2005 Volvo S40 Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Bigger, sportier and more powerful than its predecessor, the new S40 is fun to drive, while adding a much needed dose of style to Volvo's small-car line.
Pros
Sharper handling than you would expect from a Volvo, T5 version offers quick acceleration, well-designed interior controls, long list of safety features, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
Firm suspension can be choppy on the highway, average performance from the non-turbo engine.
What's New for 2005
A redesigned S40 was introduced halfway through the 2004 model year as a 2004.5 model. It continues into 2005 unchanged.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
4yrs and still very happy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volvo S40 T5 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
I would say its a car that has a lot of character. I was looking for a car not so typical, that would stay up to date for many years. Its different from the purposeless styles of a lot of GMS, Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, Acuras, and Lexus types Im tired of seeing on the road. Still fun to drive and with a quality feel to it at a reasonable price. Its been 4 years and I still enjoy driving this car very much. I did have a few recalls and software glitches in the first year I bought it, nothing serious, but so far it has been quite reliable since. Pleasant Volvo dealer, although expensive outside of warranty, acts really professionally for the most part.
Favorite Features
IMO it's one of the best looking car inside & out still today. central console design is simple and yet very functional. Seats feels great and of quality. Heated and electric seats, sun roof, rubber floor mats. Very ergonomically friendly consol knobs.
Suggested Improvements
I have the T5 and I agree with some that it's a heavy car for its size and it could use a slightly more powerful engine. Interior could be less ford and more VW. Some of the plastic trim too could be better for a Volvo and the speedometer console lacks appeal.
Volvo blew enginge turbo at 54 k
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volvo S40 T5 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
My engine blew up when the turbo/intercooler literally blew up dumping all oil and coolant out without warning at 54k miles. I am sick. Volvo says tough luck.
Favorite Features
Mileage and performance was great before it blew up.
Suggested Improvements
Don't buy a turbo!
DECK ERROR
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volvo S40 T5 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
The cd player should be recalled but it would cost Volvo too much to repair them all. For me - $720, not counting labor. I can get one from Best Buy for half that installed. Very disappointing - I thought Volvo would stand by their product but, instead, they hand you a bill. I'm going to try Audi or Mercedes when I purchase my next car.
Favorite Features
Handles great, 5 cylinder turbo has nice pick-up, nice gas mileage
Suggested Improvements
recall the cd player !!!!!!
Interior Engine Damage = $3-4,000
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volvo S40 2.4i Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)
Review
I absolutely love my car. Except the air conditioner went out after about 3 years and just now on my way to work, my car just quit. I found out there is interior engine damage and will cost thousands to fix plus the 1,000 to fix the a/c. It is not the cost of the Volvo - it is the maintenance and upkeep - windshield wipers are $80 for example.
Favorite Features
The look of it and the pick up, speed. I love it.
Suggested Improvements
Longer warranty
Watch out after warranty.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volvo S40 2.4i Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)
Review
I bought a demo with 6000 miles. Just after the warranty ran out I had to replace the oil filter assembly. Then I had to replace the sensor that controls the valve timing. Total cost: over $1000. Software is buggy after many "upgrades" under warranty. Clock resets itself. Stereo will refuse to play, but will come back on its own the next day. Bad idea to mix the entertaiment system with the car computer. No way to add aftermarket gear - such as an iPod (use FM they say - doesn't really work well at all). Advice? Buy a Honda.
Favorite Features
Style not too bad. Fuel economy is decent. Peppy engine.
Suggested Improvements
Separate the entertainment system from the car computer! Make it aftermarket friendly. Build a more reliable engine!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Volvo S40
- 2009 Volvo S40
- 2008 Volvo S40
- 2007 Volvo S40
- 2006 Volvo S40
- 2005 Volvo S40
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