2001-2008 Volvo S60: Road Test

Solid and substantial, Volvo's stylish sedans perform pleasantly. All S60s save the high-performance R hesitate somewhat off the line, but pick up speed impressively enough--especially the turbo models. With manual shift, a T5 accelerated to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Sadly, manual-gearbox action feels crude. Turbo engines' throttle lag leaves you short of power at times, and mild "torque-steer" wander occurs on front-drive models in hard takeoffs. An early 2.4T AWD model did 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds. The sporty R goes like a jackrabbit, a manual model racing to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds in our tests. A 2.4T averaged 21.7 mpg, while manual-shift T5s managed 21.5 mpg in a city/highway mix and 17.9 mpg with performance tests. Gas mileage with a 2.4 T AWD sedan averaged 23.5 mpg. R managed 19.6 mpg. Volvo recommends premium fuel for the turbo engines. Engines are muted at modest rpm, but these inline fives are never as smooth as rivals' V6s. The T5 grows awfully throaty at full throttle. Wind noise and tire slap are high for this class. Vehicle structure is satisfyingly solid, but suspensions allow minor road imperfections to be felt more than in most class rivals. That's especially true in the T5 and R, with their extra-firm damping and thumpy low-profile performance tires. Road manners are confident in all models, with sharp steering, modest body lean, and good grip. The 2.4T AWD feels more secure than a front-drive 2.4T, and more supple than the T5. The T5 and R try hard, but cannot match the moves of rear-drive sport sedans. Brakes are strong and easily modulated, though some drivers consider them touchy in urban driving. Gauges are well-marked, logical, and nicely lit. On the downside, the radio's 20 station presets are selected by scrolling with a single rotary dial rather than by individual buttons--a feature not everyone cares for. The dashboard-top navigation screen is difficult to read in daylight, and the system's controls are on the steering wheel, inaccessible to the passenger. Interior decor is stylish and modern, but some budget-grade plastic panels fall short of Audi/Lexus quality. Comfortable, supportive front seats are wider and softer than the European norm. Leg and head room are outstanding. Rearward visibility is restricted by a high parcel shelf, bulky headrests, and sloped roofline. The nicely shaped rear seat is comfortable for two medium-sized adults, but leg room is very tight if front seats are set more than halfway back. The wide, deep trunk isn't too tall and has a smallish opening. Cabin storage is adequate.

Value for the Money
Arguably the most stylish Volvo ever, the S60 is the best-handling Volvo sedan yet. Even so, compromises in rear-seat room, ride quality, and powertrain smoothness are hard to overlook in the hotly contested near-luxury class. The all-season 2.4T AWD is an asset to this line, but not enough to threaten the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300 for overall value.