2006 Volvo S60 Test Drive

The Scandinavian Stand-Out

The Volvo S60 is proof that Swedes build unique cars. Though its platform dates back to 2001 and has its flaws, the S60 is a solid alternative to pricier and less-reliable German sedans.

Performance

There's nothing like the bipolar behavior of a turbocharger, which can shove you into the seat with immediate pickup. The S60 T5 model we tested was so fast that the 300-horsepower über-performance R model seems like wanton excess. If you like flashier styling, a stiff ride and want to brag, then get the R. For everyone else, the 2.5T and T5 models have ample performance.

If a comfortable ride matters more than a sporty one, consider the softer-sprung base 2.5T model. The stiff suspension and low-profile tires on the T5 are great for cornering and absorb big bumps and holes well, but the car is jittery on the highway and can be fatiguing on long trips.

Accelerate hard in the T5, and you'll be in speeding-ticket territory by the time you shift to third gear. You'll never worry about passing a semi or merging into traffic, and you might even have fun blasting away from unsuspecting tailgaters.

The 2006 Volvo S60 R can outperform some sports cars. + enlarge image  |  view slideshow >

After building turbocharged engines for decades, Volvo seems to have mastered them. There's no lag in the S60's power delivery (a notorious flaw in older models).

Sure, a BMW 3-Series is better balanced and has "more communicative" steering (whatever that means), but this Volvo is entertaining enough and turns, stops and goes smoothly. Our T5 tester is more powerful (by 49 hp) than the base 2.5T, in addition to having a tauter suspension and more aggressive wheels and tires, so adjust performance expectations according to the model you test-drive.

The T5 and R models, with their standard six-speed manual transmissions, are the choice for drivers who prefer shifting themselves. The 2.5T comes only with a five-speed automatic. An optional automatic with manual gear selection is available on 2.5T and T5 models, while a six-speed auto with manual gear selection is offered on the R.

All-wheel drive is available on the T5 and standard on the R.

The brakes are excellent, with a firm pedal. But the clutch on our S60 T5 tester was not so good. The car lurched a lot as we acclimated to the ample pedal travel before and after clutch take-up. While the shifter was a little vague, we never missed a gear change, unlike in the Cadillac CTS.

Unfortunately, the S60 isn't as quiet on the inside as a luxury car should be. Both wind and road noise infiltrate the cabin, though not as overwhelmingly as in the Acura TSX. The S60 does share the Acura's wide turning radius, which makes a chore out of U-turns and navigating tight parking lots.

As with any car, there is a virtue to offset every flaw. Volvos are unique for their Scandinavian charm and are a solid and less-expensive alternative to the popular German midsize sedans and hold their own against Japanese contenders. Their five-cylinder engines have a slight advantage in fuel economy, and with a Consumer Reports reliability rating of "average," they may not approach the bullet-proof Japanese cars, but there's a good chance they'll be in the shop less than those high-clout Bimmers and Audis.