I had a road handling challenge with a big rig. Update 145k took a long distance trip 2,000 miles and everything was solid. Engine still runs fantastic so I see no need to trade this puppy in for a new one. Update: Minor items are in need of repair or replacement, Right on schedule. I did not have an engine block heater or a garage. Subzero Chicago mornings were no problem. Think of it from the other side, the mechanics of the Volvo are so good that any mechanic knows they will not see you again for another 20,000+ miles (except oil changes). So finding a kind appreciative mechanic is a must. The only down side is when you do have maintenance the shops want to gorge you. Comfortable interior that is so great I made it from NY to Chicago in one leg more than a dozen times. I bought this car for the safety rating and it feels like a solid car. Sounds weird but I always feel like I put on a helmet the ceiling is so low. The interior is a bit like wearing a helmet. If you're looking for a premium sedan that doesn't venture far from the $30,000 mark when properly equipped, the 2006 Volvo S40 is a worthwhile addition to your shopping list. This car looks, feels and performs exactly the way we think an entry-level Volvo should, and has a completely different personality than the Mazda 3. Those skeptical about a Volvo car with a subtle Ford influence need only get behind the wheel of the S40. market in mind, the Volvo S40 shares some of its architecture with the Mazda 3 and the second-generation Ford Focus now on sale in Europe. The 2.4i's acceleration is mediocre for this class of car, but the T5 stacks up well against the Acura TSX, Audi A4 2.0T and BMW 325i.
2006 VOLVO S40 2.4 I DRIVERS
Of the two, the T5 is definitely the car serious drivers will prefer. Volvo's S40 is available with a normally aspirated 2.4-liter, inline five-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five that comes on the T5 trim. If you like shopping at IKEA, you'll love the look. Additionally, it features the coolest center stack design this side of Stockholm. Although shorter than its predecessor, the current Volvo S40 is wider and has a longer wheelbase, which translates to more interior room. The new S40 offers improved safety, performance and interior room, as well as slick styling inside and out. Midway through the 2004 model year, the prognosis changed: Volvo released a redesigned version of its small sedan. Though not a bad car, it suffered because of its bland look, lack of powertrain choices and poor packaging. Thrown into a field of highly qualified German- and Japanese-brand sedans, Volvo's small sedan quickly began to show its age. It went on sale in Europe in 1996, but wasn't introduced in the U.S. The Volvo S40 is the smallest and most affordable car in the Volvo lineup.