The S60 returns in 2002 with a new all-wheel drive trim. This electronically controlled AWD system is teamed with the turbocharged 2.4 liter power plant. All S60 styles now include with Emergency Brake Assistance, a more responsive traction control system and improved throttle management for less turbo lag. A driver memory function for the mirrors and seat has been added to the 2.4T and T5 standard equipment rosters, and ISO-FIX child restraints are now in all models.
There are three engine options in the S60 lineup. The base model gets an unaltered version of the 2.4 liter inline five, which supplies 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The 2.4T adds a turbocharger to the five cylinder engine, for a total of 218 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The T5 houses a 2.3 liter inline five, generating 247 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.
The Base and T5 models come standard with the five-speed manual transmission, while the 2.4T is only available with the five-speed automatic transmission. Volvo's Dynamic Stability Traction Control system is now standard in T5 models and optional on the 2.4T AWD. Fuel economy is estimated at 21/28 mpg with the manual transmission on either engine.
The S60 gains an edge over several competitors with the addition of an all-wheel drive model. Other highlights include the S60's upscale interior, powerful turbocharged engines, and a comprehensive list of safety features.
The S60 includes wide, supportive and soft seats, and all passengers get adequate leg and head room. Aside from a few lower quality materials and cryptic controls, the interior is luxurious and functional. Rear cup holders are a new addition to the Base model this year.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Comfortable seats (front and back), power seats, heated seats. Very good audio system. Great handling, good fuel economy. Easy service. Sunroof is great addition. Dependable car in all weather. Solid feel in the ride, closing the doors. Leader in airbag technology even in 2002!Jul 14, 2014
by Anonymous
Jun 15, 2014
This is a nice, safe car for anyone to drive. You'll definitely save money on gas when you switch to this car. On the other hand though, it does cost a lot to maintain. Being a foreign car makes it difficult to get cheap parts for the car, but if you keep it running well that shouldn't be a problem. Jun 15, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 22, 2013
This car outshines many others in its class, such as the BMW 525 or Lexus 350, providing wonderful, easy access extras. As one of the safest cars on the road with the longest of lives (many reach 300-500K!), it is well worth the reasonable price.Dec 22, 2013
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jul 14, 2014
Comfortable seats (front and back), power seats, heated seats. Very good audio system. Great handling, good fuel economy. Easy service. Sunroof is great addition. Dependable car in all weather. Solid feel in the ride, closing the doors. Leader in airbag technology even in 2002!Jul 14, 2014
by Anonymous
Jun 15, 2014
This is a nice, safe car for anyone to drive. You'll definitely save money on gas when you switch to this car. On the other hand though, it does cost a lot to maintain. Being a foreign car makes it difficult to get cheap parts for the car, but if you keep it running well that shouldn't be a problem. Jun 15, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 22, 2013
This car outshines many others in its class, such as the BMW 525 or Lexus 350, providing wonderful, easy access extras. As one of the safest cars on the road with the longest of lives (many reach 300-500K!), it is well worth the reasonable price.Dec 22, 2013
by Anonymous
Apr 08, 2013
I joined the Volvo club--I'm one of those that loves my car and doesn't want to replace it. After 11 years, It still looks great (no rust on the outside) and I feel so incredibly safe with it. AWD gets me where I need to go during the VT snow season. I will likely get another S60 when I do decide to move on.Apr 08, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 26, 2013
