2004 Volvo S60: Road Test
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2004 Volvo S60 ▼
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- MSRP: $26,960 -$37,250
- Invoice: $25,377 -$35,050
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Our road test for the 2004 Volvo S60 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Volvo S60 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Volvo S60, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Volvo S60 help you decide if a 2004 Volvo S60 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 6.4 |
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. 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. In fast takeoffs, front-drive S60s show mild "torque steer" wander. AWD provides outstanding acceleration grip on slippery surfaces.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Extended-use-test 2.4T AWD averaged 23.3 mpg over 21,700 miles; expect roughly the same from the '04 2.5T AWD. Manual-transmission T5s averaged 21.5 mpg in city/highway mix, 17.9 with gas-eating performance tests. Test Rs averaged 19.6-21 in mostly highway driving. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel for all S60s.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 4 | 7 |
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 adjustable suspension can't duplicate supple control of best European rivals.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.8 |
S60 R and T5 try hard, but can't match 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. It also suffers a large turning radius. Brakes feel strong, though some testers find pedal action touchy around town.
QUIETNESS
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 6.7 |
Engine 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 optional 18-inch tires rumble on mildly coarse surfaces.
CONTROLS
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.7 |
Fancy "chronograph-style" instruments indistinct in dim light. Agreeable controls, but radio's 20 station presets are selected by scrolling with a single rotary dial rather than by individual buttons, a feature not all of our testers like. In navigation system's favor, it operates independently of audio and climate controls. But it's controlled by steering-wheel buttons inaccessible to the passenger, and its dashtop screen is hard to read in daylight. Stylish, contemporary interior design tempered by a few budget-grade plastic panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Nicely shaped. Comfortable for two medium-sized adults. But leg room very tight if front seats are set more than halfway back.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Trunk is wide, deep, but not tall. Smallish opening. Adequate cabin storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 5.8 |
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 available AWD is an asset to this line, but it doesn't help the S60 match the Acura TL or Lexus ES 330 for overall value, or the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series for driving satisfaction.
Total Score
| AWD 2.5T | T5 w/nav. sys., man. | R w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 51 | 53 | 60.8 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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