Overview & Reviews

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.

• Excellent seats, ample safety features, available turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.

• Pricey, tepid acceleration with base engine, handling falls short of true sport sedans, so-so safety scores.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 9 of 9.00

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  Good Car - Thought Not for the New Price - 2009 Volvo S40
  By EL - July 1 - 10:33 am

  My main beefs with the car is that the base engine is fairly weak for how heavy the car is. Throw that thing in a Honda Civic & it performs quite well. But you buy a Volvo for the solid build & safety ratings & it could afford a slightly more powerful base engine [~ 190hp?]... it shouldnt affect the fuel efficiency that much. The T5 isnt that much worse on the MPGs. Otherwise, I agree with most of the reviews & the main reason I bought this car is because I bought a loaner vehicle from a dealership for a third off the MSRP. And thats a 2009 with 10k miles. Volvos depreciate so much & that makes it worth it. That pretty much sold me. And my wife wanted it. Maybe that was the reason.

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  Good Volvo Starter Car - 2009 Volvo S40
  By Lee - August 25 - 4:23 pm

  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. Im not too thrilled about some of the plastic trim in the interior but overall I like the European attention to detail. Theres not a lot of room in the back seat for adult kids but for little ones, its ok. I like all of the gadgets that come with the purchase price and theres 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.

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  Fun run around vehicle - 2009 Volvo S40
  By Shawn Reed - November 4 - 10:30 pm

  I bought the car from my son. Fun to drive great handling, peppy, rides firm like most sports cars. Great mpg. Very few mechanical issues. Visually impressive lines.