I bought this car in 2005 or 2006 with roughly 50,000 miles on it. I had issues with the Thermostat going out within the first week. Shortly thereafter, there was a recall on the fuel pump, had to get that fixed. I live 30 minutes away from where I work, so getting this vehicle worked on by someone who was willing and capable and that could do it in less than a week was a task. I did take it to the Volvo dealership a few times to have maintenance and repairs done, as much as I could. It's not easy to schedule an appointment with them on Saturdays, (we always got the, "if we don't have enough appointments for Saturday, we don't open the service department"), and it seemed like every other week something was needing to be fixed, and I couldn't keep taking off to repair my car. Apparently, there is a problem with the transmission over so many miles are put on it, it does what's called a "shift flare". This mostly happens in 1st and 2nd gear (mine's an automatic). The rpms will go up to about to 4 or 5, but nothing happens with the acceleration, then the car suddenly slams into gear, jerking the entire car forward. I've been told it just needs a software update, which you can really only do at the dealership, which is 2 hours away, which is hard for me to do. At this point, I've learned to deal with it, and I drive it like a stick. When the rpms start to go up, I let off the gas until it pops into gear. This seems to help a lot with the jerking. I now have roughly 181,000 miles on it, and can't wait to get rid of it. It seems like it's a ticking time bomb at this point, with a ton of other problems in addition to the transmission. Bottom line, if you have the time, money, and live by a Volvo dealership, this is a good car, otherwise, buy a different car.Feb 26, 2013
by Pål W
Apr 24, 2012
Good acceleratoin, extreme comfort, permium sound system, repaired for 4K $ in 1
year (In Norway, not that much), done 265 000 KM. Great for both long roadtrips
and driving to the store. Fantastic look and style. Best care ive owned so far..Apr 24, 2012
by Austin B
Apr 01, 2012
Have only had this car for a few weeks but so far it has been a blast! The most comfortable car i have ever sat in, the car is one of the fastest stock on the road. It handles more boat-like than my old 2003 Saab 9-3 which handled like a Porsche 911, but this is a nice change. This car also has substantial quality, built with luxury in mind and only the finest leathers and wood trim. Apr 01, 2012
by Sady M
Feb 26, 2012
I loved the car except that I had to buy a new transmission one month after I got it because the dealer said it had a perfect tranny. The brakes are awesome. I always felt safe while driving the car. ANd always had a blast driving the car.Feb 26, 2012
by Anonymous
Dec 14, 2010
Braking is phenomenal, one of the best I've ever experienced!
After owning this turbo, I will never go back to a car that stays stuck in its
own shadow on freeway onramps!
Runs on 87 octane - few cars in this performance category can make that
claim!
LoJack Early Warning System means you get a text message alert should
your car be bumped/moved whenever your key fob is not in it!Dec 14, 2010
by Jonathan L
Nov 10, 2009
It is a 2.4 liter transversly mounted gasoline engine. It
is a five cylinder turbocharged. This is mated to a
advanced electronically controlled Haldex AWD sytem.
It has nice seats the interior is pleasing. Its pretty fast
nothing crazy but it goes. Fun to drive in the snow and
poor conditions. Ok on gas, turbo noise galore.Nov 10, 2009
by Anish J
Sep 09, 2009
Its a beast with 160hp! Fun to drive, comfy and safe.Cool leather seats with curtain airbags. Perfect for long drives. Did 2600km ( Dubai, UAE to Muscat, Ibra, Sinaw, Adam, Nizwa, Barkha in Sultanate of Oman) within 4 days and it was great!Sep 09, 2009
by Patrick E
Sep 07, 2009
performance is great because of the turbo. braking is awsome handling is perfect because of the sway bar. Appearance is nice. inside is a bit small but luxury. It cost alot to mantain, gas is about 40 to fill, Fun care to drive around in.Sep 07, 2009
by James T
Mar 31, 2009
Handles well. Quality is average - this car seems to have an electrical curse. Comfortable ride. Near luxury vehicle. Seems to be a bit on the expensive side to maintain. Brakes are a definite weakness since the rotors are too thin to machine and must be replaced.Mar 31, 2009
by Dan S
Nov 16, 2008
The Volvo S60 T5 is superb. The 2.3 Turbo engine produces 250bhp which is quick enough on our english roads. The Ford Focus ST has the same engine but that looks quick where as the T5 is a true wolf in sheeps clothing.
