2004 Volvo S60 Consumer Reviews

Exterior Beauty

Written by: amspychalski on 05/12/2009

Vehicle

2004 Volvo S60 2.4 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)

Review

Bought my S60 used with 60k miles, and couldn't be happier with the price I paid. While I was not completely happy with the overall acceleration from stop (which was greatly improved by adding a cool-air intake for $30), the performance and handling of the car is great. Before the addition of the intake, the car got 30 mpg (around 35 with). I get positive comments all the time regarding the looks of the car. The bi-xenon headlamps, leather interior, and 18 inch wheels are must-have options that drastically change the appearance of the car. The handling on windy roads is fantastic. Acceleration from stop is not great, but makes up for it in the quick jump it can make from 40 to 80+ mph

Favorite Features

Body styling, comfortable front bucket seats, heating/cooling system works extremely well, quality leather upholstery, traction control, handling/suspension ride, the little button you can press to drop the rear headrests (it's both cool and convenient), the premium sound system

Suggested Improvements

Engine needs tuning and little tweaks to beef up to decent standards. Leg room in the back seat is very limited. There is only one button to lock/unlock the doors, which is a simple annoyance. Oil changes require you to buy your own oil filter at another venue.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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S60R 6spd

Written by: Turboguru on 04/24/2009

Vehicle

2004 Volvo S60 R 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I bought this car in December of 08, only 4 months later and the car has been in the shop more than I've had it. Countless little problems, and several Major problems, costing over $3000. I'm afraid to drive the car cause I never know when its gonna break next. The turning radius stinks, and it makes random noises. But its leather is top notch, sound system is great when it works, it looks amazing, accelerates great.

Favorite Features

Interior,performance, sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability,Reliability,Reliability.... .......etc.etc.etc...

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Sleeper Ever

Written by: Joshua on 01/25/2009

Vehicle

2004 Volvo S60 R 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I love my car. Without effort it hurls itself past other traffic. It stops quickly (very) and straight. It will plow snow out of your way (not deep snow mind you, but it was still impressive to trundle through a 1/4 mile of 6-8" deep snow without issue). It (literally) drove where a well driven Dodge Ram 4x4 with weight in the back could not. If you know where your car is, you won't hit those bits of concrete when you park.. No matter what you do the turning radius stinks, and if someone gives the rims a funny look it'll leave a mark. It is a beautiful car in person. Drive one and I suspect you'll get one.

Favorite Features

Driving. The sound of the motor. The auto "up AND down" window. The blue metal gauges (and ambient lighting thereof). Driving faster. Driving on twisties.

Suggested Improvements

Three guesses Volvo. Should your sports sedan turn most like: a) A bus... one that has a flat. b) A firetruck... one of those "long ladder" kinds. c) A lotus.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Performance with a Smile

Written by: Terzo on 10/21/2008

Vehicle

2004 Volvo S60 R 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I was looking for a reliable, fun and safe car that wasn't a gas hog and could be driven year round. The Volvo S60R was definitely it. I looked at the Audi S4, the Acura TL and many others. None could compare to the R. It has 3 different suspension settings that actually make a huge difference in handling. It has plenty of power and a huge torgue band. I am getting about 23 miles to the gallon with some highway driving. However if you are on it (throttle) and I mean on it (like racing from 40mph to 120mph with turns and a lot of brakingyou will on get about 12. The brakes are unreal. The interior quality is execptional. The features just keep on giving. Awesome car & mileage too.

Favorite Features

The best features are the brakes, engine and suspension settings. No other car that I know offers all three. The car handles like it is on rails. Some other favs are the AWD and the button to lower the rear head rest for a better rear view. Oh yeah it averages about 23MPG too.

Suggested Improvements

Turning radius is the only downfall, however if that is the only negative then I'll take it all day.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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A fun Volvo?

Written by: aeroengrpv on 09/22/2008

Vehicle

2004 Volvo S60 R 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I sold my BMW 328ci looking for a European car that was faster than my Bimmer and found most to be too expensive. Then I found the R. It serves the purpose perfectly. The six-speed manual is a must have. 300 horses, a six-speed, and a suspension that you can dial in with legendary Volvo safety? What more could you ask.

Favorite Features

Six-speed, handling, seat warmers, supremely comfortable seats, optional sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Turning radius is worse than my full-size truck! Is that some kind of a joke? Not a big deal compared to all the positives about this car.

