Overview & Reviews

For 2006, Volvo has rearranged some of the S40's option packages and revised the cupholders. Steering wheel-mounted satellite audio controls are now standard on the 2.4i trim, and the six-speed manual transmission on T5 models gains a pushdown function to engage reverse. There are also new 16- and 17-inch wheel designs and a new optional air filtration system for the T5 that Volvo says goes beyond traditional carbon filters to help reduce occupant exposure to carbon monoxide.

• Sharper handling than you would expect from a Volvo, cutting-edge style inside and out, straightforward controls, long list of safety features, available all-wheel drive.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 93.00

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  Let down! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By a.j. - July 5 - 8:43 pm

  This car is a gas hog! I sometimes have to fill my tank up 3 times a week. It is super slow since I didnt get the turbo. The first few months of driving the car the a/c broke and the software in the car had a glitch. The locks and the windows on my driver side would not work I had to crawl thru the passanger side. My a/c works now but it only gives you cool air not cold, so its really bad on a really hot summer day. The plastic linning in my door is pooping up, so everythime I try to get in the car I trip on the popping up plastic. I would not recomend this car to anyone, yeah its a good looking car but the quality is terrible. Very let down! I wish I never got this car, its a lemon!

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  Made From Volvonium - 2006 Volvo S40
  By bbradley - April 26 - 10:10 pm

  I bought the S40 T5 "slightly used" at the beginning of the year; it never let me down once. The car looks cool without being flashy and the interior is smartly designed. It just plain runs and is sturdy as an ox. It even has above-average pickup for such a tiny 4-door packed with so many options. Unfortunately, 10 months later due to some questionable road conditions I got intimate with a concrete wall. The Volvo wasnt exactly indestructible-- the entire drivers side was smashed in. I was a bit smashed in myself, but thankfully nothing permanent. Im convinced that the Volvo saved my life. Im driving a clunker today, but you can bet that Ill be a Volvo customer for life.

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  Steady performer - 2006 Volvo S40
  By bonzo23 - September 5 - 11:03 pm

  I got this S40 as a company car in 06 and liked it so much that when it went off lease I purchased it for personal use. Even with the normally aspired 5 cylinder it has great pickup. The road handing is head and shoulders above Camry, Sable, and Impalas that I have had for company cars. There is a nice road feel with responsive steering yet a not unacceptable ride or noise. After correcting an A/c blower motor that was faulty on delivery, it has been problem free. Now with 4 years and 64K miles, It has been to the shop for A/C compressor replacement and twice for electrical diagnostics which found not problems despite the high $ diagnostics.

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  Great Investment - 2006 Volvo S40
  By gradstudent456 - August 22 - 8:50 pm

  My S40 has nearly 150K miles on it and with regular maintenance, tire rotations/balancing and oil changes, I have had very few issues. I constantly receive compliments on how elegant the car is. Many acquaintances believe it newer and more expensive than it is. I am lucky to have Volvo-specialized mechanic with integrity in town. While parts are expensive, I plan on having the car until it dies because it is such good quality. Purchasing this vehicle is like purchasing a high-quality leather handbag. It is expensive but if you care for it regularly, the investment will bring you satisfaction and contentment for many years. You will be proud to own even if it is not the newest.

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  I love this car - my 3rd Volvo - 2006 Volvo S40
  By me - June 12 - 12:33 pm

  I love this car - Many improvements over my last S40 - Beautiful car!! The only problem is that the electric drivers seat doesnt go back far enough (and Im 52"). I miss my Turbo -- what was I thinking!? The car is gorgeous - the only design defects are that I hit the wipers everytime I go near the key, the front window buttons are too far up (I keep putting the back windows down instead), bad blind spots & I hate leather but need a sunroof - this is a difficult package. I would give up some of that trunk room to have more room in the back seat. The cup holders are awful - they should be covered & bigger. Great car despite design defect Get lots of compliments! Needs an alarm for sunroof!

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  My Volvo View - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Dyanna - May 13 - 6:13 am

  Exterior look is what captured my attention. Could use a little more storage space inside. Excellent sound system. Loud air conditioning when above the middle mark. Minor adjustments could be focused on & improved, like electric window movement (rattle-some)better mileage for its size and engine(5 cyclinder). Other than that. Love it and would recommend the S40 for the young out-of-college professional because its about 10k less than the 3 series BMW, with all the similiar perks.

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  A fun car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Christy G. - October 15 - 1:56 am

  Im a loyal Volvo owner (have owned an 87 and 90 station wagons) and I love this car. I did have some set- backs in the beginning - electrical plug blew a fuse after barely being used, A/C started blowing out hot air mid-summer, then the foot fan stopped working. Currently experience a popping noise when turning every once in a while - still hasnt been corrected. Gas mileage is okay - not as great as my VW Golf, of course. Im hoping for a Volvo hybrid!

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  lemon, literally - 2006 Volvo S40
  By monicald - November 27 - 4:47 am

  After 1 year I had taken my car in to repair the electrical 5 times, they couldnt do it. At one point the driver door wouldnt open and I had to enter my car through the passenger side. Volvo ended up settling for a good sized pay out. Here is a list of other problems I had with car, none of which were covered by warranty as they occurred just after the 50k warranty was up: 1) engine thermostat never worked 2) due to above, car overheated, replaced radiator reservoir & new thermostat 3) spark plugs replaced 4) door lock covers popped off 5) plastic peeling off control buttons 6) major water leak when rains, floor thoroughly soaked 7) radio shorted out 8) Trunk stuck in closed position

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  Loved my 6 spd. T5 but not again for me - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Eric - May 20 - 8:06 am

  Let me start by saying I am a longtime Volvo owner (2 S60s, 940T & T5) who always wanted this car. My T5 was the perfect car when it wasnt at the dealer for every little interior/electrical thing. The motor was GREAT and VERY fuel efficient (30+ mpg) Tons of torque, very comfortable, safe, handled good, very classy and different. Really loved this car but it was a royal headache of tiny issues (10 dealer repairs in 1 year...all different interior/electrical quirks). Being a Volvo owner I was used to little problems but it was a huge inconvenience spending all my time at the dealer (probably once a month). I still love that car but I sold it when the warranty ran out. Really a shame.

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Klappez15 - September 4 - 2:33 pm

  I have had my s40 for a month now, but I have to agree with a reveiw above, everytime I drive it I have a huge smile on my face. It looks good, drives nice, and for the price has just about every feature I could want. I love the sound system, the comfort level, and the way the car looks. My first Volvo but probably not my last.