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The Volvo S60 I, one of the first abominations created by Ford, enters the Autodrivel arena. Have the americans managed to make a worthy rival to the 3 Series, A4 and C Class?

Launched in 2000 and representing all the pains of nords at Volvo, the Volvo S60 I was one of the main Fords they had at the time. In the most likely case that you didn't know, in 1999 Ford bought Volvo to save them from their record profits..sorry, from bankruptcy and decided to "borrow" some of their technology. Even though the Volvo S60 I was launched in 2000, it is built on the famous P2 platform from Volvo, being one of the last cars built on a 100% Volvo platform. The rest of the car however is sprinkled with various gifts from Ford. They armed it with a lot of hope, a million-dollar smile, an above-average price and sent it straight into battle with the BMW E46 and the C Class W203, because the S40 wasn't launched just yet. There was also the A4 B6 at the time, but Audi was still learning how to premium at that time. The Volvo S60 I also had to learn, but still the lack of arguments didn't stop it.

Why should I buy a Volvo S60 and not a 3 Series?

I don't know why you would buy either of them, in hindsight. However, the S60 retains some of the Volvo spirit and is a much slower, but more comfortable car than the 3 Series and a little more reliable than a C Class W203. That doesn't mean it's as cheap to maintain as a student in a dorm, the first generation S60 remains a pretty expensive car to run. That's because we're talking about engines generally larger than 2 liters and we're talking about Ford technology put in just for the sake of putting in. Even if it should have been related to the Ford Mondeo III, they're as similar as incense is similar to heroin. So all that's left is to enjoy those comfortable seats as only Volvo knows how to do.

Volvo S60 I Engines

Petrol

• 2.0 Turbo l-5 of 163 and 180 horsepower – The only 2 litre engine on the entire list that does its job decently. An engine that still leaves you anchored in the reality of normal running costs and that offers civilized consumption and can be bought by a everyone. Good luck finding it instead, because it is rarer than the enthusiasm of a minimum wage employee who has to go to work during the quarantine period because he is considered an "essential worker".


• 2.4 MPI of 140 and 170 horsepower – Even if it's reliable and more common than a glass of wine at the pub, is it worth getting a naturally aspirated petrol engine in a turbocharged world? At least you know that if you replace its timing belt on time and feed it quality oil, it will last longer than you.


• 2.4 Turbo T3 of 200 horsepower – The old T3 is famous among Volvo circles (basically, 3-4 people) for its agility and performance worthy of pre-diet John Goodman. The problem with the old T3 is that it has older and more outdated technology than Top Gear trying to stay relevant in our times. So, they strapped a turbocharger the size of a concrete mixer and you'll have wait a few weeks until it comes into action so those 200 horsepower are more on paper.


• 2.5 Turbo of 210 and 300 horsepower – The legendary 2.5 Turbo that was the spearhead for Volvo but also for several Ford models, such as the Kuga or Focus ST. Here it comes with 300 horsepower for the S60R, this behemoth only needs air flow meters, quality oil changed on time and a timing chain kept on a short service interval.


• 2.3 Turbo 250 horsepower – Like the 2.4 Turbo, this T3 also has the problem of a turbo that is so big, it won't ever really get spinning. Fortunately, it was retired in 2004 by the T5.


• 2.4 Turbo T5 260 horsepower – The most celebrated son of the nords, the legendary T5 is the engine you want. You even get 10 more horsepower than the old T3, but you now get a much more modern system that gives you instant power, not 15 years later, as the developers promise.

Diesel

2.4D of 126, 130, 163 and 185 horsepower – The legendary D5 comes on the Volvo S60 I in two flavors. The first is in the Euro III version and which has faulty injectors. For the Euro IV versions you will have problems with the particle filter and failed regenerations. But it's the only diesel available so deal with it.

Volvo S60 I Reliability Issues

• Those automatic gearboxes really are a work of art. In fact, the only thing they have in common with works of art is fragility. Especially the 5-speed automatic gearbox.


• I don't know why you would do this, but a lot of people complain about the S60's inability to tow caravans and trailers. Why would you buy an S60 and start towing with it?


• It's built on the Volvo P2 platform so you have two major problems. The first is on the suspension side which is made of chewing gum so you'll be constantly replacing bushings, shock absorbers, arms and all that. The second problem with the P2 platform is rust but here at least it's in line with other premium midsize saloons from it's time.


• The headlights dim and then the bulbs burn out. Good job. It leaves you practically alone in the dark. But at least you have a Volvo S60 I and you see life differently when you sit on those Volvo leather seats.


• This is where Ford's miserable tyranny begins, so expect plenty of issues on the electrical side.

Volvo S60 I Verdict

Those seats look like they were sewn directly from world finest materials. They are so comfortable and so soft to the touch. For that alone, it's worth buying a Volvo S60 I. Oh, and there's also the glorious T5, which makes a midsize sedan like this worth the money. Unfortunately, the running costs are so high that the S60 remains a rare presence on the street. But if you find a T5 or a D5, you've practically caught God by the leg.

Which engines do I recommend? T5 and D5, didn't you hear? If with the T5 it's clear that you have 260 horsepower, with the D5 the 163 horsepower Euro IV version is probably the best.