Motorweek Online is sponsored by

2001 Volvo S60 2.4T

Date: 12 May 2001	Miles: 2,400
This 2001 Volvo S60 2.4T is more sport-luxury sedan than we've ever expected from this conservative Swedish brand. Mileage is fine at this point, 22.5, with far better throttle response from our car's 197- horsepower 2.4-Turbo-5, than most competitors with larger 6-cylinder engines. Indeed, after only a couple of months and 2,400 miles we have only one complaint. Our car came fitted with super sticky winter tires that are wonderful in snow. But, they make the S60 behave strangely on dry pavement. Turn the wheel and it's almost like the car first reacts in slow motion, and then darts to the proper direction. Now that it's spring we'll be switching back to the standard tires, which are totally predictable and perfect for the S60's sport sedan duties.
Date: 21 July 2001	Miles: 9,500
Indeed it is more sport sedan than we ever expected from this conservative Swedish brand. After 4 months, and the odometer clicking over 9500, mileage is impressive at 26.3 miles per gallon. Throttle response from our car's 197-horsepower 2.4-Turbo-5 is good, although like most turbos it could use more off the line. Handling response, once we switched from winter to summer tires, also is quite rapid. Turn ins are sharp, and we find far less front plow than on most front-wheel drive sedans. Plus, on long highway trips the S60 proves to be a very comfortable cruiser with a well controlled ride, yet without the bump harshness sometimes associated with sporty 4-doors. No wonder the S60 has already become Volvo's top selling U.S. model. And, no wonder Volvo has just announced the all-wheel drive version of the S60, for those that want to enjoy this fine sedan's habits no matter what the weather.
Date: 18 August 2001	Miles: 13,000
We actually consider the 2001 Volvo S60 2.4T to be as much a sport sedan as it is an entry level luxury car. Indeed it is more sport-luxury sedan than we ever expected from this conservative Swedish brand. Mileage continues to improve, now standing at an impressive 26.0 miles per gallon. Plus, throttle response from our car's 197-horsepower 2.4-Turbo-5 is crisper than most competitors with larger 6-cylinder engines. Indeed, after 6 months, and over 13,000 miles, we have only good things to say about the S60's road manners. Turn ins are very precise, and we find far less front plow than on most front- wheel drive sedans. Plus, on long highway trips the S60 proves to be a very comfortable cruiser with a well controlled ride, yet without the bump harshness sometimes associated with sporty 4- doors. An impressive sedan that keeps getting more so.
Date: 05 October 2001	Miles: 16,500
Our 2001 Volvo S60 2.4T sedan has been in our long term fleet for just over 6 months and some 16,500 miles. That means it's almost exactly at the half way point in our year long test, and a perfect time to see if the S60 is living up to the impressions of our original February review. First the most basic number: fuel economy. It is currently a very impressive 25.9 miles per gallon. On the whole, that's better than we expected with government ratings of 21 City and 28 Highway for our 5-cylinder, 197-horsepower, turbocharged automatic. Next, performance. In our original test we praised handling saying this was the most balanced sport sedan Volvo had yet delivered. We still feel that way. From acceleration to steering to brakes, everything about the S60 is in sync. You do know it's a sport sedan by the insides too, especially in the back seat where more leg room would be appreciated. Still, the layout of controls, the seat comfort, and the fit and finish are comparable to the flagship S80 on which this car is based. In the area of quality, only an emission's check engine light gave us a pause and there have been no other mechanical hiccups despite some pretty severe use. So, in total, the S60 is wearing well, and we're looking forward to the rest of its year with us.
Date: 30 November 2001	Miles: 17,874
Total time and mileage? Eight months and 17,874 miles. Was it an efficient Swede? I'd say so, with total test mileage of 25.8 miles per gallon. That's pretty remarkable for a middle weight sedan, especially one with the turbocharged engine and sporting capabilities of the S60. The S60's attributes are many. The most daring styling of any Volvo four-door, a large, well outfitted interior, plus a list of safety features that seems to run on forever. We also never tired of our car's 197-horsepower inline-5 powerplant. Throttle response is excellent, even when stabbed for full bore passing. There is never a hint of torque steer, and the 5-speed automatic shifts with precision and authority. And except for an emissions engine check light, it was also trouble free. So it's hard not to like the S60. But it's also hard to say goodbye.