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2001-2007 Volvo S60
Date Published: 2/20/08

2001-2007 Volvo S60
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Price Range:
$6,400 - 30,700

Class:
Premium Midsize Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2001-2007 Volvo S60
Expert Rating Summary
Category
Volvo S60 2.4T Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 4
Total Score: 50
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
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2001-2007 Volvo S60 Review
Following the debut of redesigned V70 wagons in spring of 2000, Volvo's midrange sedans got a comparable makeover. Now badged S60, the 2001 front drive near-luxury sedans replaced the S70 design that had originated in 1993 with the 850 series. The 2001 wagon lineup included all-wheel-drive models, but the new S60 was front-drive only. Both models shared the same three engines, basic structure, and many features. Standard equipment included antilock four-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, side-window curtain airbags, and Volvo's anti-whiplash front-seat backrests and head restraints. Three models went on sale, each with an inline five-cylinder engine. The base sedan held a 2.4-liter engine rated at 168 horsepower. A turbocharged 197-hp version of that engine went into the 2.4T. The performance-oriented T5 got a turbocharged 2.3-liter that cranked out 247 horsepower. Base and T5 sedans came with a five-speed manual gearbox or optional five-speed automatic transmission. Automatic was mandatory for the 2.4T and, except on the base model, included Volvo's Geartronic manual-shifting feature. Compared to the S70s that they replaced, the S60 sedans were 2 inches longer in wheelbase, but nearly 6 inches shorter overall, an inch taller, and almost 2 inches wider. Styling was visibly sleeker, similar to that of Volvo's flagship S80 sedan. Trunk capacity shrunk by 1.2 cubic feet, but Volvo claimed slightly more interior space. Base models retained standard 15-inch wheels, while the T5 rode 17-inchers that were available for the 2.4T in lieu of 16s. Two traction-control/antiskid systems were available. Stability Traction Control (STC) was standard on the T5 and optional on others. It throttled back power or braked the front wheels to maintain traction and minimize skidding. Available for the T5 and 2.4T was a more sophisticated Dynamic STC that added selective braking at all four wheels. Monitoring each wheel, it was designed to improve cornering stability in active driving. Options included a sport suspension for the T5, a satellite-linked navigation system with pop-up dashboard screen, and Volvo's On-Call Plus assistance system, which was similar to GM's OnStar. Competitors for the S60 included the Acura TL, Audi A6, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti I30, and Lexus ES 300.
Year to Year Changes
2002 Volvo S60: All-wheel drive became available for 2002. The new 2.4T AWD sedan apportioned power to the rear wheels when the front tires began to slip. An emergency in trunk release and rear cupholders were added this year.
2003 Volvo S60: All-wheel-drive models got a more powerful engine for 2003. A 208-horsepower turbo 2.5-liter replaced the previous 2.4-liter, which was rated at 197 hp. All models now had a standard CD/cassette player. Fog lamps and wood dashboard trim were newly standard in 2.4T and AWD models. Rain-sensing wipers joined the option list, as did an On-Call Plus assistance system.
2004 Volvo S60: A high-performance model highlighted the changes to Volvo's midsize sedan for 2004. Called the S60 R, it had 300 horsepower, AWD, and a 6-speed manual transmission. Other changes for '04 include the dismissal of the 197-hp 2.4T, new cabin decor, and the addition of Volvo's On-Call assistance system.
2005 Volvo S60: Revised styling, optional run-flat tires, and wider availability of an adjustable suspension keynote S60's 2005 changes. New for '05, rear obstacle detection and real-wood interior trim. All S60s get revised nose and tail appearance, including LED taillamps, plus new seats and center console. No longer available is Volvo's On-Call Plus assistance system.
2006 Volvo S60: There were no changes for the 2006 S60.
2007 Volvo S60: A subtle facelift marks Volvo's 2007 midsize sedans. Traction/antiskid control is standard for 2007 on all S60s, not just the R. ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags continue standard. Also for '07, steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps are newly available on 2.5T and T5 models. All S60s have modest styling changes and revised interior trim for '07. The 2.5s also get a firmer suspension than previously used.
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