We just traded our 1995 850 HP Turbo for a non-turbo 2002 S60 auto. Actually, even after being used to a HP turbo, the NA S60 has surprisingly good power. 170 lbs of torque works well. We are very happy with it (my wife is also pleased that "all the controls are the same as our XC70", - whatever). According to Consumer Reports, all the years are reliable, though for some reason the 2002 is more reliable than the 2003. Basically, any S60 is more reliable than any Volvo built in many years. A great car.

I bought an 05 2.5 turbo auto they call it turbo lite. I use it for a lot of mountian and highway driving. I am amazed by the mileage and it is just nice to have that extra power in reserve. The car is from the Hertz fleet and was certified by Volvo. I am in Canada and they put an extended warranty on the car so I now have a 5 year 160000km warranty. Hope the info helps.

If you are looking for good comfortable transportation than the S60 non-turbo is a good choice. Although the turbo makes for better driving fun (which I have), there are some detractors from the turbo version:

The 5 speed automatic transmission fluid required is Mobile 3309 - very select and expensive to flush, fluid is around $80 a case right now and you have to special order it from a Moblie wholesaler.

Earlier turbos have a documented issue with the Electronic Throttle Module, which now has a 10 year, 200K warranty in US. Still a hassel and possible breakdown or limp mode (max of 15 mph)is possible. Not to mention the car has to go to the stealer for diagnose/fix.

I get around 25 mpg around town and 29 on the highway @ 70 mpg on my 01 2.4T. I recently went on a long highway trip and averaged over 80 mph for a full tank, still got 29 mpg.

The only other issue with all newer Volvos is their VADIS (Volvo Aftersales Diagnostic Information System) management software. You, as a regular Joe can't pull any codes or replace any electronic modules on this car. They are all locked with a digital key that can only be accessed if you own VADIS software and annually pay for the right to connect to Volvo's central database. So you either have to find an independent shop that pays Volvo every year for their subscription service or take the car to a stealer. VADIS controls everything electrical in this car. For example you can't add fog lights without having them configured by someone that has a VADIS system. Also, if your check engine light comes on, you can't pull the code - VADIS has to unlock the system and provide the code. This service allows Volvo to know exactly how every car on the road is configured and when components fail or are replaced; which is super for failure analysis which should lead to making a better car. Still, it hurts the regular Joe right in the pocket book.

I hope this helps.

Pete

S60s were pretty good from the beginning and have perhaps gotten a little better but it's not really a big deal - they're all good. My dealer service tech raves about how good the S60s are. Of course they've seen a lot of crap over the last few years. I have a non-turbo 5 speed stick and also get over 30 mpg - overall - about 26-27 in the city and 33-34 on the highway. It has plenty of power. I've had a lot of sticks from a lot of manufacturers and think this is about the best shifting car anywhere. Of course 05 was the last year for non-turbo stick and they are rare.

Basically the newer the better, but don't rule out the 2003. Mine has been solidly reliable. The base model non-turbo feels a bit slow with an automatic, but with a 5-speed manual it feels much quicker, at least to me. I've averaged about 31 mpg over the life of the car (with good driving habits) -- mostly on the highways here in New England.

2003 S60 2.4 5-speed manual
75,000 miles and counting.