Performance sedan no one knows about...
03-02-2009, 12:52 PM
#1
Performance sedan no one knows about...
I've been eyeing this sedan online for a couple weeks now, and just seen one on the road for the first time in my life. It was a nice gray color. After reading a couple of reviews, this basically sums it up.
2005 Volvo S60 R.
Most desirable features come standard on the S60 R. The equipment list includes bi-xenon headlights, 17" wheels with 235/45ZR17 tires, leather upholstery, bolstered sport seats, a three-spoke steering wheel with tilt and telescoping adjustment, aluminum inlays, dual-zone climate control, a CD player, a trip computer, and a split-folding rear seat. On the options list, you'll find 18" wheels with 235/40 rubber, premium leather, a sunroof, a four-disc changer, a DVD-based navigation system, Volvo's On Call telematics and an integrated child booster seat.
Every S60 R is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder that pumps out 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque when paired with the standard close-ratio six-speed transmission. A five-speed automatic (with auto-manual function) is optional. Buyers should take note that the peak torque drops to 258 lb-ft when selected. Acceleration is quite brisk in the S60 R, with ample juice to pick off the occasional unsuspecting BMW driver. Volvo claims a 0-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds with the manual transmission. Volvo's Four-C (Continously Controlled Chassis Concept) system comes standard; it includes an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system, as well as an adaptive suspension that Volvo claims can adjust the shock valving up to 500 times per second for improved grip, reduced body roll, and better overall dynamics.
Inside, the S60 R offers more upscale furnishings than regular S60s, namely more heavily bolstered leather sport seats, stylish silver and blue gauges and real aluminum trim. Comfort is exceptional in front, but rear passengers may find legroom a bit tight. The control ayout is more complex than in other cars, and new owners may need to sit down with the owner's manual in order to master everything. Trunk capacity is 13.9 cubic feet.
Considerably faster than other Volvos, the S60R is also a much better handler. Taken out on your favorite back roads, the R is ready to play-its hgh level of balance and grip instills confidence in the driver. While still unable to communicate with its pilot in the indelible manner of a BMW, the S60 R is sized right (four doors) to make it a good choice for enthusiasts with families. And it rides comfortable enough to be used as an everyday commuter car.
MSRP: $37,250
Anyone know why these sedans were never really sucessful? I think they are nice lookers, and seem to perform rather good. Reliability problems? Anyways, anyone looking for a AWD, Safe, Fun-To-Drive, 4-Door Sedan should maybe look for a used S60 R.
Here are some pics:
http://image.europeancarweb.com/f/90...0_r+Gauges.jpg
http://www.dragtimes.com/images/9765-2006-Volvo-S60.jpg
http://www.autowire.net/originalpics/2004volvoS60R.jpg
http://www.lotusofscottsdale.com/ima...ry/6-011/1.JPG
2005 Volvo S60 R.
Most desirable features come standard on the S60 R. The equipment list includes bi-xenon headlights, 17" wheels with 235/45ZR17 tires, leather upholstery, bolstered sport seats, a three-spoke steering wheel with tilt and telescoping adjustment, aluminum inlays, dual-zone climate control, a CD player, a trip computer, and a split-folding rear seat. On the options list, you'll find 18" wheels with 235/40 rubber, premium leather, a sunroof, a four-disc changer, a DVD-based navigation system, Volvo's On Call telematics and an integrated child booster seat.
Every S60 R is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder that pumps out 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque when paired with the standard close-ratio six-speed transmission. A five-speed automatic (with auto-manual function) is optional. Buyers should take note that the peak torque drops to 258 lb-ft when selected. Acceleration is quite brisk in the S60 R, with ample juice to pick off the occasional unsuspecting BMW driver. Volvo claims a 0-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds with the manual transmission. Volvo's Four-C (Continously Controlled Chassis Concept) system comes standard; it includes an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system, as well as an adaptive suspension that Volvo claims can adjust the shock valving up to 500 times per second for improved grip, reduced body roll, and better overall dynamics.
