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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  Solid sports sedan - 2013 Volvo S60
  By tomhager - December 1 - 8:45 am

  Traded in my Acura TSX after the second timing chain went out, test drove a T5 AWD and was hooked -- great combo of comfort and fun. Drove it through a late-night thunderstorm in the Oregon mountains and felt perfectly safe -- the thing corners like its on rails. Love the power and quiet.

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  THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED - TIRES ARE BAD - 2015 Volvo S60
  By LAURENVOLVO - December 1 - 6:39 am

  I have received 3 flat tires in 6 months. 2 of the flat tires were blow outs on the expressway and I almost caused 2 huge accidents while my 7 year old daughter was in the car. This car needs to be recalled. There is NO SPARE TIRE and when i got all 3 of my flats the lighter socket did not work for me to fix the tire. Continental tires are horrible and not safe. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR WITH THE CONTINENTAL TIRES.

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  217,000 and going strong - 2004 Volvo S60
  By birddogphil - November 28 - 12:25 pm

  I have driven this car for business for the last 8 years.This is my second Volvo in recent years and I consider this S60 to be as close to the perfect car for me as I will ever get.With the 2.4 engine,I think the performance is good but obviously not stellar.Reliability,comfort,style,MPG are however all stellar.Keep a few extra bulbs on hand,change the oil and do regular maintenance and do what I am planning to do-keep driving this car for 300,000 miles and then decide if I should look for a new ride.

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  my 7th volvo,, - 2005 Volvo S60
  By c w e - November 23 - 6:26 pm

  This is my 7th Volvo from the same dealer.. with the fantastic combination car, service and sales there does not seem to be much competition for this car. I drive 20,000 miles a year and remain happy with the comfort, safety, design,space, gas mileage and reliability of this auto. The only amazing thing is that everyone does not own one of these cars. I cannot say enough great things for Volvo.

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  Besides the back legroom, Excellent..... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By C. Rosina - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Volvo S60 Turbo. It was definitely worth the little extra money for the turbo. The one and only complaint I have about this vehicle is the small amount of legroom in the back seat. Other than that, I highly recommend this car for anyone who wants a sporty luxury sedan at a reasonable price.

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  Volvo S60 Surprising Value - 2002 Volvo S60
  By batman - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Volvos exclusively for the last 11 years. Each one has impressed me in terms of safety, reliability, and a generally "solid" feel that never seemed to wear off. When looking for a new car, I ended up test driving other cars in the "luxury sedan" segment, only to discover that they didnt seem as well built (ex. Lincoln LS) or were much more expensive (BMW 3 series) when comparably equipped. This new Volvo is the first one Ive owned that really feels like a sports sedan. The 850 was close, but this sedan handles, accelerates, brakes, and looks sportier. For the money, its a great value.

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  Absolutely recommend! - 2012 Volvo S60
  By leasingman - November 8 - 5:28 pm

  Ive had mine for about a month and took it on a 1000 mile trip. This car is stylish, fun to drive, solid, and very comfortable. If you dont need AWD, dont bother with the T6 and save at least five grand. The T5s power is excellent. The front seats are the most comfortable ones that Ive ever had in a car, but the lumbar adjuster is in an awkward place. Gas mileage is astounding. On the trip using cruise as much as possible, six hours from PA to VA we averaged 34mpg!! 28 mpg up and down hills from VA to WV. Didnt reset and after the WV back to PA run, we were back at 32 mpg. I, and my son with ipod, think the base sound system is fine. Excellent value compared to the A4, 328i, & 300C.

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  Love my S60! - 2012 Volvo S60
  By dogman99 - November 5 - 7:25 pm

  I cant say enough of this car. I test drove the T6 because thats all what the dealer had but I really dont see much of a deference between the 2 cars. Would of got the T6 but it was out of my price range. The T5 is perfect for me anyway. Just like others people said, it drives, handles great and is has a comfortable ride. I got about 550 miles on it so I havent really got on the gas. Definitely going to drive this car into the ground! I would suggest this car to everybody. I was lucky enough to be stationed in Germany so I got a discount on my car which saved me like 6 grand then from buying it in the states.

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  3 years, 45000 miles - 2007 Volvo S60
  By Revolvolution - November 3 - 1:16 am

  We bought this car in 2005, the first year the R was available. After much research it came down to the Audi A4, BMW 3 series, Mercedes C Class and the Volvo S60R. After a test drive in each the Volvo was the clear winner. Faster pickup, more solid build quality. The BMW and MBenz felt like toys compared to this. The Audi was nice but had now where near the OOMPH! AWD was a must for us living in the Northeast. We have driven it over 45,000 miles now in the city and highway with no major mechanical issues. This is the 2nd one we owned (yes, I was the first person in the United States to total an "R"). Major rollover accident. WE ALL WALKED AWAY WITHOUT A SCRATCH! Volvo saved my life.

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  First Expensive Car ... - 2004 Volvo S60
  By John Sanfilippo - October 23 - 5:20 pm

  Car is very fun to drive. I do not use it as an everyday car so when I do drive it what a treat! The car is clean, smooth, and the sound system is very, very good. (I enjoy music and understand subtles others may not. Try listening to the Beatles "I Am the Eggman" the separation from the Dolby II Pro Logic is unbelievable. Or you Rush Fans listening to "Subdivision" -- you will be blown away.