Overview:
This week we’re looking at the Volvo S 60 4-door sedan. Son Mike says, “This is way cool dad and I would really like to own this car”. Well, with the image of Volvo as being a super safe car and Mike and wife Lindsey have two young children, it’s not surprising they’d love to own the Volvo S60. It is truly a great family car. But if it were me, I’d opt for a minivan for the young family. I think Lindsey agrees.
But, as for me personally, I really liked driving this car and would rank it in the top ten of my wish list of cars to own. Yes, the minivan is more practical for the family, but I don’t need one any longer since I’m not expecting any more children in my life. But at the same time, I like the comfort and size of a sedan and I’m tired of crawling in and out of the smaller cars I’ve owned, including Porsche, Lamborghini, MGB, Volkswagen and T-Bird to name a few. So it always comes down to what you need at whatever stage of life you find yourself. If you’re 40’ish you may be going through a mid-life crisis and practicality goes out the window. If you’re there I suggest you take some of the budget and buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle. That worked for me even if I did need training wheels.
Handling & Performance:
Tops. It’s like driving a Mercedes Benz. Volvo devotees will likely resent that statement, but it’s the truth and a compliment to both Volvo and Mercedes Benz for achieving unsurpassed levels of quality. Let’s face it, Mercedes is the “Cadillac” of cars the world over.
Styling:
Tops in my opinion. Not to big and not too small and nice clean lines.
Fit and Finish:
Tops again. And that hasn’t always been so. Early Volvos were really poorly made and that can be attested to by observing them on the road. Most look pretty ratty. MSRP does not include simulated wood trim, which I think adds a lot to the interior.
Conveniences:
They left out the kitchen sink, and other options not listed include power sunroof, and passenger power seat and CD player that should be standard.
Cost:
Competitive for the quality and performance.
Recommendation:
When test-driving the competition noted below you’ll definitely want to include this model. Of those listed I would include Jaguar, Lexus, BMW, Audi and Mercedes as Volvos nearest competition.
The competition:
Acura TL $28,880-33,230, Audi A4 $24,540-30,990, BMW 3-Series $26,990-42,400, Chrysler 300M $29,640, Infiniti I30 $29,715-31,790, Jaguar X-Type $29,950-35,950, Lexus IS 300 $29,435-30,805, Lincoln LS $32,845-39,195, Mazda Millenia $28,025-31,025, Mercedes Benz C-Class.
Good News:
Wonderful ride, classy styling, great interior look and feel, arguably one of the safest constructed cars on the market, decent fuel economy in spite of the snappy performance.
Bad News:
I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about this car but it could be a little more fuel-efficient.
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter inline 5-cylinder 197 horsepower variable valve turbocharged engine, front wheel drive, 5-speed auto trans, Unibody construction with integral high strength steel and passenger safety cage, side impact head protection system, dual front and side airbags, 4-wheel ABS power assist disc brakes, power steering, anti-theft immobilizer ignition security system, 3-stage collapsible steering column, child safety locks, power 8-way driver seat with 3 remote memory settings and lumbar support, climate control with rear seat vents, tilt and tele steering wheel, rear armrest pass through to trunk, remote keyless entry, power windows with auto up and down, heated power mirrors, interior dust and pollen filter, stereo with cassette and steering wheel controls, cruise control and more.
Gas Stats:
21 City and 28 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $29,800.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
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