2005 Volvo S40 Consumer Reviews

4th Time a Charm

Written by: Ric on 07/20/2007

Vehicle

2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I have now purchased my fourth Volvo. I own a 240 GL (each of my kids learned to drive in it) a V70 XC AWD (wife's) and an 850 GLT. Combined, I have over 550K miles on them all - and this isn't counting my first one, a 240 DL wagon which I put over 300K on as the kid mover car!! Now I own an S40 T5 AWD and it is the best Volvo I have ever had! If I am careful, I even get good gas mileage (around 29 mpg combined). It is fun to drive and a solid handling and feeling car. I anticipate putting lots of miles on this car like I have my other ones!

Favorite Features

Available power, handling and Volvo safety/reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Interior rear hump courtesy light, please bring it back!

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Nice Car, but Unreliable

Written by: chanachi on 05/23/2007

Vehicle

2005 Volvo S40 2.4i Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)

Review

Purchased this vehicle in May of 2004 - the new body style. Nice styling, interior, and ride. In my opinion, reliability has been poor. The car has less than 23K miles and has had problems with brakes (bad rotors) and engine (all intake valves replaced). Thankfully the vehicle was covered under the warranty. I would not recommend this car.

Favorite Features

Styling, center console, quite enjoyable to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability - yikes!

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2005 Volvo S40 T5 (6 speed man)

Written by: jake on 04/26/2007

Vehicle

2005 Volvo S40 T5 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This car is a fantastic driver with its perfect amount of power for its 6 speed manual transmission. I drive surface streets and freeway everyday to work and this car hands great through traffic in low speeds and really shines at high speeds. The turbo and 6 speed manual combo makes merging onto high speed freeways not just easy but a delight. I get complimented daily at it's appearance. Plenty of room for the entire family of 4. Trunk space is generous. I especially like how well the hood is tucked into the body design. I would suggest for your seating comfort to choose leather over T tech fabric. Just a note the sport suspension may be a little stiff for some peoples comfort but you reap the great benefits of it's smooth handling and cornering ability.

Favorite Features

I really like the center console and the six disc cd changer. The duel climate control is very nice for my cold blooded wife. The rear spoiler is also a great feature.

Suggested Improvements

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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still love this car . . .

Written by: smb83 on 01/18/2007

Vehicle

2005 Volvo S40 2.4i Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)

Review

I have had this car almost two years and am still very happy. 28-30 mpg consistently. No problems, just in for software upgrade on radio one time. Easy and fun to drive; great on highway and around town; great in snow and rain. Very happy, will definitely buy another S40 when ready to trade. Love my S40.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage; seat comfort; easy and fun to drive. Excellent brakes-- especially in St. Louis rush-hour traffic.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders don't always stay in very well; wish rear visibility was a little better (but will sacrifice that for safety cage).

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S-40 2.4i

Written by: fred ehmann on 11/21/2006

Vehicle

2005 Volvo S40 2.4i Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)

Review

This is a solid car that will please those looking more for quiet, comfort, and reliability rather than punchy performance. The motor is willing--just not exciting. However, 30 mpg is the payoff for what you give up in thrills. In 2+ years and 35,000 miles I've not had a single repair and am on original tires and brakes. Not bad!

Favorite Features

Looks good and gives me no trouble; comes with everything you need, standard.

Suggested Improvements

There are not a lot of roomy bins for storage inside.

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My First Volvo

Written by: judy on 11/07/2006

Vehicle

2005 Volvo S40 2.4i Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)

Review

This is my first Volvo and I came to it from a Mazda Miata. I do miss the performance of the Miata, my Volvo seems a tad sluggish at times, but overall a good car. My (older) parents are able to get in and out of the car easily and the three of us can be comfortable enough. I don't have any regrets, but the Miata was more fun.

Favorite Features

The center stack is cool and the heated seats are the greatest.

Suggested Improvements

Because of the way the car is designed, backing up is difficult because you can never see the tail end of the vehicle. A little more storage, perhaps a covered change compartment would also be nice.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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i think i got a dud

Written by: shelly on 09/25/2006

Vehicle

2005 Volvo S40 2.4i Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)

Review

First of all, never ever buy a car from Pioneer Saab Volvo in Deerfield, MA. I'm finally straightening the mess my dealer made- 2 years later. I love my S40. It's my first volvo-styling, size, mileage, ride...all works for me. In the last year I've had many problems. One year after having the car the heat stopped working, it took volvo a month to get me the part and appt so I drove around freezing for a month, they had to replace a major motor part. Twice since July, my AC has stopped working and my radio also glitches all the time. I'm debating selling because the warranty is going to run out soon, but I just love it otherwise--I'm torn. Do the '06 or '07's have these problems?

Favorite Features

upgraded stereo system, moonroof, style

Suggested Improvements

get the software right the first time

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Cool calm collected

Written by: Paul on 08/25/2006

Vehicle

2005 Volvo S40 2.4i Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)

Review

All the features, design integrity and legendary safety with none of the bling and flash.

Favorite Features

Interior design, floating panel.

Suggested Improvements

Refrigerated cubby.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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great care, great price

Written by: harvey on 07/18/2006

Vehicle

2005 Volvo S40 2.4i Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)

Review

i was shocked to read about all of the problems some people have had with their s40. the only problems i've had with mine are the ones i caused - i got a little too close to at trash can on the side of the road and cracked my mirror (but only the glass, the motor was fine), ran over a nail and got a flat, cracked my oil pan backing down a driveway even though i was extremely careful (i guess the car is a little low for a sedan). other than that, NO problems. i love harvey (my car)! super fun to drive and plenty of power. on a road trip to vegas i was approaching nascar speeds - and i don't have the more powerful turbo engine.

Favorite Features

center console - everyone loves the hidden compartment behind the it; the way the lcd panel contrast changes depending on the light; interior space efficiency; valet lock!!!

Suggested Improvements

sometimes i can't pull my seatbelt easily. it's annoying. a/c not super cold either. interior trunk release. parking brake grinds and sounds horrible if on an incline, even slips a little of wheels aren't turned.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Very satisfied buyer!

Written by: smithran on 06/26/2006

Vehicle

2005 Volvo S40 T5 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I purchased my S40 T5 in August 2004. It is actually a 2004.5(2005). To date, I have 32K miles on the car and still handles and performs like I just drove it off the lot. The only problem I have had with the car was a defective security chip (15K miles). Once replaced, not another problem. This car feels safe and secure. The car also loves the highway. Cruising an interstate at 80-85mph seems to be the speed this car loves. I just hope I can keep evading speeding tickets. Acceleration you ask? Well..A co-worker has an BMW M3 and he has trouble trying to get away from me ..{{Smiling}} Would I buy another S40 T5? YES! Without a second thought and the price is right. {{Wink}}

Favorite Features

Looks, Handling, Comfort, Accelleration, Premium Sound,

Suggested Improvements

A little bit more leg room in the rear seats would be nice. Also, SAT radio and/or plugin for MyFi/iPods.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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