Reviews - Volvo

Overall Rating

S60 is subtle, comfortable and very refined, with a well designed interior and some great engines. There's plenty of room inside plus a big boot. Running costs are reasonable, but values fall quickly.

• Elegantly understated styling rivals C Class
• Eager five-cylinder engines deliver sports saloon potential
• Refined cabin ambience with good equipment

• Some rivals more space in the back
• High servicing costs; a bit thirsty
• Volvo dealers tend to set high used prices

This is the Volvo that broke the old dull, brick-shaped mould. It's an enjoyable, elegant small executive saloon, especially with diesel power. Quick, frugal and refined engines allow S60 to soak up long journeys without fuss. It can also be driven with verve; the suspension deals easily with uneven road surfaces. Drivers sit in an almost perfect environment in very supportive seats, faced by a clearly laid out dashboard. Although there is plenty of room up front, rear legroom is on the tight side despite the cabin being fairly wide and feeling spacious. The rear seats split and fold to create more luggage space. S60 is not a blatantly sporty car to drive compared to rivals like 3-Series, but it is competent and certainly impressive for a Volvo. Value is an important buying factor with the S60 so the level of standard equipment is comprehensive. Long term, however, values fall quite fast.

JD Power stars: 4

NCAP: 4

Best Models: 2.0 T, D5

Worst Models: None

Replacement: 2008

• BMW 3-Series
• Mercedes-Benz C Class (2000-)
• Saab 9-3 (2002-)