2001 Volvo S60 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The S60 is Volvo's mid-size replacement for the discontinued S70, positioned between the S40 and S80 in both size and price. With this...
The S60 is Volvo's mid-size replacement for the discontinued S70, positioned between the S40 and S80 in both size and price. With this model, Volvo has attempted to combine the sporty feel of its entry-level S40 with some of the luxury elements of the S80. The boxy styling of the S70 has been abandoned, in favor of a sleeker looking exterior presentation. Other notable adjustments include a wider and stance, longer wheelbase and a lower height.
The S60's sporting look is backed by two powerful turbocharged engines. The base model houses a modest 2.4 liter inline five, which produces an adequate 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. However, buyers are given two enhancement choices. The 2.4T gets turbocharged 2.4 liter five, which pumps out 218 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 houses a 2.3 liter turbocharged five, supplying 247 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.
The Base S60 and the T5 engines can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. The 2.4T is automatic only, but a manual shift feature is included. Fuel economy with the manual transmission is estimated at 21/28 mpg with either engine. Mixed driving averages can be expected in the low 20s with any configuration.
The sedan is well equipped with standard safety features, like front side airbags, side curtain side airbags, anti-whiplash front seat backs and ABS. Traction control is standard on the the T5 and optional of the 2.4T.
The S60 competes in a difficult market, with formidable opponents like the Lexus ES, Acura TL and Infinity I30. Reviewers tout the TL as the best selection in this segment, and claim that the Lexus offers a more upscale feel than the Volvo.
The S60's top strengths include seat comfort and ergonomics. The controls are cleverly placed, easy to understand and very functional. The interior is well designed, but simply outclassed by the competition. Acceleration is impeded by significant turbo lag, but test drivers note that there is adequate power availability throughout the speed range.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2001 Volvo S60 appreciate its safety, luxury feel, and enjoyable driving experience. They particularly like the comfort, handling, and the solid build quality that makes it feel safe and secure on the road. However, some drivers mentioned drawbacks like limited cargo space, average fuel efficiency, and a somewhat slow acceleration. A few also pointed out that the interior could feel a bit cheap with plastic materials."
...the first one saved my life so I turned around and bought a second one. I love this car for me it's a nice blend of sporty luxury sedan that's fun to drive, amazingly safe and great cost to operate including excellent gas mileage. Highly recommend it. If you want more interior room in the back seat check out the Volvo S80. 5 ***** (stars)
August 3, 2007Excellent car, quiet, fast, subtle (maybe a little too subtle), built like a tank
March 19, 2008Have a 2.0L Turbo. Great car. Handles really great. Great performance and can easily over cars here in LKA. Has clocked 145,000 kms and still drives like a champ. No troubles. Make sure to regularly do the services. Also check the bushes as they don't last very long
September 30, 2010What owners say
...the first one saved my life so I turned around and bought a second one. I love this car for me it's a nice blend of sporty luxury sedan that's fun to drive, amazingly safe and great cost to operate including excellent gas mileage. Highly recommend it. If you want more interior room in the back seat check out the Volvo S80. 5 ***** (stars)
August 3, 2007Excellent car, quiet, fast, subtle (maybe a little too subtle), built like a tank
March 19, 2008Have a 2.0L Turbo. Great car. Handles really great. Great performance and can easily over cars here in LKA. Has clocked 145,000 kms and still drives like a champ. No troubles. Make sure to regularly do the services. Also check the bushes as they don't last very long
September 30, 2010Tons of air bags; did the european delivery program with it and that was awesome! One of a few cars with a manual transmission that is quick. Very comfortable inside. For a volvo the styling is exception, particularly the seats.
July 15, 2009Acceleration.. too slow for a normal boost (0.8 bar) Braking- excellent Handling - well, its volvo, wat do u expect?? Build quality is fine, except there is squeaking sound below the glove-box, something very common for S60 cars No problem about the appearance, I Like! Gas mileage is ok, for a 247hp car, you would expect the gas consumption like one. But the maintenance is quite costly, every few months there will be something to be repaired or replaced. However, considering the age of the car (11 years), it is widely expected. FUN FACTOR: It depends. For highway, I'll rate the car at 8 out of 10. For A road and B road type, I will say 7 out of 10.
April 16, 2012Solid, well designed. Pininfarina Design. Safe, and rides quiet. It's 10 yrs old and it rides like it's on air. A luxury sedan with the bones of a sports car, quick and fun. The seat are by far the most comfortable seats Ive ever seen. STC, WTC, 4 wheel disc, 5cyl Turbo. Tiptronic transmission, sport mode is a total different machine. very fun!
November 26, 2010Leather, Heated Seats, Moonroof, Memory Power Driver's Seat, Keyless Entry, Automatic Fold-Down Rear Headrests, and it's Safe!
March 19, 2008Never any major problems, just oil changes/ general maintenance. Also, still looks relatively new even though it's 8 years old because Volvo only very recently did a major redesign on the S60. Also, generally average to good gas mileage, also has large tank so I don't have to fill up very often.
July 16, 2008normal car, interior is mostly plastic. the style was nice back in '01. mine has alot of electrical issues with the lights front and back. safety hasn't been a concern since i havent been in a car accident in it yet.
October 22, 2009It's slow. No balls. Handles good.
June 13, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $28,280 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 168 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $33,980 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 257 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $31,110 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 197 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
