2003 Volvo S60: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Volvo's top-selling line gives its all-wheel-drive version more power and adds a midyear high-performance model. The S60 is the sedan variant of Volvo's V70 wagon. All S60s use an inline 5-cyl engine. The base model has 168 hp. The turbocharged 2.4T has 197 hp. The turbo 2.5T AWD for 2003 goes from 197 hp to 208. The T5 has 247. Added midyear as an early 2004 model is the 300-hp S60 R. The 2.5T AWD and the R have all-wheel drive. Other S60s have front-wheel drive. The 2.4, T5, and R models come with manual transmission--a 5 speed on the 2.4 and T5, a 6 speed on the R. A 5-speed automatic is standard on the 2.4T and 2.5T AWD and optional on the others. The base 2.4 model has 15-inch wheels and offers optional 16s. The 2.4T, 2.5T AWD, and T5 have 16s and offer 17s. The R comes with 17s and offers 18s. Front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, traction control, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. An antiskid system is standard on the T5 and R, optional for other models. The R's suspension has three driver-selected firmness settings to emphasize ride or handling. Optional on all is a navigation system with pop-up dashboard screen. For '03, fog lights and simulated-wood dashboard trim are newly standard on 2.4T and 2.5T AWD models, and all S60s are available with Volvo's On-Call Plus assistance system.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has its benchmark in the Lexus ES 300. It blends comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 manages to offer a little more luxury than others in the class.

We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended 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.