2004 Volvo S60 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A 300-hp high-performance model highlights 2004 additions to Volvo's best-selling line. The S60 is the sedan variant of Volvo's V70 wagon. All S60s use an inline 5-cyl engine and all but the 168-hp base model are turbocharged. The 2.5T models have 208 hp, the T5 has 247. And the new S60 R has 300. The 2.5T AWD and the R have all-wheel drive. Other S60s have front-wheel drive. Base, T5, and R come with manual transmission--a 5-speed on base and T5, a 6-speed on the R. A 5-speed automatic is standard on the 2.5T models and optional on the others. Wheel diameter ranges from 15 inches on the base model to optional 18s on the R. Front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, traction control, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. An antiskid system is standard on T5 and R, optional for other S60s. The R's suspension has three driver-selectable settings to emphasize ride or handling. Optional on all is a navigation system with pop-up dashboard screen. Among '04 changes, the standard remote locking system uses an integrated key transmitter, and cabin appearance is revised with charcoal-colored trim and watch-bezel-style instrument surrounds. All S60s are available with Volvo's On-Call Plus assistance system.

News

The 2005 S60s are said to be in for a mild freshening, though its nature and extent are unknown. We wouldn't be surprised to see the T5 sedan dropped as unnecessary now that the S60R is on board. We'd also look for the R to get a slight power boost.

2004 Volvo S60 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Available AWD	Navigation-system controls

Acceleration (T5, S60 R)

Front-seat comfort

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		60
High Score		71

2004 Volvo S60 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 08/31/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$26,960	$25,377	$685

FWD 2.5T 4-door sedan	$29,610	$27,870	$685

AWD 2.5T 4-door sedan	$31,385	$29,537	$685

T5 4-door sedan	$33,285	$31,323	$685

R 4-door sedan	$37,250	$35,050	$685

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 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, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power-folding rear headrests, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

2.5T 2WD adds to Base

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 208-horsepower 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

8-way power driver seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), dual-zone automatic climate controls.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Front fog lights, 215/55HR16 tires.

2.5T AWD adds to 2.5T 2WD:

Powertrain

All-wheel drive.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Headlight wiper/washer, 205/55HR16 tires.

T5 adds to 2.5T 2WD:

Powertrain

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

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cloth/vinyl upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, trip computer, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror.

R adds to T5:

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 300-horsepower 5-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive.

Safety

Brake assist.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Xenon headlights w/washers, rear spoiler, adjustable-damping suspension, 235/45ZR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
R	$2,400	$2,064
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.

Touring Pkg.
T5, R	$550	$472
Interior air-quality system, grocery-bag holder, security-laminated side windows.

Sport Pkg.
T5	$775	$666
Sport suspension, 235/45HR17 tires.

Climate Pkg.
Base, 2.5T 2WD, T5	$550	$473
R	$400	$344
Heated front seats, headlight washers (Base, 2.5T, T5), rain-sensing wipers. Base requires automatic transmission, power sunroof.

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


5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
R	$1,250	$1,250
T5	$1,200	$1,200


Safety
Dynamic Stability Traction Control
Base, 2.5T	$695	$597
Antiskid system. Requires Premium Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
2.5T 2WD, 2.5T AWD, Base, R, T5	$1,200	$1,032


Navigation system
2.5T 2WD, 2.5T AWD, Base, R, T5	$1,995	$1,715
Base requires automatic transmission, power sunroof. 2.5T AWD requires power sunroof.

On-Call Plus
2.5T 2WD, 2.5T AWD, Base, R, T5	$835	$718
On-Call Plus Assistance system. Includes one-year service. Base requires automatic transmission, power sunroof. 2.5T AWD requires power sunroof.

Leather upholstery
Base, 2.5T	$1,400	$1,204
T5	$1,450	$1,247
Base requires automatic transmission, power sunroof. 2.5T AWD requires power sunroof.

Upgraded leather upholstery
R	$1,550	$1,333


Leather/cloth upholstery
2.5T AWD, T5	$1,050	$903
2.5T requires power sunroof.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer
2.5T, T5, R	$1,200	$1,032
Includes upgraded sound system. 2.5T requires Premium Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
Base, 2.5T, T5	$500	$430
Includes washers. Base, 2.5T 2WD, T5 require Climate Pkg. 2.5T AWD requires power sunroof.

Metallic paint
2.5T 2WD, 2.5T AWD, Base, R, T5	$450	$387


Flash Green metallic paint
R	$600	$516


235/40ZR18 tires
R	$995	$855

2004 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.	3276

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5

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	Turbocharged dohc I5

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /149	2.5 /153	2.3 /141	2.5 /153

Horsepower @ rpm.	168 @ 5900	208 @ 6000	247 @ 5200	300 @ 5250

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	170 @ 4500	236 @ 1500	243 @ 2400	295 @ 1950

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/30	--/--	21/27	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	--/--	--/--	18/25

5-speed automatic	22/31	20/27	20/28	22/30

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

Rollover Resistance	5

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

< 2004 Volvo S60 Photos

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Volvo S60 Road Test

Volvo S60 Prices & Equipment

Volvo S60 Specs & Safety

Volvo S60 Photos

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