2002 Volvo S60 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Volvo's near-luxury sedan is available with all-wheel drive for 2002. The S60 is essentially the sedan version of Volvo's better-selling V70 station wagon, and both share a basic structure and some features with Volvo's S80 flagship. All S60s use an inline 5-cyl engine. The base 2.4-liter model, the more-powerful turbo 2.4T, and the sporty turbo 2.3-liter T5 all have front-wheel drive. The new 2.4T AWD apportions power to the rear wheels when the front tires begin to slip. Base and T5 models offer manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic. The 2.4Ts come only with automatic. Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. The base model has 15-inch wheels and offers optional 16s. The 2.4Ts have 16s and offer 17s. The T5 comes with 17s. Traction control is standard on all S60s and an antiskid system is standard on the T5, optional for the 2.4T models. Optional on all is a navigation system with pop-up dashboard screen.

Competition

This hotly contested segment has two clear benchmarks; the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300. Both succeed in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 offers a little more luxury and TL, with it's Type-S, a bit more sport.

We Recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.

News

S60 is a fair success by Volvo standards, drawing nearly 27,000 initial sales through the third quarter of 2001. This year's new AWD model sets the stage for a hotter edition to challenge the Audi S4, BMW M3, and Mercedes C32 AMG. Likely to be launched in early 2002 as the S60R, it's said to pack 300 hp via a tuned version of the T5 model's 247-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged 5-cyl engine. Torque reportedly goes from 243 lb-ft to 295. Other features, previewed on a recent concept model, should include 6-speed manual gearbox, discreet "performance car" body add-ons, low-profile performance tires on oversize wheels, and computer-managed shock absorbers with driver-selectable Comfort, Sport and "Advanced Sport" settings. The last are tied in with larger antilock brakes and an upgraded traction/antiskid system. No word yet on price, but we'd guess $38,000 to start.

2002 Volvo S60 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Available AWD	Rear visibility

Front-seat comfort	Navigation-system controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
5	6	6	6.2

No S60 springs off the line, but all pick up speed impressively enough, especially the turbos. Test 2.4T AWD did 0-60 mph in 7.9 sec, manual-transmission T5 in 7.3, but manual-shift action feels crude. Turbo engines' throttle lag leaves you short of power sometimes, and mild "torque steer" wander occurs on front-wheel-drive models in fast takeoffs. Volvo's AWD system provides outstanding grip on slippery surfaces.

Fuel Economy

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
5	5	4	4.6

Test 2.4T averaged 21.7 mpg. Extended-use-test 2.4T AWD averaging 22.9 mpg over its first 7,033 mi. Manual-transmission T5s averaged 21.5 mpg in a city/highway mix, and 17.9 with gas-eating performance tests. Volvo recommends premium fuel for the turbo engines.

Ride Quality

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
7	7	5	7.2

Structure is satisfyingly solid, but suspensions allow minor road imperfections to be felt more than in most class rivals, especially in the T5 with its extra-firm damping and thumpy low-profile performance tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
6	7	7	6.7

T5 tries hard, but can't match the moves of rear-drive sport-sedans. Still, road manners confident in all models, though there's more body lean in turns than we would like. New 2.4T AWD feels more secure than front-drive 2.4T, more supple than T5. Brakes have strong stopping power, and feel easily modulated to some testers, but a bit touchy around town to others.

Quietness

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.8

Engines muted at modest rpm, but these inline-5s are never as smooth as rivals' V6s, and T5 becomes a throaty Hoover at full throttle. Wind noise and tire slap also high for the class.

Controls

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
7	7	5	6.3

Well-marked, nicely lit gauges. Agreeable controls, with three exceptions: The radio's 20 station presets are selected by scrolling with a single rotary dial rather than by individual buttons, a feature not all our testers like. The dashtop navigation screen isn't easy to read in daylight. And the navigation system's controls are on the steering wheel, inaccessible to the passenger. Interior design is stylish and modern, but some budget-grade plastic panels detract from the atmosphere.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7

Comfortable, supportive seats are wider and softer than the European norm. Outstanding leg and head room. Visibility restricted aft by high parcel shelf, bulky headrests, sloped roofline.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
4	4	4	5.4

Nicely shaped, and comfortable for two medium-sized adults, but leg room very tight if front seats are set more than halfway back. Rear cupholders added for '02.

