The original Volvo S60 has been overlooked ever since its arrival, even though it's a great car in many respects. One of the most comfortable cars around, the S60 is also strong, supremely safe, well-equipped and excellent value. Sure it now looks dated, but when it comes to executive value for money, the S60 is virtually unbeatable.
Key Dates
10/00: The S60 arrives with 2.0, 2.3 or 2.4 turbo petrol engines.
6/01: Two 2.4-litre bi-fuel options appear (LPG or CNG) alongside the D5 turbodiesel.
3/03: A 210bhp 2.5 turbo petrol engine arrives.
5/04: A facelift brings a new nose and lights, revised bumpers and interior upgrades. The T5 gets a new 260bhp engine.
4/05: The 300bhp 4WD S60R debuts. The previous D5 is now badged 2.4D, and an all-new 185bhp D5 turbodiesel engine debuts.
4/06: Another facelift brings a new grille and posher interior.
7/08: The S60 is revised, with extra standard equipment.
Volvo S60 (2000-2010) Checklist
- An uneven idle can be down to the air cleaner box lid being bent out of shape, which damages the air mass sensor.
- Early cars can suffer from stalling because of wiring loom damage.
- The Geartronic transmission can be unreliable - especially on cars used for towing.
- Front tyres can wear quickly.
- The paintwork can easily be damaged by bird droppings.
- Poor starting on D5s suggests faulty injectors, especially on pre-2003 cars.
- Misfiring can be down to a failed ECUs; repairs are costly.
- The clutch hydraulics can leak.
We Like
- Strength
- Comfort
- Equipment levels
- Value
We Don't Like
- Patchy reliability
- Average dynamics
- Dated looks