2009 Volvo S40 Review
2009 Volvo S40 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent seats, ample safety features, available turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Pricey, tepid acceleration with base engine, handling falls short of true sport sedans, so-so safety scores.
What’s new
The 2009 Volvo S40 can only be had with a five-speed automatic transmission, as the slow-selling manual transmission has been discontinued. Numerous other changes distinguish the 2009 S40 from its predecessors, including new standard features like Bluetooth compatibility, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a sunroof, a power driver seat and an eight-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer and satellite radio -- accompanied by a base price that has swelled by more than $4,000. Additionally, T5 and T5 AWD models receive standard heated front seats along with sporty "R-Design" exterior and interior styling cues, not to mention substantial price hikes of their own.
Edmunds says
If you don't mind sticking with the base engine, the 2009 Volvo S40 remains a stylish and relatively affordable alternative to German and Japanese sport sedans. However, the turbocharged models aren't so affordable, and their performance pales in comparison with similarly priced competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Volvo S40 2.4i 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.60 per gallon for premium unleaded in New York.
Monthly estimates based on costs in New York
$230/mo for S40 2.4i
S40 2.4i
vs
$191/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
We've generally been pretty high on the Volvo S40. It has consistently offered cutting-edge design, reassuring safety and a premium feel for many thousands less than perennial sport-sedan all-stars like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G35. But the 2009 Volvo S40 no longer offers the impressive value it used to -- the base price of the entry-level 2.4i has risen by more than $4,000 to roughly what the turbocharged T5 model cost last year. As for this year's T5, now known as the T5 R-Design, its base price has ballooned to $32,350, which pits it squarely against the aforementioned all-stars.
To be fair, Volvo didn't just arbitrarily jack up the S40's price. A number of formerly optional or unavailable features are standard this year, such as Bluetooth compatibility, a six-CD changer and a sunroof. And as ever, the S40 carries on Volvo's tradition of offering top-notch safety features and superbly designed seats. As such, the base 2.4i is still a viable alternative for car shoppers who want the style and accoutrements of a premium sport sedan without the hefty price tag -- although the Acura TSX does offer more high-tech features and better safety ratings. With just 168 horsepower, the S40 2.4i is not an impressive performer and its fuel economy is hardly stellar, but there's a case to be made for it if styling, comfort and safety are high priorities.
However, it's hard for us to recommend the 227-hp T5 R-Design and T5 AWD R-Design models, given their newly inflated prices. At about $28,000 to start, last year's T5 was an interesting "tweener" of a car, offering zesty performance and European sophistication for the price of a nicely optioned family sedan. But the 2009 S40 T5 R-Design now goes toe-to-toe with the A4 2.0T Quattro in the price column, despite lacking the Audi's handling prowess and all-around sophistication. Along the same lines, for a few grand more you can get a similarly equipped BMW 328i or Infiniti G35. And if it's all-wheel drive you're after, the T5 AWD R-Design, at $33,800, is actually pricier than the superior A4. You'd have to really dig its distinct brand of Swedish style (or get a killer deal) to pick the S40.
There's plenty to be said in the 2009 Volvo S40's favor. It looks sharp inside and out, it offers an impressive roster of standard and optional luxuries, it's safe and it's got some of the best seats in the business. But we find the S40's prodigious price increases for 2009 a bit hard to swallow, given its luxury-sport-sedan competition.
Performance & mpg
The 2.4i is equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-5 that generates 168 hp and 170 pound-feet of torque. The T5 R-Design and T5 AWD R-Design receive a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 that pumps out a healthy 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is mandatory on all models.
According to Volvo, the 2.4i will trot from zero to 60 mph in an unhurried 8.4 seconds. The T5 R-Design accomplishes the same task in a more respectable 6.7 seconds, while the AWD model's added weight results in a 7.0-second sprint. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 20 mpg city/28 highway and 23 combined for the S40 2.4i, while the T5 R-Design comes in at 19/28/23, and the T5 AWD R-Design yields 18/26/21.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are standard on all 2009 Volvo S40s. All models include front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags, along with whiplash-reducing head restraints in all outboard positions. BLIS is optional across the lineup.
In frontal-impact tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the S40 was awarded four stars for driver protection and five stars for front-passenger protection. It received perfect five-star ratings in the NHTSA's side-impact crash tests. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset testing, the S40 earned a top rating of "Good." In IIHS side-impact testing, the car was rated "Acceptable." Additionally, the S40 is one of only a few cars to earn a "Good" head-restraint rating in the IIHS rear-impact test.
Driving
The base 2.4-liter engine provides acceleration that's only slightly sprightlier than your typical four-cylinder family sedan. The turbocharged 2.5-liter unit is far superior, though it does have a rather peaky power band, with noticeable turbo lag off the line. Handling is crisp and entertaining with either the standard or sport-tuned suspension, though the S40 isn't as sharp as the A4, 3 Series or G35. The base suspension is firm without being uncomfortable, but the sport suspension can be harsh over broken pavement.
