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Invoice: $29,117 - $31,946

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2008 Volvo S60

2008 Volvo S60 Model Overview

2008 Volvo S60 Review

Middle of the Pack

The midsize Volvo S60 sits smack dab in the middle of the automaker's sedan lineup and remains competitive with a dose of added sportiness.

by Jim Gorzelany, ForbesAutos.com
2008 Volvo S60
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Buoyed by the brand’s reputation for safety and its solid though slightly quirky personality, the Volvo S60 has enjoyed modest popularity in a crowded field of four-door models. It’s tastefully styled with a generally sedate overall character, at least in its base 2.5T form. The T5 adds handling prowess and power.

Performance enthusiasts will lament that Volvo has dropped the high-powered R variant.

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The Volvo S60 is powered in its 2.5T form by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that delivers peppy, if not overpowering, acceleration with decent fuel economy. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. The sporty T5 edition includes a 2.4-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder that generates about 25 percent more horsepower for stronger performance. The automatic gearbox in this version includes a Geartronic manual gear-selection mode. A manual transmission is no longer available.

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The Volvo S60 delivers a smooth ride with handling that's better than many of its Asian rivals. The automaker’s Dynamic Stability Traction Control system is standard for added stability on slippery surfaces and in extreme handling situations. The 2.5T in all-wheel-drive guise promises an “Instant Traction” feature for added grip on slick roads. This system pre-charges itself to deliver a burst of power to the rear wheels as needed.

2008 Volvo S60
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The Volvo S60 T5 rides on larger 17-inch wheels and tires, and includes a sport suspension for improved handling, but be aware that it also delivers a rougher ride.

• Volvo S60 Vehicle Summary

The Volvo S60’s interior remains accommodating, though front and rear legroom could be more generous. While some dashboard switches can be confusing to operate, the seats, which Volvo says were designed using orthopedic principles, are reasonably comfortable. Whiplash-preventing headrests for the front seats are included, though some passengers may find them intrusive.

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Standard equipment included with the Volvo S60 is competitive with cars in the near-luxury segment, and includes the requisite safety items like four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and front-side and side-curtain airbags.

Heated seats, rear park assist, a navigation system and a power moonroof are among the Volvo S60’s many options. Available on the T5 are adaptive headlamps that illuminate the road around curves at night. Unfortunately, some of the high-tech items Volvo offers elsewhere in its fleet aren’t available here, and most added features are available only bundled with other hardware in options packages.

Is the Volvo S60 for You?
Buy the S60 if
You appreciate tasteful styling and a unique look; you're looking for a sporty and luxurious sedan that's fun to drive and can comfortably seat four adults; you'd like to stand out from BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners.

Keep Looking if
You need more power, luxury and/or interior room; you prefer a sportier sedan; you think only German luxury sedans have clout.

Who Fits?
The Volvo S60's adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel can accommodate drivers of all sizes, but really short people might have to sit too close to the steering wheel or may find that the large head restraints force them to slouch forward.

Closest Competitors
Audi A6; BMW 5 Series; Cadillac CTS; Infiniti G35; Mercedes-Benz E-Class; Saab 9-5

  Published on 2007-11-08

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