2005 Volvo S40 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
152 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A redesigned S40 was introduced halfway through the 2004 model year as a 2004.5 model. It continues into 2005 unchanged.

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.

User Reviews:

Showing 101 through 110 of 152.00
  • Great Car - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    When I began test driving cars, I really hadnt given Volvo any thought. In Portland, Volvo means the big boxy station wagons you see all over SE. The S40 came up on some comparable vehicles lists and on a whim I test drove the T5. After that everything else I drove seemed like a cheap garbage. The car is very smooth and quite, has a great interior, and I love the body style. You wont be racing Mustangs off the line but on the highway passing is great fun. Im 6, 200lbs, which I dont consider that big, but the S40 was one of few cars I felt like I fit into. Only wish I couldve afforded the AWD. :)

  • Wow! - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    What a great car! I chose this car over the Subaru Legacy as I wanted an AWD vehicle. This car has plenty of power and feels very sporty. I love the exterior styling and the Volvo emphasis on safety. You will not be disappointed with this car at all. I chose the Leather, convenience package, Climate Package, Bi-Xenon headlights and 17" wheels. The seats are very comfortable even after having spent 3 hours in the car today. The only negative is the rear visibility. It is a bit smaller than what I am used to. With Volvo offering $1,850 cash back on the T5 model, it was an easy choice.

  • Volvo for Life - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    Ive had several cars in my life. When it came time to look for something new, we went to the typical dealers. Just by chance, we stopped in at a Volvo dealer never thinking we could afford one. Well, we were wrong .. but most importantly, I wound up in my Volvo S40. This car kicks. I call it my zippy car. Its so comfortable and fun to drive, Im now Volvo for Life. My husband had just bought a Pontiac Bonneville a month earlier and wishes he could get into the Volvo S80, but he would be up-side down, so well have to wait until his car is paid off in 2010 ... bummer. In the mean time, Im enjoying my Volvo and recommend it to anyone. My Dad always said they are the safest car out.

  • Nice Styling and Good Value - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    I purchased the 2.4i with the sport package in south Florida and found it loads of fun to drive. Handles very well in the curves and the 2.4 litre engine is peppy enough for everyday traffic. I since moved to upstate NY and it does great on the country roads, but snows are a MUST as the traction control constantly slips in winter. I now have 90k miles on it and have had a couple of major problems, at 55k miles the radiator blew. Thank goodness for the extended warranty, or could have been $1500! Interior design is stylish, but cheep materials. Trim clips continually break (in trunk too) and stupid expensive to replace.

  • Stylish, yet glitchy, Euro sport sedan - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    Still like the car 5 years later but looking forward to my next and it wont be another Volvo. Heres a sample of the issues Ive had since purchase: key fob doesnt work (Im on my 4th replacement), car towed 4 times because engine immobilizer wont disengage, lights fell out of side mirrors, radio replaced, heated seats replaced, driver window assembly broke, front woofers replaced, clock doesnt keep time, driver seatbelt wont release when pulled, passenger airbag disables when a passenger is in seat, etc. 2 really annoying attributes: blind spots galore & wheels can not be rotated. Car wobbles at highway speed and no amount of balancing works. Took 2 sets of tires to figure out problem

  • I highly recommend this car - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    I cant say enough good things about the Volvo S40 T5. The vehicle is sporty and refined, delivering nimble handling and peppy acceleration in a sleek and comfortable package. The interior design is as intuitive as it is impressive, with great looks, excellent control placement, and firm yet comfortable seats. The trunk size is also fantastic for its class. For its performance, the fuel economy is exceptional. I regularly get better than 35 mpg on true highway speeds, and I typically average around 25 mpg in the city. City dwellers will particularly enjoy the size of the vehicle, which makes finding parking spaces easy while providing ample interior space.

  • DECK ERROR - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    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. Im going to try Audi or Mercedes when I purchase my next car.

  • 2005 S40 T5 AWD - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    I bought this car used in 2006 with 20K miles on it. This was my first "new" car purchase out of college. The dealership gave me a great deal at 22K fully loaded with leather, cold weather package, sunroof, etc. I needed the all wheel drive since I drive roughly 100 miles round trip to work. This car has excellent acceleration and while on the highway it has no need to downshift to pass somebody. The power range and turbo plus the AWD system make this car a blast so drive. The geartronic transmission make the drive even more enjoyable by allowing me to switch into manual mode when needed.

  • I love the car, with one exception - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    I love this car, with one exception. The front seats are not overly comfortable. Unless one sits on the seat the correct way, hell hurt his hips or his back. Aside from the seating issue, the car is a winner. I drove to the office in an incredible downpour. The car performed perfectly. I felt like I was in command of the road. Id recommend this car to anyone, just make sure the seats are comfortable to you.

  • Nothing more than problems. - 2005 Volvo S40
    By -

    In the first 24 hour, the car had to be towed back to the dealer. Problems with the cars software. Two months afterwards, problesm with the key, could not start the car. Terrible service, no one is responsible for the car. Not the dealer, nor Volvo, nor Ford. If I could sell it right away, I would. The car is now parked in the dealer station. Complaining for about two moths with local authorities. No commitment at all.

Volvo S40 Reviews By Year:
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