Inside, the S60 R offers more upscale furnishings than regular S60s, namely more heavily bolstered leather sport seats, stylish silver and blue gauges and real aluminum trim. Comfort is exceptional in front, but rear passengers may find legroom a bit tight. The control ayout is more complex than in other cars, and new owners may need to sit down with the owner's manual in order to master everything. Trunk capacity is 13.9 cubic feet.
Considerably faster than other Volvos, the S60R is also a much better handler. Taken out on your favorite back roads, the R is ready to play-its hgh level of balance and grip instills confidence in the driver. While still unable to communicate with its pilot in the indelible manner of a BMW, the S60 R is sized right (four doors) to make it a good choice for enthusiasts with families. And it rides comfortable enough to be used as an everyday commuter car.
MSRP: $37,250
Anyone know why these sedans were never really sucessful? I think they are nice lookers, and seem to perform rather good. Reliability problems? Anyways, anyone looking for a AWD, Safe, Fun-To-Drive, 4-Door Sedan should maybe look for a used S60 R.
Here are some pics:
http://image.europeancarweb.com/f/90...0_r+Gauges.jpg
http://www.dragtimes.com/images/9765-2006-Volvo-S60.jpg
http://www.autowire.net/originalpics/2004volvoS60R.jpg
http://www.lotusofscottsdale.com/ima...ry/6-011/1.JPG
03-02-2009, 01:09 PM
#2
Senior Moderator
I knew about it, and am a fan! That is a sweet car. Volvos are classically quirky and that's the main reason why they are not popular. They have odd interiors and exteriors (I personally think the newer ones - the S60R included - are beautiful) and just not most people's cups of tea.
As far as reliability, pretty much all of the stories I have heard suggest that they are built like tanks and will keep on going as long as you want them to. I am not sure on service costs, though.
03-02-2009, 01:14 PM
#3
TellinItLikeItIsSince1/06
I love my acura Cl mainly b/c it is rarer than your average car. I was interested in the S60r and still would be but the car isn't all perfect. I've read alot about it. The link below shows that in 2004, their engines had MAJOR problems. That means they've been trying to fix what went wrong, and maybe by now Volvo has fixed the S60 R, but who can be so sure. You can't slap a turbo onto any engine! [MSN is a great website that shows the facts, just like it shows how horrible the CL is with its transmission, but did acura really fix the problem many years later?? next gen TL's still have problems]
Another small issue is that the car is known to have a horrible steering radius. Get ready to be making three-point-turns just to go around a drive thru! lol.
Besides this and other complaints owners all over the internet have had with the car, the HP, Torque, Looks, and AWD make the car really desirable...I just think the 2 main issues I've seen aren't worth the risk tho. just my 2 cents
[link not working. just type the following in google: "msn volvo s 60 r" then on the website click reliability tab.]
Another small issue is that the car is known to have a horrible steering radius. Get ready to be making three-point-turns just to go around a drive thru! lol.
Besides this and other complaints owners all over the internet have had with the car, the HP, Torque, Looks, and AWD make the car really desirable...I just think the 2 main issues I've seen aren't worth the risk tho. just my 2 cents
[link not working. just type the following in google: "msn volvo s 60 r" then on the website click reliability tab.]
Last edited by '01White3.2CL; 03-02-2009 at 01:18 PM.
03-02-2009, 01:18 PM
#4
Fahrvergnügen'd
I was thinking of buying my buddy's S60R when he was considering getting rid of it ... Then I saw the old Top Gear where they tested the S60R and came to the conclusion that all three would get the Audi S4 instead.
The S60R is a nice car and pretty quick for sure. You'd do well for yourself if you got one. Get the Evolve catback and you'd be GTG.
The S60R is a nice car and pretty quick for sure. You'd do well for yourself if you got one. Get the Evolve catback and you'd be GTG.
03-02-2009, 01:30 PM
#6
Senior Moderator
Know about it...Beltfed (if I'm not mistaken) is a big fan of this car...
And yeah, IWHI.
And yeah, IWHI.
