2003 Volvo S60: Road Test
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2003 Volvo S60 ▼
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- MSRP: $26,370 -$36,825
- Invoice: $24,787 -$34,615
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Our road test for the 2003 Volvo S60 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Volvo S60 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Volvo S60, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Volvo S60 help you decide if a 2003 Volvo S60 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.4T | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6.5 |
No S60 springs off the line, but all pick up speed impressively enough, especially the turbos. Test manual-transmission T5 did 7.3 sec 0-60 mph. Have not yet timed '03 2.4T, but '02 model with 11 hp less did 7.9 sec 0-60. S60 R has impressive power; Volvo says 5.4 sec 0-60 with manual transmission, 7.2 with automatic. Still, all turbo models suffer power lag at low rpm. Mild "torque steer" wander occurs in front-drive S60s in fast takeoffs. AWD provides outstanding grip on slippery surfaces.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.4T | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Test 2.4T averaged 21.7 mpg. Extended-use-test '02 2.4T AWD averaged 23.3 mpg over 21,700 mi. in mostly highway driving; expect roughly the same from the '03 2.5T AWD. Manual-transmission T5s averaged 21.5 mpg in city/highway mix, 17.9 with gas-eating performance tests. Volvo recommends premium fuel for all S60s.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.4T | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 7.1 |
Satisfyingly solid structure, but suspensions allow minor road imperfections to be felt more than in most class rivals, especially in the T5 with its extra-firm settings and low-profile performance tires. R's suspension can't duplicate supple control of best European rivals.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.4T | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.7 |
S60 R and T5 try hard, but can't match moves of top rival sport sedans. R needs more bumpy-road composure to reach upper ranks. Still, road manners confident enough in all models, though with more body lean and tire scrub in turns than we like. Extra grip of 2.5T AWD is welcome in snow; R has AWD, too, but you'll need to replace its summer tires for best traction. Brakes feel strong, though some testers find pedal action touchy around town.
QUIETNESS
| 2.4T | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6.8 |
Engines muted at modest rpm, but these inline-5s are never as smooth as rivals' V6s, and T5 is intrusively throaty at full throttle. Wind noise, tire slap also high for the class. R's 18-inch tires rumble on mildly coarse surfaces.
CONTROLS
| 2.4T | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 6.6 |
R's fancy "chronograph-style" instruments indistinct in dim light; other models' gauges well-marked, nicely lit. Agreeable controls, but radio's 20 station presets selected by scrolling with a single rotary dial rather than by individual buttons, a feature not all our testers like. Dashtop navigation screen isn't easy to read in daylight. And navigation system's controls are on steering wheel, inaccessible to the passenger. Stylish, contemporary interior design tempered by a few budget-grade plastic panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.4T | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
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 | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Nicely shaped. Comfortable for two medium-sized adults. But leg room very tight if front seats are set more than halfway back.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.4T | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Trunk is wide and deep, but not tall, and has a smallish opening. Adequate cabin storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.4T | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5.7 |
These are arguably the most-stylish Volvos ever and certainly the best-handling Volvo sedans yet. But compromised powertrain smoothness relative to other near-luxury cars is hard to overlook. The all-season capability of the 2.5T AWD model is an asset to this line, but it doesn't help the S60 match the Audi A4 or Lexus ES 300 for overall value.
Total Score
| 2.4T | 2.5T AWD | T5 w/ nav. sys., man. | S60 R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 56 | 49 | 51 | 60.5 |
Total Score: 53
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