2006 Volvo S40 Trims and Specs

Gone are the days of squared-off edges and that MOM'S TAXI bumper sticker: today's Volvo sedan appeals to younger drivers than ever. The S40 2.4i especially gets the attention of discerning young commuters who want to be safe and stylish until children come along and the time comes for an XC90.

The base model S40 gets a 2.4-liter engine whose 168 horsepower is regarded by some as sufficient and by others as not quite enough. But if you're mostly in bumper-to-bumper anyway, your bigger concern is fuel economy, and this solid little buggy will get you around 30 mpg on the highway (22 city). Sure, the numbers are better in other small sedans, but the safety record can't be beat.

Not only is the car solidly built, with protective side beams and intelligently designed deformation zones, but it comes standard with many advanced safety features. The list includes driver and passenger air bags (including side-curtain units), antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and seats designed to keep the occupant from sliding out from beneath the seatbelt during impact.

Comfort features that you must pay extra for on most cars come standard even on this base model: air conditioning, CD player, and power locks and windows. True options are generally grouped in themed packages; for instance, the Climate Package contains heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, and headlamp washers.

Some owners called for more horsepower (oh well, should've bought the T5), a roomier backseat, and larger side-view mirrors. More than a few accounts of multiple service trips are concerning, but keep in mind that these are anecdotal. Users rave about the style, comfort, handling, and braking, with special notice going to the unique center console.

With its 2.5-liters and 218 horses under the hood, the Volvo T5 will get you from A to B with a smile on your face. Even better, this zippy little sedan will keep you safe with those famous Volvo side beams and intelligently designed deformation zones.

Other impressive safety features come standard: driver and passenger air bags (including side-curtain units), antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and anti-submarining seats. The Swedes don't skimp on comfort features either, with air conditioning and power locks, seats, and windows all standard equipment.

User reviews run to both extremes, with one stating it was the very first time he's ever been 100% satisfied with a car and another deeming his completely unreliable. We found a moderate number of complaints concerning electrical glitches, which is nothing new for Volvo. (In fairness, with all of the features there is more that can go wrong.)

The mileage numbers are acceptable, especially with the manual transmission, and the turbo provides pep without penalty (until the booster needs maintenance). In general, buyers of this little sedan know it's small, but they'd nevertheless like a bit more room in the trunk and backseat.

Several users stated that they had either owned or test-driven a BMW and found the T5 equal in ride and handling and superior in interior design, comfort, and value. Other drivers compared it to an Audi, which would cost thousands more similarly equipped.

Although the basic S40 2.4i is widely considered a commuter car, the T5 AWD trim just might be insulted by that label. With an additional 50 horses plus a turbocharger, this car is not your average sedan.

Safety takes a front seat with every Volvo, and that front seat is where you�ll find the full complement of state-of-the-art driver and passenger air bags, including side-impact units. The AWD also enhances the practicality, if not overall safety, of this trim. It drives well on varied surfaces and can even help you out of minor predicaments (i.e. a little snowdrift) that would hinder a lesser sedan.

So many features come standard, and most of them relate to the safety theme: driver and passenger air bags (including side-curtain units), antilock brakes, and stability and traction control. Comfort is a given with the rest of the standard amenities: air conditioning, CD player, ergonomically-designed power seats, and power locks and windows.

Drivers of the T5 AWD love its turbo zip and four-wheeling functionality so much that they tend to overlook the teeny trunk and cramped backseat (you�ll have to keep looking if you plan to transport your Great Dane). We came across a couple of anecdotal reports of near-lemons, but take them for what they are worth.

Fuel economy isn�t expected to be great with the AWD, but the turbo turns air into power, and you can gain a couple of mpg with a manual transmission. This is a great choice for anyone in the market for a smaller European sedan, especially those who live in colder regions.