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A Realistic Review

Written by: 1st European Car on 03/24/2008

Vehicle

2004 Volvo S60 2.5T AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

I bought this car looking for an AWD sedan that was good on gas, fun to drive and affordable. After a long search, I settled on the Volvo. I've probably read over 15 editorial reviews, scoured consumer feedback, etc. on this car, and owned it for about a week now, so here is the deal. Reviewers say this car is not the most luxurious, not the fastest nor has the best design. However, it does do all of these things very well, so I think it's the best value of any domestic or Euro sedan. It's extremely comfortable, fast enough and holds the road well, without the hefty price tag of a BMW or Lexus. I love this car, and received a lot of compliments in the short time I've owned it.

Favorite Features

Very comfortable seats, excellent ergonomics and controls. Plus, I love the Euro features that most American cars don't have, such as the rear window defrost blower and rear fog light. The AWD is extremely capable (used it in snow and rain already) on dry and wet surfaces. It's just a fun car.

Suggested Improvements

Small back seat, but I knew that before buying. Combined city/hwy fuel economy could be better (avg 21.5), but my hwy is about 30 so I can't complain. Also, the lugnuts have rusted, but I'm told this is very common to Volvo and Saab and dealer is getting me caps for them. Still a great buy so far.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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GREAT everyday driver

Written by: Tara on 01/12/2008

Vehicle

2004 Volvo S60 R 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I have had this car for a little over one year now, and it is fantastic. I drive it everyday, in every weather condition. Handles great, love the actice chassis controls. Gas mileage is wonderful, as long as you're not constantly in boost. Looks great with the factory body kit..nice and sporty. Highly recommend this car!

Favorite Features

Exterior appearance, 6 speed stick shift, HUGE trunk

Suggested Improvements

Turning radius (obviously), 18" rims are easily damaged driving every day, tight back seat leg room, premium gas isn't cheap!!! Factory winglets on front look great, but are certainly NOT practical.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Glorified Yugo

Written by: Doug on 01/11/2008

Vehicle

2004 Volvo S60 2.4 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)

Review

I can agree with the safety and reliability written about this car. The comfort is just marginal. What destroys this car is the turning radius! The car is slow and the gas mileage is average. The interior is sooo small. I have a child seat in the back and it takes over the backseat! Being 6'2" is a real problem with the interior size. Overall, I would never get another Volvo!

Favorite Features

Look of car.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the turning radius. Make interior more roomy and comfortable.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Ultimate Volvo Turn On

Written by: Hilltop Volvo Fan on 12/03/2007

Vehicle

2004 Volvo S60 R 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Volvo epitomizes "safety" to me and most important feature in a car for me was simply a comfortable, safe, and affordable ride until I bought a used 2004 S60R that has completely rocked my world! What a beast! I love the way the car handles, drives, and looks. AWD and lightning fast acceleration and solid braking... man, I am in love!

Favorite Features

Seats, chassis controls, and performance.

Suggested Improvements

Terrible turning radius, improve rims to avoid scuffing, better side view mirror views.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Volvo for life is true

Written by: SMPM on 06/27/2007

Vehicle

2004 Volvo S60 2.4 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)

Review

My S60 was a fleet vehicle w/low miles. I averaged 36 mpg hwy driving the car back home cross-country. The car is safe, solid - it's not nimble like my old A4 or current Jetta, but solid. If I hit anything with this car, I will either push it out of the way or run over it - that's the feeling this car's drive quality has - heavy, solid, secure. Ergonomics on this car are superb. The seating is heaven and safety-blessed with the WHPS system. I have the 2.4L engine, and while I don't drag race, I know I have reasonable passing power. I drive this car like a hybrid - slow off the start, no wasted fuel, moderate braking on stops, and I average around 26/27mpg in urban driving.

Favorite Features

Interior seating and ergonomics. Multiple safety features and built-in redundancy. My rear tail light failed, but there is a secondary bulb in the taillight that continues to illuminate until you get a replacement. This illustrates Volvo's philosophy of safety. Love the aerodynamics of this car.

Suggested Improvements

Larger stock wheels. I'm going to upgrade to 17" wheels eventually (with sacrifice of gas mileage). I miss the automatic door locking feature from my Jetta - what a gripe, right? I must remember to lock this car manually when inside.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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