Interior
If you like to shop at Ikea -- or at least admire the company's über-modern designs -- then the 2009 Volvo S40's interior should strike your fancy. The piece de resistance is the ultraslim "floating" center stack, which is suspended between the console and the dash, but pretty much everything about the S40's interior design is a direct challenge to the relatively austere interiors found in some competing models. Fortunately, there's plenty of function behind the S40's impressive form, as most controls are a model of simplicity. Furthermore, the quality of the interior materials is excellent and the ergonomically designed seats are extraordinarily comfortable and supportive. Trunk capacity is ample at 12.6 cubic feet and the 60/40-split rear seat folds.
2009 Volvo S40 models
The 2009 Volvo S40 is a premium compact sedan available in three trim levels: 2.4i, T5 R-Design and T5 AWD R-Design. The new-for-2009 R-Design name refers to a collection of sporty exterior and interior styling cues. The S40 2.4i comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a sunroof, a trip computer, a power driver seat, neoprene-like T-Tec cloth upholstery, a tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, full power accessories, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. In addition to its more powerful engine, the T5 R-Design adds a sport suspension, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminum pedals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a sport shift knob, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a memory function for the driver seat, automatic climate control and R-Design styling cues, including a sport steering wheel and a watch-like gauge cluster. The T5 AWD R-Design adds -- you guessed it -- AWD.
Options for the 2.4i model include the Climate Package, which adds heated front seats, headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers. Leather upholstery is a stand-alone option, as are wood inlays. The T5 R-Design and T5 AWD R-Design can be equipped with a Dynaudio Package that includes a 12-speaker sound system. Stand-alone options for these T5 models include keyless ignition and a navigation system (which is not available on the 2.4i). The T5 R-Design offers upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels that are not available on the AWD model. Active bi-xenon headlights and Volvo's blind-spot information system (BLIS) are options on all S40s.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#17 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volvo S40 from 2008-2022.$493/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.52x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).9.9%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Volvo S40.
5 star(72%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2008 S40 easy choice after accident
Jeff, 02/02/2010
2008 Volvo S40 2.4i 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)
Last year a huge chunk of steel fell off a truck and bounced into my lane while I was traveling about 60mph on an interstate. My 2006 S40 was totaled but I only had a sore back for a couple of weeks. Having been an auto appraiser for 6 years I consider myself an expert on assessing damage. I am sure I would have had a major injury in most other cars of any size. I was so impressed with … the way the car took the accident that my first choice was a 2008 S40. I have had my 2008 about a year now and love it!
5 out of 5 stars
Love my Volvo S40 b/c it is reliable and strong
Courtney B., 02/17/2016
2008 Volvo S40 2.4i 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5M)
I bought my 2008 S40 Volvo used in 2009. I love this car. It has a few quirks. First, the radio was super stylish in 2009, but now I wish it was easier to upgrade. Second, it goes through batteries. I haven't had the tire issues others complain of. The REALLY good news is that I've been in two accidents and just shook them off. Someone plowed into me and you can barely tell. It's … got that Volvo strength. Second, I haven't had any mechanical issues. I get it looked at by the dealer once a year, but outside of tire and battery replacements, I haven't had to deal with anything beyond regular upkeep. I love this car and I want to keep it forever, assuming I can figure out a way to upgrade the radio. It's so reliable. It still runs great at 10 years old.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Volvo S40 T5 AWD
Joe, 02/25/2008
2008 Volvo S40 T5 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)
My Volvo S40 T5 AWD is my first Volvo. I replaced a Saab 9-3. I have only owned the Volvo for a month, however I can say that this is a very solid automobile. The ride and handling are excellent. The AWD gives a feeling of being glued to the road. I used the vehicle during a recent New England snowstorm and the car did not slide at all. There was never any wheel spin. The fit and … finish are second to none. The leather seats are extremely comfortable and can be adjusted for a perfect fit. The car is solid for a smaller vehicle. It feels as if; it is cut out of a single piece of Swedish steel. The interior design is simple and clean, yet elegant. The exterior design stands out.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Good Volvo Starter Car
Lee, 03/13/2009
2009 Volvo S40 2.4i 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5cyl 5A)
I bought this car after recommendations from friends. I previously owned a Passat. My Passat got 37 MPG (Diesel). My Volvo gets 24+/- (Gasoline). The S40 is very comfortable to sit in and I have a bad back. I'm not too thrilled about some of the plastic trim in the interior but overall I like the European attention to detail. There's not a lot of room in the back seat for adult … kids but for little ones, it's ok. I like all of the gadgets that come with the purchase price and there's not a lot of options to add on. My Passat lasted 13 years and I fully expect the Volvo to do the same. The dealership is very responsive and attentive. A good car for the money.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Volvo S40, so we've included reviews for other years of the S40 since its last redesign.
2009 S40 Highlights
2.4i
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,550 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $230/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the S40 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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