Cargo Room

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
3	3	3	4.2

Trunk is wide and deep, but not tall, and has a smallish opening. Adequate cabin storage.

Value within Class

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
4	4	3	5.1

These are arguably the most-stylish Volvos ever, and certainly are the best-handling Volvo sedans yet. But compromised powertrain smoothness is hard to overlook in the hotly contested near-luxury class, especially at the $36,000 sticker price of our 2.4T, 2.4T AWD, and T5 test cars. The all-season capability of the 2.4T AWD is an asset to this line, but it doesn't match the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300 for overall value.

Total Score

2.4T	2.4T AWD	T5 w/ nav. sys., man.	Class Average
53	55	49	59.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		59
High Score		72

2002 Volvo S60 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 12/21/2001

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$27,125	$25,497	$625

2.4T FWD 4-door sedan	$31,625	$29,727	$625

2.4T AWD 4-door sedan	$33,375	$31,371	$625

T5 4-door sedan	$34,025	$31,983	$625

Price note: AWD denotes all-wheel drive. FWD denotes front-wheel drive.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

2.4-liter dohc 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, power decklid release, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear fog light, 195/65HR15 tires, alloy wheels.

2.4T adds to Base

Powertrain

2.4-liter dohc turbocharged 197-horsepower 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

8-way power driver seat w/memory, automatic climate control, steering-wheel radio controls.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

205/55HR16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability. Deletes: traction control.

T5 adds to 2.4T:

Powertrain

Turbocharged 2.3-liter dohc 247-horsepower 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cloth/vinyl upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, trip computer, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, front fog lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

235/45HR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
2.4T	$2,635	$2,239
Leather upholstery, power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD player, additional speakers, simulated-wood interior trim.

Touring Pkg.
T5	$550	$467
Interior air quality system, grocery-bag holder, security-laminated side windows.

Cold Weather Pkg.
Base, FWD 2.4T, T5	$450	$382
Heated front seats, headlight washers/wipers.

Powertrain
5-Speed automatic transmission
Base	$1,000	$1,000


5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
T5	$1,200	$1,200
FWD 2.4T	$200	$200


Dynamic Stability Traction Control
2.4T	$1,100	$935
Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Base	$1,200	$1,020


Navigation system
2.4T, T5	$1,895	$1,610


Leather upholstery
Base, 2.4T	$1,300	$1,105
T5	$1,350	$1,147
T5 includes sport seats.

Leather/cloth upholstery
T5	$1,050	$892


Max AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer
T5	$1,200	$1,020


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
2.4T, Base, T5	$400	$340


Sport Chassis
T5	$250	$212


Mimas alloy wheels
Base	$500	$425
Includes 205/55HR16 tires.

Sirus alloy wheels
2.4T	$250	$212
Includes 215/55HR16 tires.

Tethys/Arnalthea alloy wheels
2.4T, T5	$500	$425
Includes 235/45HR17 tires.

Thor alloy wheels
AWD 2.4T	$500	$425
Includes 235/45HR17 tires.

2002 Volvo S60 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Volvo S60 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	107.0

Overall Length, in.	180.2

Overall Width, in.	71.0

Overall Height, in.	56.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	3146

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.1

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	37.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	33.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I5

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /149	2.4 /149	2.3 /141

Horsepower @ rpm.	168 @ 5900	197 @ 6000	247 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	170 @ 4500	210 @ 1800	243 @ 2400

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	21/28	--/--	21/28

5-speed automatic	21/28	21/28	20/27

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Volvo S60 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	8/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Sweden

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

< 2002 Volvo S60 Photos

Also in the 2002 Volvo S60 Review:

Volvo S60

Volvo S60 Road Test

Volvo S60 Prices & Equipment

Volvo S60 Specs & Safety

Volvo S60 Photos

Volvo S60 Full Review

All Volvo S60s

All Volvos