2008 Volvo S60 Review

July 22, 2008

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

An entirely unique style
Car and Driver

from boring box to stylish Swede
Kelley Blue Book

still sports a distinctive Scandinavian flavor
Edmunds

Remember the 240? Now forget it.
Popular Mechanics

Like Demi Moore—or Bruce Willis--the 2008 Volvo S60 is aging but still turns heads.

Originally released for the 2001 model year, reviewers nonetheless still find the S60’s shape appealing and distinctive. Perhaps one of the first sedans to adopt a coupe-like roofline (a trend now exemplified by vehicles like Mercedes’ CLS), the S60's “swept-back rear roof creates a nice fastback look,” states Kelley Blue Book. Cars.com says the “curvy shape, far removed from past Volvos, gives the four-door S60 the look of a coupe.” Automobile names “other sporty cues,” such as “the wide stance, the subtle flares at the wheel openings, and the tucked-in bumpers.” A grille and bumper redesign for 2006 smooth the S60’s exterior. According to Autoblog, changes for the 2007 model year include “a deeper lip spoiler, new grille and larger Volvo iron symbol.”

Calling the interior design “similar to the previous-generation S80,” Cars.com says “the S60’s businesslike dashboard groups audio and climate controls within a broad center panel.” Of changes made for the ’07 model year, Autoblog comments, “Many interior trim pieces have also been dipped in metal to brighten up the S60’s insides and the watch-like instruments found in the S60R and new S80 are now an option.” The Auto Channel notes that the S60’s interior “is very much an example of Swedish Modern style."

Conclusion

The 2008 Volvo S60 is still a visually striking alternative to other European luxury vehicles, but it’s no longer progressive.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:An entirely unique styleCar and Driverfrom boring box to stylish SwedeKelley Blue Bookstill sports a distinctive Scandinavian flavorEdmundsRemember the 240? Now forget it.Popular Mechanics Like Demi Moore—or Bruce Willis--the 2008 Volvo S60 is aging but still turns heads. Originally released for the 2001 model year, reviewers nonetheless still find the S60’s shape appealing and distinctive. Perhaps one of the first sedans to adopt a coupe-like roofline (a trend now exemplified by vehicles like Mercedes’ CLS), the S60's “swept-back rear roof creates a nice fastback look,” states Kelley Blue Book. Cars.com says the “curvy shape, far removed from past Volvos, gives the four-door S60 the look of a coupe.” Automobile names “other sporty cues,” such as “the wide stance, the subtle flares at the wheel openings, and the tucked-in bumpers.” A grille and bumper redesign for 2006 smooth the S60’s exterior. According to Autoblog, changes for the 2007 model year include “a deeper lip spoiler, new grille and larger Volvo iron symbol.” Calling the interior design “similar to the previous-generation S80,” Cars.com says “the S60’s businesslike dashboard groups audio and climate controls within a broad center panel.” Of changes made for the ’07 model year, Autoblog comments, “Many interior trim pieces have also been dipped in metal to brighten up the S60’s insides and the watch-like instruments found in the S60R and new S80 are now an option.” The Auto Channel notes that the S60’s interior “is very much an example of Swedish Modern style." ConclusionThe 2008 Volvo S60 is still a visually striking alternative to other European luxury vehicles, but it’s no longer progressive.  2008 VOLVO S60 STYLING | [6 out of 10] Car and Driver: “An entirely unique style” Kelley Blue Book: “from boring box to stylish Swede” Edmunds: “still sports a distinctive Scandinavian flavor” Popular Mechanics: “Remember the 240? Now forget it.” Like Demi Moore—or Bruce Willis--the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Saab 9-5—from Volvo’s rival Swedish brand—is perhaps the closest competitor to the S60. The 2008 Volvo S60 boasts better interior appointments and a better ride, though the (more expensive) 9-5 is more of a driver’s car—and it has a roomier backseat. The Audi A6 is offered with either front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive, has a roomy interior that feels more upscale, and exhibits a nice ride, but it’s also significantly more expensive than the others. Another alternative is the Acura TL, a sporty (especially in Type-S form) and luxurious sedan that has a much roomier interior, though it’s only offered with front-wheel drive.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Volvo S60

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for the 2008 Volvo S60

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Volvo S60 near you

See the Volvo S60 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

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