2004 Volvo S40 Sedan

Pros: Safety features, large trunk, interior design
Cons: Steering, sport suspension ride, non-linear engines, rear seat room, exterior styling

I’ve never been a fan of the smallest Volvo, the S40. Though I’ve never driven one, from what I’ve read the driving experience is nothing special. Sitting in one, I did not care for the high instrument panel and scant rear seat knee room. ...

Pros: Good engine, very good fuel economy, 5-speed automatic transmission
Cons: Unimpressive for the price, is NOT a "sports sedan" as marketed

Just to be clear, this review is on a 2004 Volvo S40, not the newest 2004.5 (Why do they do this?) model which is redesigned. Chances are, if you're reading this, you're looking at a used 2003/2004. My car has been in the shop for quite a while, and ...

Pros: hip new styling in both exterior and interior, 'waterfall' dash, safety first, gas mileage
Cons: Base model engine underpowered, produces no emotion in buyer

Let me start off by saying that the new 2004.5 Volvo S40 is such a huge improvement over the outgoing S40. Several years ago when the old S40 came to U.S. shores, I was disappointed with the cars driving characteristics, style, power-train, and overall ...

Pros: Absolutely comfortable. Awesome heating system. Turbo works with minimal lag.
Cons: Terrible telescopic antenna. The Immobilizer light comes on when cold.

Having owned a few Japanese and American cars, I decided to lease a new Volvo S40 (not the new .5 model). It is now over an year and I find that overall, it is a great car. I shall not repeat all the specs and details others have provided. This will just ...

Pros: headlights turn off automatically
Cons: handling in rain & snow, cramped, noisy interior

I leased the S40 two years ago after selling my Subaru Forester. I was looking for a sedan that was good in the snow - boy am I disappointed. I really wanted another Subaru but Volvo had a lease detail that wound up to be hardly any money down and $350 ...

Pros: Great performance from an automobile that gets higher mileage. All-wheel-drive.
Cons: As expected with an import, maintainance, parts and labor are higher priced. Smaller cabin.

We purchased this vehicle to replace a Tahoe for daily commuting. This is a fantastic ride. Great on dry roads (glued to the road) and on the snow it's very stable. As far as performace, it's a rocket! All this and an average of 27 mpg.

Pros: Style, torque, intelligent details, decent fuel economy, materials and build quality.
Cons: Tight back seat. Price (loaded for $34k, yikes!)

I bought an 05 S40 T5 with AWD in late 2005. It’s red with the “dynamic trim” package that you see in a lot of advertising. After a full year with this car, I’m still looking back at it in parking lots and making excuses to go on roadtrips. The torque curve on this car is crazy, much more than the Audi it replaces. If you’re torn between the base engine and the T5, there is absolutely no question. The turbo five changes the demeanor of the car completely into a real performance sedan. This thing is quick. Also the upgrade to the better engine improves the interior by using brushed aluminum trim instead of awful faux woodgrain.

I would recommend this car to anyone. Based on my car, two friends have already followed my lead and purchased an S40 and V50. Much to my chagrin.