2004 Volvo S60 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Overview
There are only a few minor changes to the Volvo S60 for 2004. The 2.4T has been renamed the 2.5T, and it is now powered by the same engine...
There are only a few minor changes to the Volvo S60 for 2004. The 2.4T has been renamed the 2.5T, and it is now powered by the same engine as the AWD model. The optional Sport Package now includes a speed-sensitive power steering system and bi-xenon headlights become optional across the board.
The S60 lineup continues with four variants this year: base 2.4, 2.5T, 2.5T AWD and T5. A high performance R model also wears the S60 badge, but it exists as a separate model. The Base S60 is powered by a 2.4 liter inline five, which supplies 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5T and 2.5T AWD S60s get a 2.5 liter inline five, which generates 208 horsepower. The T5's engine gains additional turbo power, for a total output of 247 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.
The 2.4T and the 2.5T AWD are automatic transmission only, but the 2.4 and T5 models are available with both the five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions. S60 fuel economy ranges from 22/31 mpg to 18/25, with mixed driving mpg estimates in the low 20s.
All S60 models offer adequate performance and above average interior comfort and functionality, according to reviewers and drivers. Overall acceleration is impeded by slight throttle response delay and a mild torque steer on front wheel drive models. The S60 is a solid performer, with respect to handling agility and steering response, but reviewers felt that it was not up to par with some of its German rivals. Overall engine refinement is also lacking, compared to the V-6 units of BMW and Audi.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2004 Volvo S60 are very pleased with their cars, citing strong performance, comfort, and safety features as highlights. Many appreciate the luxurious leather interior and enjoyable driving experience. On the downside, some drivers have mentioned expensive repair costs and less than stellar acceleration compared to competitors. There's also mention of tight back seat space and a preference for premium gasoline for optimal performance."
I absolutely love this car. Volvo's are known for their quality and safety. I get excellent mileage and my car's good looks are a plus. Living in Wisconsin with some wild drivers I feel very safe, secure and protected in this car whatever the weather. And, driving is a pleasure with a five speed manual transmission and sporty true steering.
January 15, 2015Performance: Absolutely astounding acceleration considering the relatively small engine and high weight. Flat-out scoots when you drop the hammer, with all four wheels gripping the ground via the Pirelli all- season tires. The inline five-cylinder sounds fantastic, but nicely quiets down on highway cruises. Build Quality: No complaints here! Everything is screwed together tightly, no panel gap issues, nothing. Appearance: I think the S60 is understated. It really looks quite handsome, but never flaunts itself. Cost of Ownership: Anything at a Volvo dealer is very expensive. Fun Factor: I always enjoy driving my S60.
December 15, 2011The Volvo S60 is a car that set the benchmark for design in Volvo. It's style was a complete departure of the boxy design that Volvo kept for many years. Build quality as usual was very good and overall, the car performed as expected. It is not a sport-oriented sedan nor try to be. The suspension is solid and secure, yet absorbs the road imperfection pretty good. Brake performance keep the car safe at all instances, however, it is not in the same category as BMW or Mercedes. Noise vibration from the engine could be better. At low RPM it is quiet, however due to the fact that its unusual 5 cylinder configuration the noise and vibration can be intrusive at high RMPs. However, the 5 cylinder engine is what makes Volvo a Volvo. No other manufacture has been able to design and perfect this configuration. The fact that the new Ford Mondeo performance oriented version uses the same engine (tuned to be used by Ford) has a lot to say. Even thought 208hp seem little compared with today's standards, in everyday driving you do not feel the need for more as the highway merge and passing are done without problems, thanks to the 240lbft of torque available at low RMPs. Fuel consumption is a little disappointing, but considering that the car has been around since 2000, it is understandable. However, you can use regular gas which will drop the performance a little and will make the noise and vibration a little more noticeable. in comparison, BMW, Audi and Mercedes requires of premium/high octane gasoline. In overall, the Volvo S60 is a good choice, dependable, build with good materials and different from what is available in the market.
