What Edmunds.com says

Although generally competent and comfortable, the aging 2008 Volvo S60 falls short of its German and Japanese rivals in regards to driving dynamics, refinement and overall desirability.

Pros

Superb front-seat comfort, long list of safety features, comfortable ride.

Cons

Soft suspension tuning limits handling potential, steering lacks feedback, turbo lag and torque steer in T5 model, tight rear legroom.

What's New for 2008

For 2008, the high-performance "R" model has been dropped. S60s get a standard auxiliary audio jack and MP3 capability for their audio systems, and the options packages are simplified.

ntroduction

A midsize entry-level luxury sedan, the 2008 Volvo S60 stands apart from its rivals in many ways. Whereas most of the cars in this segment are powered by normally aspirated V6 engines, the S60 offers turbocharged five-cylinders instead. Styling is also left of center. Even as it enters its eighth year of this model cycle, the S60 still sports a distinctive Scandinavian flavor. The cabin is more functional than flashy, but you'd be hard-pressed to find fault with its solid ergonomics and comfortable, orthopedically correct seats. Where the S60 falls short is in performance -- the Swedish sedan's handling dynamics are a bit dull compared to newer rivals -- and in the backseat, where the S60 has less real-world legroom than Volvo's compact S40.

As the S60 relies upon a turbocharged inline-5 for power, its acceleration can feel a little sluggish compared to competitors like the Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and Lexus ES and IS sedans. All those rivals offer the broader power deliver of a larger-displacement six-cylinder engine. And although the S60 rides smoothly, it's not as composed over bumps as its competition. Though likely satisfying to own thanks to its comfort, safety and Scandinavian personality, we suggest taking a look at newer, better-performing sedans populating this price range before closing a deal on this aging Volvo.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

A midsize entry-level luxury sedan, the 2008 Volvo S60 comes in three trim levels -- base 2.5T, 2.5T AWD and the more powerful T5. The 2.5T comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, a power driver seat with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control (with a pollen filter), an audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack, a telescoping steering wheel and faux wood interior accents. As its name implies, the 2.5T AWD adds all-wheel drive. Stepping up to the S60 T5 provides a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Options, which mostly come bundled in packages, include an excellent 13-speaker Dolby sound system with an in-dash CD changer, a navigation system, Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite Radio, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and an interior air quality system (which monitors contaminant levels in incoming air and closes the vents as necessary). Eighteen-inch wheels and a two-tone interior are available on the T5.

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