Overview & Reviews

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

• 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.

• Firm suspension can be choppy on the highway, average performance from the non-turbo engine.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 152.00

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  An understated driving experience! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Dooney - August 12 - 7:06 pm

  I traded my 2001 Saab Viggen (awesome car, but costly repairs) on the T5 Automatic. While I dont feel the THRUST of the turbo Viggen, my Volvo S40 is more luxery and still packs a lot of power. I hear the 6speed manual is much faster - oh well. My experience so far is, this is a great car. I commute 30 miles daily, and the premium sound system (12-speakers) makes my ride very enjoyable. My wife and I bought this car because of Volvos safety track record, and we want to start a family soon. This car is sporty enough for people in their late 20s, and sophisticated in a grown up kind of way at the same time. Other cars we considered were the 2006 VW Jetta (too big), Audi A4 (too much).

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  This baby begs to be driven! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By SteveSS - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this vehicle more and more each day. I travel a lot of back country roads and this beauty performs! Only complaint so far, highway driving seems a bit harsh. Oddly enough I would think it would be smooth on the highway, it seems to ride better on hilly country roads. The S40 responds to your every need, its comfortable, responsive and turns heads. I test drove a 2005 Subaru Outback turbo, the 250hp did not come close to the performance of the 218hp Volvo. I originally wanted the AWD drive version but for some reason is hard to get. I opted for the automatic geartronic transmission, which is a blast to drive.

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  Good S40 - 2005 Volvo S40
  By HSIA OFENG YANG - June 10 - 11:01 am

  It is a 2005 Volvo S40. Still feel pretty good driving it. Still has the feel of an old luxury car.

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  Never buy the S40 - 2005 Volvo S40
  By SLara - April 24 - 3:13 pm

  I have had problems with this car from day 1. Brakes screeching (very loud) when in reverse. Neighbors commented since it was a new car. Dealership would not believe me as they could not duplicate. Many trips to a local dealership where brakes and rotors were replaced (total of three times.) The car had to be slightly inclined to produce screeching. Front screeching started at about 6,000 miles. Had to have the car towed twice. Didnt want to drive it with the horrible noise. Dealership said it was not dangerous to drive. They tried filing rotors, etc. The car has spent at least about two months in the shop (on and off). Finally, recently got the car back with new brake pads. SELL

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  Great Car! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Rodriguez - April 5 - 11:16 pm

  Bought this car a month ago. We are surpised at how many features it has. We are still discovering some of the thoughtfulness in the design. The car has a lot of power and seems to perform better the faster you go. The interior design feels roomy, and the console seems to wrap around you. This car definitely turns heads. Very sexy!

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  Nothing Else For Me - 2005 Volvo S40
  By S40 - So Cal - April 2 - 9:43 pm

  This S40 is sweet, strong, rugged, sleek and stylish, need I say more? Stops when you need it to stop, accelerates when you need a push, and shows itself off at every corner; this puppy has bragging rights! Never a bad moment here and nothing bad to say at all. Proves itself all the time, to trust it with my wife and future kids; always! My first Volvo and my last time to ever have to choose another car maker! First class!

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  Moving On Up - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Jay, New York - March 28 - 8:10 pm

  I only drove Hondas for the past 15 years and felt it was time for a change. Frankly, the Hondas are good, but everybody has one. The new Volvo S40s design caught my eye right away. Once I test drove it, I was sold. Im not a car freak and drive to/from work (about 45 miles a day) and run some errands on the weekends. I wanted a car that was fun and put some spark back into my daily commute. Boy, has this car filled the bill. My friends compliment me on its great looks, and thats a real switch. Look, Im 43 and honestly a car is not going to change my life, but you know what, who says you cant have a little fun even when work and little league are your usual destinations.

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  Good car but... - 2005 Volvo S40
  By letodo - February 9 - 2:12 am

  Safety- big win here- got swiped by a Lexus LX trying to get into my lane- nothing but a tiny scratch. Rear ended by a Honda- the front bumper of the Honda was torn off but I only had a small scratch. Performance- no, it is not a BMW 3 series but it does 80% of what the BMW does for $10,000 less (compared with same options). Ride is a bit harsh. Reliability- flawless since I got it... until recently. Ignition switch, engine motor mount, engine speed sensor all failed at once. Parasitic draw from trunk wiring 2 months prior to that. Running costs- expensive (more on that below)

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  Best bang for the buck! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By jim - January 31 - 11:16 pm

  I have 61,000 miles on this car & definitely would buy again. Combination of acceleration, handling, traction, features is a good value. Have the daltec interior & prefer it to the leather. 23-25 mpg and I am an aggresive driver. Had two software "tweaks" at the dealer, and a bearing replaced (all under warranty. Otherwise, no problems at all.

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  Volvo S40 T5 Fwd - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Impressed - November 29 - 6:50 pm

  Wow, what a nice car. I had never owned a Volvo and was always turned off by their square body styling, that was until I saw the new 2005 S40. Volvo has definitely done a great job improving their body styles. I was originally interested in the BMW 325i. I figured I would at least give the competitors a try, so I test drove the Audi A4, Mercedes C230, and Acura TSX. I came across the S40 while doing some research on Edmunds. The ratings were good and the price looked even better. I went for a test drive and I was sold. In my opinion, the S40 T5 blew the others out of the water. I have been driving the car in the city and getting an impressive 27 mpg. I hope this continues after the break in.