2001 Volvo S60

The Volvo S60's suspension calibrations feel like BMW engineers had a hand in the tuning because of the net lack of impact harshness combined with firm but fluid control of body motions over road heaves and through high-speed sweeping bends. The steering is quick and communicative. The only down side is an annoyingly large turn circle, the inevitable result of a long wheelbase and five cylinders sitting the long way between wide front tires.

Heavily bolstered seats provide excellent thigh and upper-body support.

After delivering positive visual impressions and an entertaining drive, the Volvo S60 finishes the let's-make-friends process with outstanding comfort and convenience features. Front bucket seats are luxuriously supportive with especially deep under-thigh support and a wealth of adjustments. The back seat splits, folds, and provides a trap-door opening for accommodating all the booty that must be carted home from the hardware store or trinket shop. The extra-short decklid pivots far forward on its hinges for ready access to a voluminous trunk. And built into the cargo-compartment floor is a hinged panel that can be erected to keep grocery bags in place with the aid of a couple of elastic cords. Why didn't I think of that?


The clincher is a reasonable price structure. Starting at just over $27,000, most base models will go out the door for less than $30,000 with leather upholstery and an automatic transmission. The 2.4T picks up the baton at $30,000 and rises to $37,000 with all the goodies, though Volvo expects most customers to stop about half-way along that climb. (Figures quoted here are pre-haggling.) The truly power-hungry who need a T5 to feed their habit will spend $32,375 for a base model and as much as $44,000 if they go for broke with 17-inch wheels and tires and Volvo's nifty navigation system.


Whether or not you've made your mind up about which wheels should propel your sport sedan, the new Volvo S60 deserves a serious look. Consider this a BMW that isn't fearful of winter or, if you'd prefer, a Mercedes-Benz that won't send you directly to the poor house.