2006 Volvo S60 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Volvo's midsize sedan has a turbocharged inline 5-cyl engine and comes in front- and all-wheel-drive forms. It offers 2.5T and AWD 2.5T models with 208 hp, the T5 model with 257 hp, and R model with 300 hp. The AWD 2.5T and the R have all-wheel drive. The 2.5 models come only with automatic transmission, the others offer manual or automatic. The T5 has a sport suspension. Standard on the R and optional on other S60s is Volvo's Four-C Chassis (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) with driver-selectable settings to emphasize ride or handling. Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, traction control, and ABS are standard. An antiskid system is standard on T5 and R, optional for 2.5T. Available features on selected models include a navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps, rear obstacle detection, and wood interior trim.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

2006 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-in. whls., man.	Class Average
6	6	8	6.7

No S60 springs off the line, but all pick up speed impressively enough. 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, 6.6-7.2 with automatic. Still, all 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-in. whls., man.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

Test manual-transmission T5s averaged 21.5 mpg in city/highway mix, 17.9 with gas-eating performance tests. Test Rs averaged 19.6-21.4 with manual transmission, 18.2 with automatic. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel for all S60s.

Ride Quality

AWD 2.5T	T5 w/nav. sys., man.	R w/18-in. whls., man.	Class Average
7	5	4	6.7

Satisfyingly solid structure, but suspensions allow minor road imperfections to be felt more than in most class rivals, especially in the T5 and R with their low-profile performance tires. Four-C Chassis 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-in. whls., man.	Class Average
7	7	8	7.1

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-in. whls., man.	Class Average
5	5	4	6.8

Engine muted at modest rpm, but these inline 5s are never as smooth as rivals' V6s, and T5 and R are intrusively throaty at full throttle. Wind noise, tire slap also high for the class. The optional 18-inch tires rumble on mildly coarse surfaces. Squeaks and rattles evident in one test R.

Controls

AWD 2.5T	T5 w/nav. sys., man.	R w/18-in. whls., man.	Class Average
7	6	7	6.7

Fancy "chronograph-style" instruments indistinct in dim light. Agreeable controls. Navigation system is governed by steering wheel buttons inaccessible to the passenger, and its dashtop screen is hard to read in daylight. In system's favor, it operates independently of audio and climate controls. 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-in. whls., man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.4

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-in. whls., man.	Class Average
5	5	5	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

AWD 2.5T	T5 w/nav. sys., man.	R w/18-in. whls., 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-in. whls., man.	Class Average
5	3	3	5.9

These are among the most stylish, best-performing Volvo sedans yet, but compromised powertrain smoothness relative to other cars in this class 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 350 for overall value, or the Audi A4 and Cadillac CTS for driving satisfaction.

Total Score

AWD 2.5T	T5 w/nav. sys., man.	R w/18-in. whls., man.	Class Average
57	52	54	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		72

2006 Volvo S60 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/23/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5T 4-door sedan	$30,270	$28,490	$695

AWD 2.5T 4-door sedan	$32,045	$30,157	$695

T5 4-door sedan	$32,045	$30,157	$695

R 4-door sedan	$37,920	$35,680	$695

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

2.5T

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 208-horsepower 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic 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 trunklid release, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, power-folding rear headrests, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, 215/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 205/55HR16 tires.

T5 adds to 2.5T:

Powertrain

2.4-liter turbocharged 257-horsepower 5-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Brake assist, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cloth/leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, aluminum interior trim, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport suspension, 235/45HR17 tires.

R adds to T5:

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 300-horsepower 5-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive.

Safety

Uprated brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Bi-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 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.

Sport Pkg.
2.5T	$1,100	$946
Manual-shift capability, variable-assist power steering, front and rear sport seats, 235/45HR17 tires. Requires Premium Pkg.

Sport Body Pkg.
2.5T, T5, R	$1,995	$1,715
Aerodynamic body cladding, rear spoiler. Requires special paint.

Run-Flat Tire Pkg.
2.5T	$1,970	$1,693
T5	$1,275	$1,096
Antiskid system (2.5T), brake-assist (2.5T), tire-pressure monitor, variable-assist power steering (2.5T), 235/45VR17 run-flat tires, unique alloy wheels. NA w/Sport Pkg.

Convenience Pkg.
2.5T	$1,265	$1,087
T5, R	$840	$721
Rear-obstacle-detection system, automatic day/night rearview mirror (2.5T), universal garage door opener (2.5T), grocery-bag holder, laminated side windows.

Climate Pkg.
2.5T	$1,025	$881
T5, R	$1,025	$881
Heated front seats, headlight washers (2.5T, T5), rain-sensing wipers.

Four-C Chassis
T5	$1,100	$946
Adaptive suspension.

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


6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
R	$1,250	$1,250


Safety
Dynamic Stability Traction Control
2.5T	$695	$597
Antiskid system, brake assist.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.5T, R, T5	$2,120	$1,823


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


Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
2.5T	$325	$279


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
2.5T, T5	$1,200	$1,032
Includes upgraded sound system. 2.5T requires Premium Pkg.

Satellite radio prep
T5, R	$75	$64


Interior air quality system
2.5T, R, T5	$175	$150


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights
2.5T, T5	$700	$602
Requires Climate Pkg.

Special paint
2.5T, R, T5	$475	$408


Electric Silver metallic paint
R	$625	$537


235/40ZR18 tires
T5, R	$995	$855

2006 Volvo S60 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Volvo S60 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	107.0

Overall Length, in.	180.2

Overall Width, in.	71.4

Overall Height, in.	56.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	3393

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0

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

	Turbocharged dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I5

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /153	2.4 /146	2.5 /153

Horsepower @ rpm.	208 @ 5000	257 @ 5500	300 @ 5500

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	236 @ 1500	258 @ 2100	295 @ 1950

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	--/--	21/28	18/25

6-speed automatic	--/--	--/--	NA/NA

5-speed automatic	20/28	20/28	--/--

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	12/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

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Volvo S60
Trim Level: R
Arrival Date: 11/14/2005
Engine: Turbocharged dohc I5
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $37,920
Price as Tested: $44,335
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 5868
Mileage at End of Test: 6155
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 18.198 gals.

Major Options: Metallic Paint, Climate Package (heated front seats, rain sensor), Premium Package (power glass moonroof, Audio Max HU-850 radio w/ in-dash 6 CD player, Dolby Prologic Surround), Automatic Transmission w/Geartronic, 18-inch Pegasus Wheels

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 15.77 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Tom Appel The R is an exercise in excess. Nothing involved in sporting up Volvo's midsize sedan makes it a better car. Want a Volvo? Save $10,000 and go with the S60 AWD. Torque galore in a much more refined and livable package.

< 2006 Volvo S60 Photos

Also in the 2006 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

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