2002 Volvo S60 Base 2.4-liter DOHC 5-cylinder engine from North America

Summary:

The best car I've owned yet

Faults:

Only normal wear and tear. Expensive to fix these items, but I knew that having owned a Volvo before. It didn't bother me.

General Comments:

Super reliable, enjoyable to drive, brilliant design.

Only draw back are the blind spots in the rear of the car, which has never changed since the S60's debut in 2001.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2009

2002 Volvo S60 AWD 2.5T from North America

Summary:

Just perfect... except when parking

Faults:

License plate bulbs.

General Comments:

I adore this car. The styling, the interior and the performance. After looking for many months for a bigger car to replace my old Sentra, this Volvo had everything I wanted.

I get a lot of complements about the style and how this model changes the old perception of old boxy Volvo.

The car is a pleasure to drive on highways; the turbo is responsive and the engine has plenty of torque.

My only problem is at the time of parking, the AWD comes with 17" tires and rub against the plastic, and the turning radius is very wide; but that's nothing compare to all the pluses.

I'm planning on keeping this car until it dies completely.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2009

2002 Volvo S60 2.4 lp turbo from North America

Summary:

Excellent value, reliability, and performance, but difficult to park with a horrible turning radius

Faults:

Suspension issues; one strut, all the sway bar links and control arm bushings.

Various bulbs.

General Comments:

We love this car. Many people have commented on its sexy body style and beautiful interior.

The performance/handling and comfort are excellent, and it also has very good fuel consumption.

I have found the car very reliable; only wear and tear issues associated with higher mileage. If you perform regular servicing, this car will give you no problems.

The only complaints with the car is the terrible turning radius, and the tires rub on tight turns (we have the optional 17inch rim and tire package). I have contacted Volvo on this, to which they replied "that's normal". I can't believe when this car rolled out of the factory, the tires rubbed on tight turns and the Volvo engineers said "oh well nothing we can do, must be normal" give me a break!! Does anyone else have this issue?

Also the trunk and back seats are a little smaller than my Volvo 850 or my wife's old Camry; a small price to pay for a family sedan that looks like a sports car. My wife has no problem carrying around two small kids in booster seats.

I also feel very good about putting my family in such a safe car, my wife has said that the car feels much more solid and stable on the road than her old Camry.

Overall an excellent value car. I would buy another one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2008

6th Aug 2010, 06:27

The problem with sharp turns and rubbing wheels - that seems to be a common complaint. Does anyone know if this problem is restricted to the AWD versions or all versions?

6th Aug 2010, 13:48

It's possible that Volvo went with a very wide aftermarket tire/rim that was mated to a standard size wheel well. What if the owner tries a smaller tire/rim combo?

7th Aug 2010, 12:21

Our family tried an S60 in 2006 (purchased new) and were very disappointed. The car's looks were very mundane (lots of people thought it was a Honda Accord), the performance was bland and the overall driving experience certainly did not justify the price. It was traded for a Lincoln MKZ in 2009, and that car has much more eye appeal, scorching performance, a much better ride and roomier interior. We also own a Ford Fusion (less expensive version of the MKZ), and even it is a far better car than our S60 at half the price.

10th Aug 2010, 03:19

I own a 2005 S60 and I have got to say it's the best car I've owned. I always get compliments on its looks (coupe look which is instantly Volvo) and its comfort. I've never had a negative comment from any of its passengers.

It's a turbo and has plenty of power while also handling very well. There is nothing that comes close in its class for value for money.

The build quality is perfect, but the turning circle is tight. I can live with that though!

I fully recommend this car - the attention is in the detail. That's where most other cars fail.

In reply to 7th Aug 2010, 12:21

25th Apr 2015, 07:54

Strange comment about the styling. You must have known what it looked like before you bought it!

In reply to 25th Apr 2015, 07:54

4th Oct 2018, 14:30

First time a heard a negative comment on the S60's styling.