2002 Volvo S60 Review
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By Sam Moses

Overview

Volvo's S60 brings the Swedish firm's safety legacy and standards to consumers for whom the S40 is too small and the S80 too big. Not surprisingly, the S60 also fits between those models in price -- starting at $27,125 but running to more than $36,000 for a loaded S60 AWD.

Volvo's S60 offers an alternative to BMW's 3 Series sedans. S60 combines the S80's stylish shape with all those safety features that have made Volvo famous over the years.

Introduced for model year 2001, the S60 replaced the S70.

Model Lineup

Four models are available: 2.4 ($27,125); 2.4T ($31,625); T5 ($33,375); and 2.4T AWD ($33,375). The big difference between the first three models is the difference in horsepower; the AWD (all-wheel drive) is new for 2002.

The 2.4 comes with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine (yes, five cylinders) that produces 168 horsepower and 170 pounds-feet of torque.

The 2.4T uses a low-pressure turbocharger to generate 197 horsepower and 210 pounds-feet of torque; and that torque comes on at a much lower engine speed (1800 rpm instead of 4500 rpm), giving this model much better acceleration away from those intersections.

The T5 uses a high-pressure turbo to produce 247 horsepower and 243 pounds-feet of torque for quick, turbocharged throttle response.

The AWD uses the 197-horsepower 2.4T engine. When Volvo introduced this model in September, it was broadly suggested that the 247-horsepower T5 engine would become available in the AWD, most likely in less than a year.

All S60 models get a raft of safety and security items: front, side and head airbags up front; seats that move to reduce whiplash problems; an immobilizer and an alarm; a Safe Approach and Home Safe Lighting System; five head restraints; and anti-lock disc brakes. There are no significant mechanical changes in 2002, however a couple of important features that were optional in '01 are now standard: traction control (STC) and stability control (DSTC).

Convenience features common to every S60 include power windows, trunk release and door locks, illuminated visor mirrors, a trunk light, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, heated seats, headlight wipers, power folding headrests, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a pollen filter, air conditioning, cupholders front and rear, steering-wheel controls for the audio system, and remote keyless entry.