2009 Volvo S60
- Used Volvo S60
Volvo S60 - What the Auto Press Says
The Volvo S60 has been discontinued, but some dealerships still have unsold models on their lots. They are not a bad choice for buyers who want safety above all else, but the rest of the upscale midsize class left this car behind a long time ago in terms of performance and cabin electronics.
The S60 is considered underpowered compared to most of its competition. Its quirky inline-five-cylinder engine is smooth, but doesn't match the acceleration of German or Japanese competitors. The car's handling isn't up to the new class standard, either.
It may still, however, be the right choice for some buyers because of its value pricing. The S60 has a low MSRP to begin with, and sold very slowly throughout 2008, so shoppers may have a lot of room to negotiate with dealers. But this car is easily overlooked alongside newer rivals.
Many of those rivals are even as safe as the Volvo. The BMW 3-Series now offers similar safety scores and a more exciting driving experience. The Cadillac CTS can claim the same thing, and with special offers lowering its price significantly this year -- actually costs less than an S60 -- see our best car deals page for details
Volvo is scheduled to replace the S60 with an entirely new model, probably in the 2011 model year -- and early glimpses suggest it may be a vastly different car.
The 2009 Volvo S60 is available in two trims, the 2.5T and the T5. The 2.5T is available with all-wheel drive. Both have gone more upscale for 2009, with standard features that were previously included in premium and advanced packages.
- "Although the 2009 Volvo S60 is comfortable and competent for most drivers, its shortcomings in driving dynamics, refinement and desirability keep it from competing against rivals from Japan and Germany...We suggest taking a look at other sedans like the Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Hyundai Genesis, Infiniti G37 and Lexus ES and IS. Unless time is at a premium, even holding out for the next-generation S60 may make more sense." -- Edmunds
- "These Volvos are stylish and solid, but lag most other premium midsize sedans in ride quality and powertrain finesse." - Consumer Guide
- "The Volvo S60 combines excellent performance with outstanding safety features. Its interior is handsome, and the available leather has a high-quality look and feel." -- New Car Test Drive
- "An aging but still very attractive entry-luxury sedan. ... The driving experience can be a bit bland, and the 'sporty' R model is dead, but the S60 still provides some value despite its lackadaisical driving experience." -- Car and Driver
S60 Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)
There's no way around it anymore - the 2009 S60 is a lackluster performer. New Car Test Drive says it "rides well and handles well," but the car is less powerful than most others in its class, and its handling is more commute-oriented than pulse-racing. Nearly any other car in the upscale midsize class offers more driving enjoyment. Read More
S60 Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2009 Volvo S60 is still wearing the same sheetmetal the car wore in 2000, but it's aged well, and reviewers still like it. Automobile.com's reviewer writes, "I find this car strangely sexy. Not, it's not downright voluptuous...but there is something so smart, so reserved and so hair-up-in-a-bun that just makes me think...I can't tell you exactly what it makes me think, but they're all nice thoughts." Read More
S60 Interior - 7.9 (Good)
The 2009 S60 has a split personality when it comes to the passenger cabin. Its electronics are clearly outdated, but its seats are exceptionally comfortable and the standard leather upholstery is upscale. While more recently-designed Volvos feature a stylish, ribbon-thin center stack, the S60 still lacks this unique design signature. Compared to the competition, or even to other Volvos, this car's cabin feels out-of-date. Read More
S60 Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)
Volvo still means safety to many Americans, but the S60 now falls behind several rivals in the safety department. The 2009 S60 earned respectable scores in government and insurance industry crash tests, but not the top scores that some competitors can boast. Read More
S60 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Volvo S60 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Volvo S60's comprehensive warranty is good for a period of four years or 50,000 miles. Read More
