2003 Volvo S60 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
There are several minor interior enhancements to the S60 in 2003. The Base now comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a...
There are several minor interior enhancements to the S60 in 2003. The Base now comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a CD player. The 2.4T gets those items, plus fog lights and wood accents. New options include rain-sensing wipers and the OnCall Plus emergency communications system.
Volvo will also add a high-powered S60 R model later in the year. The R will have 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive. With this new S60, the Swedish automaker aims to steer buyers away from German performers like the BMW M3 and Audi S4.
S60 five-cylinder engine options expand this year, as Volvo debuts a new engine for the AWD model. The Base S60's 2.4 liter mill generates 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. When a turbocharged is added, for the 2.4T, horsepower is boosted to 197. The all-wheel drive S60 houses a new 2.5 liter inline five, which makes 208 horsepower. The top level T5's engine delivers 247 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.
Base and T5 models are available with both the five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.4T and the 2.5T AWD are automatic only. Buyers will find the best S60 fuel economy on the Base model with the automatic transmission, which is estimated at 22/31 mpg. All models have mixed driving mpg estimates in the low 20s.
Reviewers and owners have been very satisfied with the interior comfort of the S60, but the sedan is regarded as quite average overall in its class. The availability of all-wheel drive continues to give Volvo an edge in this segment. The electronic AWD system is a nice complement to Volvo's long list of standard safety features. The S60's solid build quality is apparent on the road, but the firm suspension does not shield passengers from road disturbances as well as the competition. Suspension settings only get stiffer with the AWD, R, and Sport Package models.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Volvo S60 appreciate its powerful turbo engine, solid handling, and safety features. Many drivers enjoy its reliability and comfortable interior. However, some owners have pointed out concerns with the turning radius, and a few experienced issues with parts wearing out prematurely."
Along with other newer Volvo models, The Volvo S60 is redefining the look we usually expect from the Swedish based car company. Gone are the days of referring to the exterior styling as square or "Swedish Brick style". This Volvo definitely graduated out of the Soccer mom arena into something a lot more respected in the 30-ish club of car buyers. The interior is well appointed with seats you could fall asleep in without a regular dose of coffee. A pleasure to drive and a friend in inclement weather, I recommend this car to anyone.
December 31, 2007This car is a Volvo, so it definitely has the safety thing going for it. I would say that the best thing about this car is its passing ability. The turbo really kicks into action around 45mph. The car will leap up to 85mph in the blink of an eye which is very useful when you need to get around that old lady on a backroad. You have to run 93 octane which can be expensive, but it's not bad on the mileage ( I average 23mpg ). The back seat does not have an abundance of space, but the seats are comfortable enough that you don't mind all that much. The cargo space in the trunk is sufficient and it even has a grocery organizer that flips up from the floor. I am not crazy about the looks personally, but it is better than plenty of cars on the road. I have had issues with the AC, suspension wearing out prematurely, and some minor engine issues. There are trim strips that run the length of drip rails and down both the front and rear windscreens that are poorly made. I have replaced them twice because they crack and chip away. the worst thing about this car is its turning radius. I can pull a Uy in less space in my 97 F-150 than I can this car. I frequently have to adjust when pulling into parking spots and the tires, which are not fractory size rub in the wheel wells when I make a sharp turn.
April 21, 2012Fast acc but not too high top speed. Very good brakes, handling is also good, the car behaves very stable. Build quality is very good. Gearbox is not as new at 20kkm. It's a fun car, the diesel engine really has a lot of power for quick overtaking.
December 18, 2008What owners say
Along with other newer Volvo models, The Volvo S60 is redefining the look we usually expect from the Swedish based car company. Gone are the days of referring to the exterior styling as square or "Swedish Brick style". This Volvo definitely graduated out of the Soccer mom arena into something a lot more respected in the 30-ish club of car buyers. The interior is well appointed with seats you could fall asleep in without a regular dose of coffee. A pleasure to drive and a friend in inclement weather, I recommend this car to anyone.
December 31, 2007This car is a Volvo, so it definitely has the safety thing going for it. I would say that the best thing about this car is its passing ability. The turbo really kicks into action around 45mph. The car will leap up to 85mph in the blink of an eye which is very useful when you need to get around that old lady on a backroad. You have to run 93 octane which can be expensive, but it's not bad on the mileage ( I average 23mpg ). The back seat does not have an abundance of space, but the seats are comfortable enough that you don't mind all that much. The cargo space in the trunk is sufficient and it even has a grocery organizer that flips up from the floor. I am not crazy about the looks personally, but it is better than plenty of cars on the road. I have had issues with the AC, suspension wearing out prematurely, and some minor engine issues. There are trim strips that run the length of drip rails and down both the front and rear windscreens that are poorly made. I have replaced them twice because they crack and chip away. the worst thing about this car is its turning radius. I can pull a Uy in less space in my 97 F-150 than I can this car. I frequently have to adjust when pulling into parking spots and the tires, which are not fractory size rub in the wheel wells when I make a sharp turn.
April 21, 2012Fast acc but not too high top speed. Very good brakes, handling is also good, the car behaves very stable. Build quality is very good. Gearbox is not as new at 20kkm. It's a fun car, the diesel engine really has a lot of power for quick overtaking.
December 18, 2008Fast, stable but rides hard! Interior comfortable but fascia a bit plasticky and average. Power surge at 2000 rpm onwards and just goes on. Quite frugal on petrol for a high pressure turbocharger.
January 29, 2008This car has great quality and you rarely have to take it in to the shop. The turbo makes the car seem so extremely fast for a reasonable price. This car is extremely fun to drive, especially with the turbo
January 24, 2011It is a nice car, has good pick up. its more of a luxury car than a performance car, and it handles like it. The turning radius could be tighter, and more acceleration would be nice, once it get going, it goes great.
August 19, 2009Love the AWD. Turbo motor is strong. Comfortable on the highway and nimble on twisty roads.
June 10, 2008Very reliable. Quick. Good in the snow. Classy.
January 23, 20082003 Volvo S60 200K miles and counting. I have had the car for 6+ years and it has been very reliable. There are a few cosmetic items that are broken or no longer work but for the most part the car has been very reliable and trustworthy.
August 5, 2014Trims & specs
Base MSRP $27,055 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 168 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $33,510 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 247 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $32,860 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 208 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $31,110 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 197 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
