2012 Volvo S60 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.69/5 Average
40 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Volvo S60 gains two new models for 2012. The entry-level T5 comes with a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, while the T6 R-Design features a sportier look, a more dynamic driving experience and more power from the turbocharged six-cylinder. A dual-screen rear seat entertainment system is also added to the options list.

Pros:
  • Abundant safety features.
  • Strong brakes and smart all-wheel-drive system with T6
  • Comfortable front seats
  • Powerful and efficient engines
  • Well-balanced ride and handling
Cons:
  • Cramped backseat
  • Some dated controls.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 40.00
  • Not up to luxury standards - 2012 Volvo S60
    By -

    I bought the car after looking at and test driving several entry level luxury cars. I liked the S60 and thought it was a good value. I decided on one car but it was sold when I went back so I ended up with a more expensive car but I got a good deal so I bought it. The cars handling is OK but Id prefer more rode feel but it was acceptable. Acceleration was good. However, I did notice some fit and finish problems in the interior after a few days of driving. I went back to the dealer to point these out and they took pictures and sent them to Volvo. I bought the car in Feb. 2012 and it is June and the problems have not been resolved. I should have bought the Mercedes C Class.

  • Got it over the Audi A4 - 2012 Volvo S60
    By -

    Over the past 15 years, Ive owned Audis. Yea, I know, the BMW 3 series is best, but for me I liked Audi. Prior to getting my "wonderful" 2013 S60 T5, Audi gave me a new 2013 A4 2.0 T (w) premium package to use for three days, while my A3 was being fixed. Needing a new car & my recent experience with the A4, it gave me a good reference point/comparison to the S60. Anyway, for "me/myself & I", the Volvo S60 T5 was "much better" than the A4 for city and highway driving. Also, it handled very good (not as good as the Germans, but good enough) and provided better steering feel, a more solid feel/smoother ride, quieter cabin, better seats, and "just enough" power to have some fun.

  • Love it despite its issues - 2012 Volvo S60
    By -

    I have owned nothing but Volvos. That said, Im a bit of a car guy and know the comparisons between my 2012 S60 T5 and its competitors. While it may not handle as tightly as a comparable Mercedes or BMW, a T5 beats a base 3-series or C-Class hands-down when it comes to speed and comfort. Its also a sharp-looking car. My primary motivation for purchasing this vehicle was because it was the second safest car ever tested by the IIHS (next to the Tesla Model S) at the time. I bought it certified pre-owned from a Volvo dealer with about 30,000 miles in 2014. It has the premium package (sunroof, leather, power passenger seat) and climate package (heated seats, headlight washers, rain-sensing wipers). The draw to the CPO car was the 100,000-mile/7-year drivetrain warranty. While I adore this car, I am also very, very glad I have the extended warranty. I dont think Ive ever had to take a car into the shop so often. At the time Im writing this, I have taken the car in four times to fix a leak in the passenger floorboard that they cannot identify (I will give the dealer credit for their exhaustive efforts with this). The silver trim on the steering wheel and console began to peel, which they replaced. They also replaced a broken air vent. One leather panel on the backseat has begun to flake while the ones beside of it have not. Its obvious to me that the tiny panel in the middle is made of inferior material to those surrounding it. The dealer would not address this because they "found evidence" that my dog had ridden in the backseat. Most problematic is that the oil pressure warning came on 4,000 miles after my most recent service, meaning that it was four (of five) quarts low. It goes in later this week to have that issue figured out. I maintain this car well, having my services done when (or before) theyre due, and only use synthetic oil. It shouldnt be having these problems. But most importantly to me, Im safe, comfortable, have the power to escape a treacherous situation, and look damn good doing it. But, of course, it is as Im on my way to the dealership for the millionth time for warranty work.

  • Best all around for sport and comfort - 2012 Volvo S60
    By -

    After driving a BMW 530 anything would be a step down but my T5 is great! Not punishing on our crumbling roads as my BMW 3 series loaners were via low profile tires. Yet its not like steering a boat as with most Volvos. Front torque steer is almost nil. Comfort is great and interior seems more spacious than BMW 3s or Lexus IS. Both of which will bleed you dry with tire prices! Interior looks high quality. A little more road noise than I expected but not intrusive. Base stereo speakers are disappointing. Cursor on wheel is too easy to accidentally change stations when turning. Center console easy to scratch. My T5 S60 base model DOES have auto-on/off headlights! Great price, style.

