The Detroit News's view

Volvo says S60 buyers make around $100,000 a year, adopt new technology such as Palm VIIs and Internet phones, and “are confident, but not cocky, value merit over title and are likely self-employed or work for a startup.”

These people may be thrilled to find that the big news for 2002 is the addition of an all-wheel-drive S60.

In general, we like the all-weather traction of the S60 AWD, which also comes equipped with some world-class safety features. On paper, it’s a great package.

Living in our $35,825 test car for a week, however, told a whole different story.

She: Remember the guy at the pumpkin patch yesterday? He asked me what I was driving and if I liked it. I asked him if he worked for Ford. He seemed confused. So I reminded him that Ford owns Volvo. Of course, he didn’t work for Ford. He was selling pumpkins. I said I’d have to be wearing a Halloween mask in order to tell him the truth about the S60.

He: Well, at least it doesn’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight.

She: The point is that neither one of us would recommend this car to a friend. It doesn’t live up to its expectations and it’s overpriced against the competition, especially the new Audi A4 Quattro and the Subaru Legacy. Like the front-wheel-drive S60 we tested earlier this year, the new all-wheel-drive edition gets only an average two-star rating.

He: I’m puzzled by a company as good as Volvo that allowed a vehicle like the S60 to get through the system with so many flaws, large and small. We were bothered by niggling things – a trunk lid that didn’t want to close, an engine that didn’t want to turn over in 35-degree weather – and by fairly significant things – a rear seat that’s so cramped, most adults won’t want to ride back there. When you get right down to it, the S60 is a small car that’s masquerading as a mid-size – and priced like a luxury car.

She: Safety alone could probably sell this car to some buyers. The S60 has so many standard features, including four air bags and two side air curtains, anti-whiplash front seats, antilock brakes, plus a stability and traction control system. If you think about it, all-wheel drive is also a great safety feature, especially in the Snow Belt. But it will cost you two miles per gallon in city and highway driving. And the all-wheel-drive system also makes parking a little more of a chore.

He: Volvo was smart to put the turbocharged 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine in the S60 AWD. The engine makes 197 horsepower and 210 pounds-feet of torque. On our test car, it was mated to a five-speed automatic with clutchless manual shifting. It felt pretty zippy, even if the fuel economy was only average. I also expected the ride quality to be a little choppier because of the four-wheel-drive hardware, but it wasn’t bad. My big problem was finding a comfortable seating position.

She: I got more complaints from passengers, most notably my parents, about how uncomfortable they were in the S60. My dad was in the front passenger seat, which inexplicably doesn’t come with power controls, and my mother was right behind him. He was trying to be gallant and moved his seat forward to give her more room, but wound up looking like a pretzel. And she was still griping that “this sure doesn’t feel like a $35,000 car.” From the driver’s viewpoint, the parking brake intrudes into your right hip, the center armrest is too far back for short drivers and the location of the cupholder on the instrument panel blocks the air vent and some of the radio controls.

He: I was disappointed that Volvo chose to include a standard power moonroof on the S60 AWD, but neglected to install heated seats or power adjustments for the front passenger. Behind the wheel, I also found the center console intruding on my legroom. And some things just plain defy logic. Why, for instance, should you have to open the trunk to fold the rear seats down? Dumb.

She: We sound like two cranky kid ho ate too much Halloween candy. But here’s what our problem is. We’re old-time Volvo lovers and former owners who just can’t accept change – especially change that costs more and doesn’t improve life for consumers.

He: Sounds to me like Cinderella still misses her old Volvo.

2002 Volvo S60 AWD

Anita’s rating:(Acceptable)

Paul’s rating: (Acceptable)

Likes: Powerful turbocharged engine. World-class safety features. Great all-weather traction. Decent ride quality. Dual-zone climate controls with iconic display.

Dislikes: Small car masquerading as mid-size. Insufficient leg room for front or rear passengers. A bit difficult to park in tight spaces. Have to open trunk to fold rear seats. Didn’t want to start in 35-degree weather. Dumb location for parking brake. Cupholder on instrument panel blocks air vent, controls (Anita).

Type: Front-engine, four-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan.

Price: Base, $33,375; as tested, $35,825 (inc. $625 destination charge).

Engine: 2.4-liter I-5; 197-hp; 210 lb-ft torque.

EPA fuel economy: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.

12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,278 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Belgium