Trending Topics
03-02-2009, 02:29 PM
#10
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,130
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
Everybody knows about it, and after driving it I can't say it left me impressed at all.
03-02-2009, 02:30 PM
#11
that goes for older Audi/VW too. I know it's pretty trivial, but if they can't even get that right, I worry about the major parts of the car.
03-02-2009, 02:35 PM
#13
Senior Moderator
common on the Volvo's, I am quite positive that is the rear fog.
03-02-2009, 02:55 PM
#14
I used to really like the old boxy s60 r but then when my mom decided to get our first non japanese car, a s40, I decided that the maintenance and reliability issues were too much. My mom drives like an old lady and puts about 8k miles a year and maintenance costs are over twice that of my dad's accord which he drives about 25k miles a year.
My 2 cents.
My 2 cents.
03-02-2009, 03:17 PM
#15
The hair says it all
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Manhattan, NYC
Age: 37
Posts: 7,566
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I really liked the Volvo s60r's but understood why they didn't become popular. I would rather have an S4, but if I got the R for a good price I wouldn't turn it down. It is good looking car. This thread needs a picture:
03-02-2009, 03:17 PM
#16
The sizzle in the Steak
Nothing new here 
03-02-2009, 03:23 PM
#17
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,634
Received 2,328 Likes
on
1,308 Posts
Not new to us car guys.. which is who would buy such a performance car to begin with...
Just about any car made in Europe has a rear fog.
03-02-2009, 03:53 PM
#21
Definitely not a secret. I actually test drove 2 around 2006 or so. I went out in a modded one, and was not impressed. I thought maybe the mods made the torque/HP curve so linear that it was so smooth and I just wasn't feeling the power... so I took out a new one, and it was the same thing.
Thought I was going to love it, and you can get great deals on them... but I was not impressed driving it. Plus, it would cost a few thousand to make it look nice since it's kind of blah stock...
This is correct. I actually thought dallison and phile were joking
03-02-2009, 03:56 PM
#22
BTW, OP... if you want to do some reading... check out www.swedespeed.com
03-02-2009, 04:00 PM
#23
Maybe its just me that didn't know about this car. 
lol I just seen them online a while back, and actually seen one on the road for the first time ever. I think they look nice. I'm not a fan of Inline-5's though. I could see how the earlier year models had problems.
lol I just seen them online a while back, and actually seen one on the road for the first time ever. I think they look nice. I'm not a fan of Inline-5's though. I could see how the earlier year models had problems.
03-02-2009, 04:03 PM
#24
My Garage
03-02-2009, 04:17 PM
#27
Q('.')=O
iTrader: (1)
Ohhh yea. As a matter of fact, when I was looking for a 'new' car about a year ago, I had it narrowed down to the TL and S60R, eventually going with the TL, of course.
But overall the S60R is a beautiful car. I test drove it a few times. I loved the interior dash lights
and the seats were very comfortable. But the middle dash controls were not at all user friendly and too damned complicated to use. Took me like 30 seconds to figure out how to turn on the A/C lol. But the ride was great. Definitely has lots of power behind the 300 horses. I remember turning from a stop light and gunning it onto the highway on ramp and it was fun to say the least. The 3 driving modes were good and you could definitely tell a difference in handling. But it did take wide turns. And another thing that eventually led me to get the Acura would be the maintenance/repair costs. They are definitely gonna be more expensive for a Volvo than an Acura and I knew Acura quality was there cus of my previous car and consumer reports of course, so I went with the TL.
But overall, a good car imo but not too practical unless you have some extra dough. But also a good sleeper. I guarantee 99.999% of the people out there, even those with bimmers etc, think it is just a regular tank/slow volvo. uh uh. Then you go vroom vroom and they are like wtfmate.