March 25, 2009What owners say
I absolutely love this car. Volvo's are known for their quality and safety. I get excellent mileage and my car's good looks are a plus. Living in Wisconsin with some wild drivers I feel very safe, secure and protected in this car whatever the weather. And, driving is a pleasure with a five speed manual transmission and sporty true steering.
January 15, 2015Performance: Absolutely astounding acceleration considering the relatively small engine and high weight. Flat-out scoots when you drop the hammer, with all four wheels gripping the ground via the Pirelli all- season tires. The inline five-cylinder sounds fantastic, but nicely quiets down on highway cruises. Build Quality: No complaints here! Everything is screwed together tightly, no panel gap issues, nothing. Appearance: I think the S60 is understated. It really looks quite handsome, but never flaunts itself. Cost of Ownership: Anything at a Volvo dealer is very expensive. Fun Factor: I always enjoy driving my S60.
December 15, 2011The Volvo S60 is a car that set the benchmark for design in Volvo. It's style was a complete departure of the boxy design that Volvo kept for many years. Build quality as usual was very good and overall, the car performed as expected. It is not a sport-oriented sedan nor try to be. The suspension is solid and secure, yet absorbs the road imperfection pretty good. Brake performance keep the car safe at all instances, however, it is not in the same category as BMW or Mercedes. Noise vibration from the engine could be better. At low RPM it is quiet, however due to the fact that its unusual 5 cylinder configuration the noise and vibration can be intrusive at high RMPs. However, the 5 cylinder engine is what makes Volvo a Volvo. No other manufacture has been able to design and perfect this configuration. The fact that the new Ford Mondeo performance oriented version uses the same engine (tuned to be used by Ford) has a lot to say. Even thought 208hp seem little compared with today's standards, in everyday driving you do not feel the need for more as the highway merge and passing are done without problems, thanks to the 240lbft of torque available at low RMPs. Fuel consumption is a little disappointing, but considering that the car has been around since 2000, it is understandable. However, you can use regular gas which will drop the performance a little and will make the noise and vibration a little more noticeable. in comparison, BMW, Audi and Mercedes requires of premium/high octane gasoline. In overall, the Volvo S60 is a good choice, dependable, build with good materials and different from what is available in the market.
March 25, 2009We are long time Volvo owners so we have experienced the changes over the years. The S60 is Vovlo's first model with real style and significant performance tied together. We were amazed to step on the accelerator and be pushed back in the extremely comfortable seats. The Turbo is worth the money. I'm sure this doesn't compare to the 'real' performance BMWs and the like, but this is a Volvo family car as well. It is well thought out and practical. The folding rear seat just makes good sense.
May 25, 2012This is the nicest car I ever purchased and I took really good care of it. I did all maintenance and the only major expense was replacing all the brakes after 6 years of use, so should be good to go for another 6.
February 3, 2011Driving this car since new, 2004, and just been on a 3000km trip with it, an absolute pleasure to drive!
January 14, 2008I am thrilled with this car. We have only 23,679 miles on it, but it still drives like new. We have the sport touring package, and it certainly provides a great feel for the road. My wife loves all of the creature-comforts like the heated seats (seat bottom and back), heated side mirrors, the auto fold-down rear head rests (allows her clearer view out of the back window), the ease of adding pre-set radio stations to the radio station memory function, and on and on. The quality of the interior surpasses our S70 we had, duh, that's a no-brainer, but the upgrades and ergonomics are well thought out by VOLVO.
December 17, 2007Very sporty luxury car and definitely worth the price... Acceleration could definitely be better and parts are expensive, but a very nice and comfortable car that handles very well for it's size. I dont want to type 7 more words!!!!
October 26, 2009Needed an O2 sensor and front struts, but now it drives perfectly. Older models can be expensive to maintain as they often require OEM parts. Apart from that they have one of the highest safety ratings. Love my new ride!
September 30, 2014I love the acceleration on this car and it gets great gas mileage to boot. I also love the stopping power, it has one of the best stopping distances in its class. I have nothing more to really say it just a car ever got me girls but I wouldn't really want that type of girl anyhow
March 9, 2014Trims & specs
Base MSRP $27,645 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 168 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $33,970 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 247 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $32,070 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 208 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $30,295 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 208 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |







