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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Volvo S60

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Volvo S60

Overview

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2009 Volvo S60 Review

By KBB.com Editors

Now in its eighth year of production, the 2009 Volvo S60 has more than earned its keep. Introduced in late 2000 for the 2001 model year, the Volvo S60 helped launch a styling revolution that transformed the brand's image from boring box to stylish Swede. Relatively unchanged since its inception, the S60's design has held up well, although newer designs from Audi, Cadillac and Lexus certainly appear more contemporary. The S60, however, is about far more than just good looks. The car is well-known for its extensive safety features and excellent crash-test results, and its turbocharged engines provide both performance and good fuel economy, an important consideration for today's buyers. With a roomy cabin, notably comfortable front seats and a long list of comfort and convenience items, the 2009 Volvo S60 deserves to be near the top of every premium midsize sedan shopping list.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a premium sedan with some style, the 2009 Volvo S60's sculpted hood, trunk and aggressive wheel and tire packages give it a much bolder look than its understated German and Japanese rivals. The S60 is also a bit wider than some competitors, which translates into generous shoulder room.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for the neutral handling only a rear-wheel-drive sedan can provide, the high-powered T5's noticeable torque steer, that sometimes pulls at the steering wheel during harder acceleration, can, at times, become annoying. The omission of a manual transmission may also deter purists. The 2.5T is also not as powerful as many similarly-priced V6 models.

What's New for 2009

All models receive more standard equipment, along with a higher price tag. The contents of the Premium Package have been made standard on 2.5T and 2.5T AWD models, while the sporty S60 T5 receives features contained in last year's Advanced Package. In addition, the Geartonic manual-shift feature is now standard on all trims.

Driving the S60

Driving Impressions Both the 2.5T and T5 offer good handling and acceleration, with the more powerful T5 providing a bit more thrill. Torque steer (a front-wheel-drive car's tendency to pull to one...

side or the other) is evident during hard acceleration, but the traction and stability control system helps mitigate the characteristic. The S60's steering does not feel as connected and precise as those of the BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G35, but its smooth ride and comfortable cabin certainly compare well with the Lincoln MKZ and Audi A4. Without a manual transmission, the S60's sporting intensions are somewhat muted, although the five-speed Geartronic transmission does allow for manual gear shifting. Volvo's excellent front seats cradle the occupants without pinching and provide excellent support on long drives.

Favorite Features

Sport Seats
The S60's leather sport seats strike a good balance between comfort and body-holding ability.

Navigation System
The optional navigation system features a retractable screen positioned atop the dash instead of integrated into the audio unit.

2009 Volvo S60 Details

Interior

No matter which S60 you choose, all models share two important traits: A roomy, ergonomically-sound interior and an exceptional safety record. The S60's front seats feel great on your back and feature an anti-submarine design to help keep you from sliding under the dash during an accident. Functionally, the S60's near-perfect instrument panel has every switch, lever and button within easy reach. We love the placement of the optional navigation screen, which rises up from atop the dash rather than being integrated into the audio head unit.

Exterior

The 2009 Volvo S60's front end has a soft, rounded appearance, although the familiar diagonal-badge grille treatment remains firmly in place. The S60's shape is defined by its sharpened V-shaped hood and trunk lines that join to form a truly attractive sport sedan. The swept-back rear roof creates a nice fastback look and allows the rear doors plenty of glass to aid visibility. In recent years Volvo has produced a number of attractive new wheel designs and bold exterior colors to enhance the S60's appearance.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2009 Volvo S60 has a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), Dynamic Stability Traction Control, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, illuminated remote keyless entry, front and rear fog lights, dual heated power mirrors, AM/FM stereo CD and auxiliary input jack, front side-impact and front and rear head-curtain airbags, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, garage door opener, power sunroof, sport leather seating and power driver's and passenger's seats. The T5 adds aluminum trim, rear park assist, active bi-xenon adaptive headlights with washers, 17-inch alloy wheels and a High Performance sound system with six-disc CD changer and MP3/WMA compatability.

Optional Equipment

Options vary by trim and include all-wheel drive, heated seats, headlamp washers, rain-sensing wipers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, navigation, active bi-xenon adaptive headlights, rear park assist and custom alloy wheels.

