2007 Volvo S60: Road Test

Archived Review

2007 Volvo S60 

Select a Trim ▼

  • MSRP: $30,885 -$38,985
  • Invoice: $29,067 -$36,681

Previous Year's Reviews

View Another Vehicle

Our road test for the 2007 Volvo S60 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Volvo S60 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Volvo S60, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Volvo S60 help you decide if a 2007 Volvo S60 is right for you.

Advertisement

ACCELERATION

AWD 2.5T T5 w/nav. sys., man. R w/18-in. wheels, man. Class Average
6 6 8 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. wheels, 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. wheels, man. Class Average
7 5 4 6.6

Satisfyingly solid structure, but suspensions allow minor road imperfections to be felt more than in most class rivals, especially the T5 and R with their low-profile performance tires. Four-C 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. wheels, man. Class Average
7 7 8 7.2

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. AWD versions also have 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. wheels, man. Class Average
5 5 4 6.9

Engine muted at modest rpm, but these 5-cyls are never as smooth as rivals' V6s; T5 and R engines 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. wheels, man. Class Average
6 5 6 6.8

Fancy "chronograph-style" gauges indistinct in dim light. Agreeable controls. Navigation system governed by steering wheel buttons inaccessible to front passenger, and its dashtop screen is hard to read in daylight. In system's favor, it doesn't absorb audio or climate functions.

DETAILS

AWD 2.5T T5 w/nav. sys., man. R w/18-in. wheels, man. Class Average
6 6 6 8

Stylish, contemporary interior design tempered by some budget-grade plastic panels.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

AWD 2.5T T5 w/nav. sys., man. R w/18-in. wheels, 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. wheels, man. Class Average
5 5 5 5.4

Nicely shaped bench seat comfortable for two medium-sized adults, but leg room very tight if front seats are set far back.

CARGO ROOM

AWD 2.5T T5 w/nav. sys., man. R w/18-in. wheels, man. Class Average
3 3 3 4.2

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. wheels, man. Class Average
5 3 3 6

These Volvos are stylish and solid, but lag most other premium midsize sedans in ride quality and powertrain finesse. The all-season traction of available AWD is an asset, but doesn't help 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. wheels, man. Class Average
62 57 59 70.1

Total Score: 59

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score
49
Average Score
70
High Score
75

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement
Advertisement