2003 Volvo S60 2.5T AWD review from North America
"A.W.D .and a solid feel, but will it be reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Complete cooling system failure and overheating at 5000 km (about 3000 miles). Car overheated in a very short time-frame. Parts back ordered for over two weeks. Dealer offered loaner, but a beat up S40 wagon is not exactly the same thing.
Some interior plastic trim parts detached within a short time of delivery when new.
General comments?
Good:
-Acceleration is more than adequate
- Transmission shifts well
- Seats are very comfortable
- Heating & defrost are fantastic, variable fan speed for defrost function is a plus
- Steering feel and weight are superb
- Interior layout and quality of materials used in cabin is very good. Uncluttered and very easy to use
- all wheel drive is exceptionally good in the snow. Great improvement over traction control systems
- sound system quality is good
- Overall fit and finish is of high caliber
Not so good:
- engine is not as smooth as some competitors
- Rearward visibility is not great, especially for parking situations
- Ride is somewhat harsh over roads that are not in the best shape
- while handling is sporty and solid, it drives and feels like a much bigger car than it is
- Rear seat room is less generous than it could be. Too tight for adults on longer trips and it would be nice to have heated seats in the back as some competitors offer
- brand new cars should not suffer from cooling system failure!
- Dealer experience was only average at best.
Recommended reviews
| Nice looking, but too many annoying problems |
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| 2002 - S60 2.4t 2.4 light-presssure turbo A powerful, sporty, yet supremely comfortable car with no hassles |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5L Light Pressure turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 200 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 5400 kilometres |
| Previous car | SAAB 900 |
| Date of Entry | 26th March, 2004 |