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 31 through 40 of 152.00

• 

  Watch out after warranty. - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Mixed Feelings - March 1 - 8:33 pm

  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 - doesnt really work well at all). Advice? Buy a Honda.

• 

  Nice car but it has some issues - 2005 Volvo S40
  By John - January 25 - 6:00 am

  I like this car quite a bit but it is not without issues. The mileage I get is terrible. Nothing close to what I expected. Around 16-17 mpg. I live in Germany and drive somewhat faster than I might in the U.S. but Im still no speed demon. The stereo gets caught in some sort of computer glitch when I start the car about 50% of the time. If I turn it off and remove the key it usually resets and works fine. Overall, I really like the car. It just needs the bugs worked out.

• 

  Good Car - 2005 Volvo S40
  By jay - November 26 - 1:20 am

  Car runs great in Snow. The winter mode and traction control kept the car rather stable while driving in the first blizzard of 2006. The car has plenty get up and go for a small sedan.

• 

  My First Volvo - 2005 Volvo S40
  By judy - September 23 - 12:40 pm

  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 dont have any regrets, but the Miata was more fun.

• 

  Interior Engine Damage = $3-4,000 - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Floridanita - July 21 - 8:06 am

  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.

• 

  Fun car. Buggy with age. - 2005 Volvo S40
  By cygnuspix - February 21 - 8:46 am

  I have my 05 T5 (FWD) since day one - just a hair over 9 years now (and is an auto transmission, but somehow not an option here). I still love getting in to it twice a day for a 30 mile commute. The fuel economy is tough to beat, averaging 32MPG. However, it is fussy and likes to be babied to avoid issues. My fuel pressure sensor failed, causing tremendous ride issues, but no error code was generated, therefore the dealer threw up their hands at the issue, and wanted $450 parts/labor to replace it. The part is $50 on Amazon.com, and takes 1 hour to install. If you feel the car lose power or otherwise ride rough, look into changing this sensor!

• 

  So many problems! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By problem s40!!! - January 3 - 11:56 am

  I checked out a variety of cars in this category, and eventually settled on the s40. i loved the design, and heard such promising things about volvos, that i thought i was making the right decision. however, i have had problems with this car since day one. it has been back to the dealership 6 times in the year and a half that ive owned it. the first problem occurred when the car was less than 2 weeks old. the steering column had to be replaced. since then it has been back 5 times for starter control unit problems! volvo has not been particularly helpful either. i wish that i kept my 98 honda civic, which had absolutely no problems!

• 

  Ist Volvo - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Cope200 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Had two problems less than 250 miles. Air bag light came on and Climate Control actuator made noise. Dealer was prompt and courteous in fixing both problems. Really enjoy driving the car. Very secure to the road.

• 

  Nice Car, but Unreliable - 2005 Volvo S40
  By chanachi - September 17 - 9:03 am

  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.

• 

  A Great Car, mostly - 2005 Volvo S40
  By JohnnyVolvo - May 27 - 8:16 pm

  I like this car. I like the interior, the exterior, the fit and finish, etc. etc. etc. If I had it to do all over again, I would still look very closely at this car. The fuel economy is bad though. No way around it, my car gets lousy gas milage. Advertised mileage is 22 City and 31 Hwy. I get 21 and some change on the highway. I really dont drive in the city enough to make any claim to what I would get there, but 21 on the highway? Nope....not acceptable mileage.