  • Pulled into a Volvo dealer on a whim ..then bought - 2012 Volvo S60
    By -

    Just bought my S60 after looking and driving many other vehicles.!st the others. Lexus ct200 hybrid interior cabin too small at 6ft my head was hitting cieling also there is much concern about this cars performance in the winter . Audi A5 , this would have been the primary competetion to the S60 purchase and although the A5 might be a tad handsomer and its feature set is also maybe a bit more sophistivcated I guarantee if you drive both the Volvo blows it away as far as driving dynamics. A5 211 hp 4 banger cannot come clsoe to the power and smoothness of the s60 Also the steering on the A5 was very loose compared to the volvo not to say I got my 2011 with a hefty 3grand rebate free maintence and 1.9% all vs full msrp 3.9% and no main on the audi and it was a no brainer. oh yes also drive the Bmw 328i aawd but had to spend a fortune to get the paackage with HID zenon lights . Was shocked at the numbner of cars BMW sells with 20 yr old halogens ...come on people why would anyone spend 40 plus grand on a car with those candles for lights.. I will not buy a car without this important safety feature and the S60 with its adaptive headlights are a winner. Wow almost forgot i did twest the new Saab 95 with a 10 grand rebate for obviouso reason and alhough i liked the sabb the best of all I was concerned aobut saabs viablitiy as a company and the potential hit to resell i may have taken and thus ended up in a S60...the only negative is i would have liked to see a better tpm which shows the inflated value of each tire rather then one which just lights when any tire gets low but you dont know which one...and there is no holder for a cell phone anywhere...missed that on the test drive..love the cool auto headrest down function for the rear to give me better visability when no one is in the back ......

  • Just bought it, love it - 2012 Volvo S60
    By -

    Just bought a 2011 S60 T6. Got a great deal because there are trying to move the 2011s out. Was trying to keep it in the mid 30s. Was debating between a T5 or T6. Glad I went with a T6 because its all wheel drive and has 300hp instead of 250hp and front wheel drive. Great warranty: 5yr/60k

  • A little Disappointed - 2012 Volvo S60
    By -

    I am a little disappointed in my 2012 Volvo S60 that I bought brand new last year. Ive only had it for one year, but it was taken to the shop 4 different times. The Volvo symbol on the front came off, the silver part on the steering wheel cut me when it peeled off, the mp3 player connection within the arm rest had to be replaced, and I replaced the windshield wipers(after owning the car 2 weeks) due to invisibility from rain. I thought something was wrong with the windshield, but after Volvo dealership mechanics assured me it wasnt the window, I realized it was the windshield wipers. I wasnt expecting to return to the shop (using my gas) For a luxury vehicle at this price.

  • No more SAAB stories. - 2012 Volvo S60
    By -

    I was involved in an accident with my 2006 SAAB 9.3 2.0 turbo in April returning from Spring Break. I was very lucky... I was going 70 MPH and a box truck had pulled over for the night, but did not pull all the way off the driving lanes. I was the third car to hit debris in the right driving lane and unfortunately my car was totaled. I had very minor injuries and witnessed some major injuries of the two vehicles that crashed before me. I went searching for a new vehicle and my mind was made up that I was going to get an SUV or crossover, but my heart did no race like it did when I was in my SAAB. I was spoiled and wanted luxury. I tea drove everything and fell in love with the VolvoS60

  • Superb car - 2012 Volvo S60
    By -

    My wife and I are long-time BMW owners, and we love those cars. We compared the T5 to a new BMW 3-series, and the T5 won hands-down. It is simply more car for less money. Excellent pickup on the freeway, deft steering, nimble handling. Before buying we also test drove the T6, which was AWESOME, but more car than we needed. The T5 is so much fun to drive and so well-built that I have a feeling our enthusiasm will last long after our last car payment. If you are considering a BMW, Lexus, or the like, you MUST test drive this car. Gone are the days of the stodgy Volvo. This car positively rocks!

  • Sounding Off! - 2012 Volvo S60
    By -

    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

Volvo S60 Reviews By Year:
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