(Enlarge photo)
This system is such a clear winner in this comparison test, it almost isn't fair. No other manufacturer comes close. (Photo by Scott Jacobs)
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2001 Volvo S60 T5 4dr Sedan (2.3L 5Cyl Turbo 5M)
(vehicle detail)
Ups: Meticulous attention to detail, luxurious ride, refined demeanor, safety systems galore.
Downs: Turbo lag, options hike up the price, falls behind in athletic ability.
Base MSRP of Test Vehicle: $32,375
(including destination charge)
Options on Test Vehicle: Metallic Paint ($400); Leather Seating ($1,300); Cold Weather Package ($450 — includes bucket heated driver seat, wash/wipe headlight cleaners); Touring Package ($550 — includes security laminated side glass, grocery bag holder, memory mirrors and seats, electric foldable rear headrests, cup holder, air quality system); Power Sunroof ($1,200); Automatic Transmission ($1,200); 17-inch Alloy Wheels ($500); Audio Max ($1,200 — includes four-disc changer and 13 speakers).
MSRP of Test Vehicle: $39,175
(including destination charge)
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Comparison Tests
2001 Entry Level Luxury Sport Sedans Comparison Test
Stereo Evaluation - 2001 Volvo S60
By Liz Kim
Date Posted 07-03-2001
Ranking in stereo test: First
System Score: 8.5
Components: This system is such a clear winner in this comparison
test, it almost isn't fair. No other manufacturers comes close.
The system consists of seven loudspeakers, a 400-watt power amplifier, a single-play
in-dash CD player, and the world's first car-mounted Dolby Pro Logic decoder.
In fact, according to our contact at Volvo, Dolby Labs sent a special crew to
consult and certify this arrangement. To our knowledge, it's still the only OEM
car system that offers Dolby Pro Logic, a circuitry normally reserved for home
theater setups.
The speakers were designed by Dynaudio, a Danish company with a high-end aftermarket
reputation. In the front, speakers include: two 6.5-inch mid-woofers in the doors,
along with a pair of 1-inch tweeters. The dashboard houses a center-fill speaker
in the middle of the dash. The rear deck holds two 6.5-inch full-range drivers.
The head unit is nicely executed, with wide, well-spaced buttons and a single-play
CD player. However, it's slightly marred by a funky presetting arrangement. Rather
than the standard push-buttons you find on most American sedans, this one has
a dial for presets. Also, the steering wheel controls include only volume and
seek/scan.
Performance: Wow. Very impressive. When engaged, the Dolby Pro Logic
lends an air of spaciousness and depth rarely found in a factory system. As if
that weren't enough, the Dynaudio speakers produce an accurate and lifelike quality
that threatens to bring tears to the eyes. For instance, string bass and cello
sound so alive you can actually hear the "wood" coming through the speakers. Also,
female vocals sound just right on this system, full of warmth and realism. Highs
and lows are damn good, and the center fill speaker does a nice job of adding
intricacy and detail in the midrange. Overall sound quality is superb.
Best Feature: Dolby Pro Logic circuitry (the industry's first).
Worst Feature: No CD changer; rotary dial for radio presets.
Conclusion: Well, what more do you want? To get much better than this,
you'd have to go to the aftermarket and have someone design a custom system for
you. Only one beef: The radio presetting feature is lame, and I marked off for
it. If you're really into good sound and don't mind the minor inconvenience of
some of the antiquated design cues, this is the system for you.
—Scott Memmer
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