But overall the S60R is a beautiful car. I test drove it a few times. I loved the interior dash lights
and the seats were very comfortable. But the middle dash controls were not at all user friendly and too damned complicated to use. Took me like 30 seconds to figure out how to turn on the A/C lol. But the ride was great. Definitely has lots of power behind the 300 horses. I remember turning from a stop light and gunning it onto the highway on ramp and it was fun to say the least. The 3 driving modes were good and you could definitely tell a difference in handling. But it did take wide turns. And another thing that eventually led me to get the Acura would be the maintenance/repair costs. They are definitely gonna be more expensive for a Volvo than an Acura and I knew Acura quality was there cus of my previous car and consumer reports of course, so I went with the TL.But overall, a good car imo but not too practical unless you have some extra dough. But also a good sleeper. I guarantee 99.999% of the people out there, even those with bimmers etc, think it is just a regular tank/slow volvo. uh uh. Then you go vroom vroom and they are like wtfmate.
03-02-2009, 04:31 PM
#28
an asshole from florida
the car has been discussed on azine alot. Ive always liked em, i think most of volvos exterior designs are teh shit but i dont really like their interior
03-02-2009, 05:37 PM
#29
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Age: 37
Posts: 9,492
Received 834 Likes
on
518 Posts
I'm not too familiar with this car, but I just did a search at Car and Driver and hopefully I can answer your question, "Anyone know why these sedans were never really successful? "
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...omparison_test
- On/off throttle
- lifeless steering
- $$$$$$$$ (starts at $38k, but as you can see it's easy to get it up to $47k - well they did add the $2000 lip kit package lol...so minus that and it's still well above $45k)
- Inconsistent performance? One test it got 0-60 in 5.5s, but another test got 6.4s.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...omparison_test
- On/off throttle
- lifeless steering
- $$$$$$$$ (starts at $38k, but as you can see it's easy to get it up to $47k - well they did add the $2000 lip kit package lol...so minus that and it's still well above $45k)
- Inconsistent performance? One test it got 0-60 in 5.5s, but another test got 6.4s.
03-02-2009, 05:38 PM
#30
Safety Car
i could imagine there arent too many of these in southern arkansas. well, actually, maybe none at all.
love the car for its looks and stats, but have never driven it.
love the car for its looks and stats, but have never driven it.
03-02-2009, 05:42 PM
#31
I know what a damn rear fog light looks like!
03-02-2009, 06:15 PM
#32
GEEZER
03-02-2009, 06:21 PM
#33
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,634
Received 2,328 Likes
on
1,308 Posts
I love inline fives
03-02-2009, 09:42 PM
#38
I'm not too familiar with this car, but I just did a search at Car and Driver and hopefully I can answer your question, "Anyone know why these sedans were never really successful? "
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...omparison_test
- On/off throttle
- lifeless steering
- $$$$$$$$ (starts at $38k, but as you can see it's easy to get it up to $47k - well they did add the $2000 lip kit package lol...so minus that and it's still well above $45k)
- Inconsistent performance? One test it got 0-60 in 5.5s, but another test got 6.4s.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...omparison_test
- On/off throttle
- lifeless steering
- $$$$$$$$ (starts at $38k, but as you can see it's easy to get it up to $47k - well they did add the $2000 lip kit package lol...so minus that and it's still well above $45k)
- Inconsistent performance? One test it got 0-60 in 5.5s, but another test got 6.4s.
i found the same problems:
1.) on/off throttle... must be the drive by wire??? but it was always annoying whenever i tried to accel grad and the car would just take off...
2.) steering sucked... slightly better in the R model, but i guess it would be better with a drop on the car... in stock form the wheel gap was like a fcukin las vegas slut...
3.) interior was okay to me... and volvos are known for electrical problems... dumb brake light indicator on the dash when no bulbs were burnt...
4.) and just expensive for what it was... for the price of a loaded R, i prob could have gotten a IS350...
overall i think the TL gave me better bang for the buck...
$125 oil changes at the dealer are no joke...
03-02-2009, 11:15 PM
#39
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Age: 37
Posts: 9,492
Received 834 Likes
on
518 Posts
Yea, I mean like I said, I don't know much this S60R, but it seems like it's quite expensive when decently loaded. At $47k, I believe I can get a 335i that's somewhat loaded?
