2009 Volvo S60 - Photo Gallery

The 2009 S60 lands at the entry end of the mid-size sport-sedan spectrum, where a few thousand in sticker price or a slight difference in payments might make the difference.

That said, it’s hard to justify the S60’s boost in price for ’09 when it now lines up with the sporty, redesigned Acura TL, which has a much roomier interior, plus plenty of technology and safety features.

The Saab 9-5—from Volvo’s rival Swedish brand—is perhaps the closest competitor to the S60, but the Saab is even more outdated, with a design that reaches back a full decade.

The 2009 Volvo S60 boasts better interior appointments and a better ride than the 9-5, though the (more expensive) 9-5 is more of a driver’s car—and it has a roomier backseat.

The Audi A6 is another alternative; it offers either front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive and has a roomy interior that feels more upscale and exhibits a nice ride, but it’s also significantly more expensive than the others.

Those who want refinement and a stylish appearance, inside especially, should consider the Nissan Maxima.

The new Maxima isn’t at all the sport sedan it once was, but it’s comfortable—almost opulent—inside and has some of the features of pricier lux sedans.