the size is just right for a small family. As you step into the car, an ambiance of complete safety surrounds you.

• 

  Great Car, Worth every penny - 2002 Volvo S60
  By Andria - February 14 - 5:00 am

  Mine was previously leased Volvo that I purchased from dealer. The car rides beautifully. It came with winter package, so it drives fantastic in snow. Wish it would take corners a little better, but I used to drive a sportscar before this one. When I purchased the car it had 47K miles on it. Within 3 years it now has 109K. No issues. The "check engine" light came on. It turned out it was the gas cap wasnt on tight enough. Hit a huge deer while driving the Oregon coast hwy doing 60MPH. The deer walked away and the car had some damage ($7k), but I was still able to drive it all the way to Las Vegas with no problems. Could barely feel the impact in the interior cabin. Volvo fan for life.

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  S60 AWD - Slightly Sopoforic - 2003 Volvo S60
  By beau - February 9 - 11:33 am

  A sturdy car without a whole lot in the character department. I always felt safe. However, there wasnt much soul to the ride. AWD worked great in snow/ice. However, be warned that if you get a flat tire and there is slight wear on the tires, you must purchase 4 new tires. This increases the cost of ownership in my opinion.

• 

  best everyday road car on the market - 2002 Volvo S60
  By future driving - February 8 - 10:00 am

  You can drive this car slow, fast in bad weather, and its such a joy. Always get out of the car smiling. I had this car over 110mph just crusing and it changes lanes with exceptional road feel. Ill drive slow and just enjoy the excellent sound system and living room like seats. This Car handles great in bad weather for all you BMW or rear wheel lovers.

• 

  excellent - 2005 Volvo S60
  By steve g - January 29 - 3:23 am

  I looked at Acura TL and BMW 330. This car beats them both in performance and comfort. The T5 is amazingly fast and the handling is great. The front seats are sooo comfortable. The available IPOD adapter works great with the excellent stereo system.

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  Stealthy Pocket Rocket - 2006 Volvo S60
  By Dave - January 28 - 5:06 am

  My wife wanted this car because its low profile, but great looking. I think its super quick with the automatic; feels a lot quicker than an 05 demo I drove last year and faster than the spec. Great seats, and the adjustable suspension really works. So far, its been problem free for 5 months. Good price: $37K for automatic with some packsges(amounted to $300 over invoice AND less $2250 incentive.) We may have gotten the last one for while, since it doesnt look like Volvo will make an 07 R and theres talk of dropping the S60 altogether. Looked at TL (too common and FWD), G35 (didnt feel as confident to drive or as quick), Mustang GT, (too banal), Maxima (FWD, etc, etc.), Audi...

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  ok - 2001 Volvo S60
  By Sasha 1 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Nice car for normal driving. Not enough power in 5 cyl. Dealer service sucks in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn! Parts expansive so get extanded warranty.

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  Volvo S60 2.5T 2004dc - 2004 Volvo S60
  By DCottrill - January 17 - 9:56 am

  I bought this car as it was being "pulled" off the truck. It has been an excellent vehicle these past 7 years with no maintenance issues. I have followed the mfg guidelines for service, every 7,500 miles, and it continues to run like a top as they say. A most recent 1,800 mile round trip to S.C. from Ohio averaged 32.3 mpg including some city driving. The only drawback would be the leg room in the rear seating area, but trunk space is huge for this size of vehicle. I plan on keeping this vehicle for another 130,000 miles. I hope the new owners of Volvo dont change a thing on quality!

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  This car is a sleeper - 2004 Volvo S60
  By Ryeman - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I am so glad we looked at the S60 when evaluating our car choices. I really did like the Infiniti G35, which has all the rave reviews, but after driving this car for a while, I dont think I gave up anything for the Volvo. With the huge factory incentives they were offering, it was too hard to pass up and Im glad I didnt. There will be plenty of G35s crusing around town, but I save a few grand and got a car that is a bit more distinctive. I think the car is a sleeper in the marketplace.