Under the Hood

The 2.5T engine provides good acceleration and plenty of passing power. This engine works well with the Geartronic automatic transmission, though somewhat lazy shifts left us wishing for a manual option. The high-pressure turbo of the T5 model seems to be the best choice for the S60, with better low-end torque than the 2.5T and more acceleration as the turbo builds boost pressure.

2.5-liter in-line 5 Light-Pressure Turbo
208 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
236 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1500-4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 (FWD), 18/26 (AWD)

2.4-liter in-line 5 High-Pressure Turbo
257 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2100-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Volvo S60 vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Volvo S60 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 101 Ratings for the 2006 - 2008 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

9.0/10

I may never get rid of this car!

By SebastiansDad (OH) on Sunday, June 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Drive experience, simplistic design and features"

Cons: "Turning radius"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my 2007 S60R for 18 months and I look forward to every time I get into it. This car can be a comfortable family cruiser for long hauls or a fun sporty beast on back country roads. The AWD provides great grip and the 4C suspension allows me to customize the ride. When I was shopping for this car I also test drove a 535xi and this car won hands down. The Bimmer was just over complicated and felt heavy despite its engine. I love the clean Scandinavian design and simplistic layout. My only complaint is that the turning radius is terrible. I have spoken to other R owners and the feelings are similar across the board. This is a great car for the guy (or gal) that has a family but still has a bit of thrill seeker left in them."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love this vehicle. Comfort and power all in one

By Bunny (KY) on Wednesday, June 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 103,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, looks and handle great !!"

Cons: "Center console is a bit too tight"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is a terrific road car. Travels and handles like a dream. Very comfortable and reasonably spacious. Have had SUVs in the past but love the fold down seats and leather in my S60. Mechanically good, only minor issues with power windows. Traction is terrific and is great on the freeway. This car is a wonderful blend of power, luxury and safety !!!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Volvo S-60R, 2005 and 2006 models

By VolvoGearHead (ID) on Tuesday, February 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 92,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great Car, Fun to Drive, It'll last a long time"

Cons: "Limited back seat space"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have a 2005 Volvo S-60R, the basic difference between the 2006 model is the 6-speed transmission vs the 2005 5-speed transmission and the so-called iPod connection (that never worked properly). My S-60R has always worked in a suberb manner, it's fast (300 HP), it' stopped faster then any other vehicle I've had (thank you Brembo brakes). My Volvo is fast, and stops on a dime (my Volvo has 92,000 miles). The quality of vehicle goes beyond almost all other vehicles. Granted there are preventive maintive issues you'll have to deal with, like the Timing belt, and the water pump (over 90,000 miles). The radiator should be replaced at 90,000 to 100,000 miles (not unusal for any car sold in the USA). The thing is, everything else works. And I do mean everything else works, the power seats, the radio, the electronics for the cruise control, DSTC, etc, they all work. It's a great car. My next car? A Volvo"

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Thumbs up

By alexandriala (AL) on Tuesday, September 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 105,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Beautiful, smooth ride-will stick with Volvo"

Cons: "Expensive repair and lack of public knowledge"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have had my car for 2 years now. I love it! It has comfort, handling, and of course, a little power to it. The only thing is that NO matter what you are replacing/or getting fixed, it WILL be expensive. As a college student, I would be in the pits if something significant happened. So far, so good however! Let's hope Volvo stands true to it's name of reliability."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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The Volvo S60 is reliable and comfortable.

By Jamie (MI) on Monday, September 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 91,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Luxury at an affordable price."

Cons: "Turning radius. Legroom in backseat."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've owned my S60 for 4 years. I bought it off a two year lease and felt confident of the value with the 100k mile extended warranty. I had it in for a few minor issues and regular maintenance. It drives beautifully. Only complaint is the turning radius. Can be challenging when parking in tight spots. I'm looking at buying a new Volvo next year. Disappointed that the V50 was discontinued. I'll look at the S60 for a replacement."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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OK

By sven (MO) on Tuesday, March 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 108,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive"

Cons: "Expensive to Maintain"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Great new car... but small items tend to drive you nuts! Air conditioning has been an issue... Fun to drive, great on ice/snow but overall hasn't aged as well as Toyota's or Honda's i've driven in the past. Oil changes are more expensive unless you are a DIY'er."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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See all 101 reviews