I have a family but a thirst for speed when they are not in it, so i get the best of both worlds, safety and sporty. The police around the world use these and its obvious why. I have owned 4 T5s and all have had over 100k miles and all have felt the same, strong and responsive. The fuel is acceptable too, with 350miles per tank i am happy with that. You can also pick up second hand ones very cheaply, alot of car for your money. I love em!! The only bug bare i have is the turning circle, it is very poor and you have to do a 5 point turn rather than a 3!Nov 16, 2008
by Firas A
Aug 22, 2008
i hate the dealer! but the cars quality is amazing... i would like to have the tirbo version to get more power and a betetr performance compared to other german cars. but still i think its rare to own a volvo in my country.... thats a special one to have and makes u feel goooood !!!Aug 22, 2008
by Aqil M
Jul 29, 2008
this car was a mothers day gift to ma momz.. n i love tha car i need 2 get maself 1 :-D
we bought the car for about $14,000.. when you hear the car ride its unlike anything else you have been in before. Forget about those cheap cars, look for a VolvoJul 29, 2008
by Sazali S
Jul 26, 2008
It's a good car, powerful and very responsive... but a bit slacking in hard corners and certain parts simply could not withstand with the power the car produced
Build Quality is acceptable for the standard
Appearance: the car will looks meaner with the body kit
Gas: about 11liters/100km for mixed drivingJul 26, 2008
by Ross D
Jul 21, 2008
Bought the S60 in May 2007. Liked the car as soon as I saw it. It was a 2.0T so performance was pretty good. Would have been better had it been a bit lighter though. Used it mainly for going to work and the occasional road trip. Wasn't particularly fun to drive and being front wheel drive there were some grip issues, but it was very comfortable, well equipped and great at motorway cruising. Had a couple of minor issues but overall reliability was very good. Running costs were the main issue. Servicing and insurance wasn't cheap and it averaged 26mpg. I'd had the car almost a year when I sold it. I didn't want to sell it but I couldn't justify keeping it. Overall this car did cost me a fair amount of money but I don't care cos when someone asks me what my first car was I'll say it was a Volvo S60, and it was brilliant.Jul 21, 2008
by Puvley Peter M
Jul 17, 2008
first and foremost, this is a great car that combines all the aspects of a luxury, sports, family, and touring car in one amazing package. once you get into the driver's seat, the power leather heated bucket seats hug you and keep you in place, foreshadowing the comfortable ride that is soon approaching... even at 260 km/h. you then notice the wood trim, the stylish accents, and all the features you would ever need... and then some. the cd/fm-am/satellite radio with optional ipod input is paired with an incredible 13 speaker system that will never leave you bored. moving on to the more important stuff, this beauty is containing a beast within: a 2.4 litre in-line 5 cylinder engine, with an ass-kicking low-pressure turbo that puts out 197 horses no problem. put that with volvo's exclusive 5-speed automatic "geartronic" transmission, and you have a car that can be nice and smooth, or tough and fast... all on demand. cruising on the highway is no big feat in this car, and its great fun watching all the cars you pass on your way to work. then move the shifter to the side, and you got yourself a clutch-less manual ride, for those times you need to feel in control... or escaping from a cop chase. need-less to say, this is a volvo, and that means nothing but the top standards for safety, volvo being the number one vehicle manufacturer with safety in mind. so all-in-all, this is a great car. it looks great inside and out, it drives great, and its incredible on gas. would i recommend this car... well only if you can handle it.Jul 17, 2008
by Wes J
Mar 31, 2008
I drove the Volvo S60 for about two years and greatly enjoyed the time I spent
in this car. The car averaged an impressive 31 MPG on the highway and about
24 MPG city. the cabin is relatively quiet and all the controls are conveniently
located on the dash and are in reach at all times. The steering wheel audio
controls came in handy on a daily basis as well as the on board computer that
displays car information including: average speed, distance before next gas
fill up, and average and instantaneous fuel economy. The handling is well tuned
and tight enough to allow maximum handling and the brakes stop the car on
a dime.Mar 31, 2008
by Brice M
Mar 27, 2008
i love this car!!! periodMar 27, 2008
by Han W
Mar 15, 2008
Company car which was not really my choice. Comfy and competent cruiser, but 250bhp driving the front wheels = torque steer city. Even in the dry and in a straight line.Mar 15, 2008
by Adolfo R
Jan 09, 2008
a beautiful design, very good handling, very comfortable seatsJan 09, 2008
i had the cluster replaced on my volvo s60 a year ago for the past year the car has had a shake when you put your foot on the gas and go past 40 but when you let off the gas the shake goes away at lower speeds when we took it to a mechanic it would not read any codes did they do something when the cluster was installed
MY car has a code of ECM 1600(high voltage), 170F(high voltage) and 928C(lost signal). I want to know the price for reprogramming ECM, becuase I have changed BPS sensor into new one and didnt solved anything. Problem: When I try to accelerate in 800rpm, the car shakes and when I stop the car, the car shuts down randomly. I have checked the cables of BPS sensor connection into ECM but there was no problem.
It seems like every year from 2009 when I got the car to now I have had to have a major fix done costing up to or near $1,000 each year. I have spent more money fixing it that I have paid for it and I'm tired. I love my volvo but is it really worth the trouble anymore?
So my car has a lot of miles on it 190,000+ got it for graduation, me and my wife use it now to go everywhere, so the car is really jerky and when it shifts it pulls the car back then speeds up kind of a lack of power , idk if my parents even changed or check the transmission fluid , i went to my local oreily’s they read my car and it was a maf sensor and o2 sensor bank 1 , having no transmission fluid can it cause the check engine light to go off? Since its kind of slipping gears?