2005 Volvo S40 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
There are no significant changes to the S40 in 2005. The T5 is now available in a second trim level, which includes all-wheel drive and a...
There are no significant changes to the S40 in 2005. The T5 is now available in a second trim level, which includes all-wheel drive and a sport-tuned suspension. Second generation models were introduced during 2004, sold along side the first generation LSE and 1.9T, but were differentiated by a longer wheelbase, shorter overall length and color-keyed exterior trim.
The 2004 S40 was available in four variants, with the new 2.4i and T5 labeled as 2004.5 models. This year, the 2.4i and T5 return, along with the T5 AWD.
The 2.4i and the T5 both house 2.5 liter inline five cylinder engines. The 2.4i's naturally aspirated power plant provides 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic with a manual shift feature is optional. Fuel economy is estimated at 22/29 mpg with the manual and 22/30 mpg with the automatic. The T5's turbocharged mill makes 218 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The T5 upgrades to a six-speed manual transmission, but the five-speed automatic is still optional. The six-speed offers the strongest S40 fuel economy, at 22/31 mpg.
The new S40 has received positive reviews with respect to build quality, handling, and cabin comfort. Test drivers warn that the sport suspension, found on the AWD T5 and with the Sport Package, has a very intrusive road feel. The S40 is sure-footed, but its limitations are more apparent when driven aggressively. The steering is responsive, but reviewers adds that it could feel more natural.
The interior offers adequate quietness, but the 17-inch tires produce a steady hum on most surfaces. The S40's ergonomics are functional, but some controls are hard to manage on the go. The cabin has a modern look with new higher quality build materials. The second generation models offer a bit more interior room, due to a longer wheelbase.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Volvo S40 generally appreciate its sporty driving experience, comfort, and strong safety features. Many drivers are impressed by its performance and unique design, with some noting it feels surprisingly spacious inside. However, some common dislikes include issues with interior noise and the cost of maintenance, especially with parts like the oil pan. Despite a few drawbacks, the S40 is favored as a reliable and enjoyable car to own."
loved this car. Safe, yet sporty! Very reliable and enjoyable to own. Good gas mileage for class. Great amenities, leather, wood paneling, sunroof, seat warmers, etc. comfortable for long trips as well as for scooting about town. Small enough to fit tight parking spaces and large enough to not feel like you would be crushed like an aluminum can if you were ever be involved in an accident.
May 10, 2015For a borderline compact car, it feels wonderfully spacious on the inside. The back seat can comfortable fit two tall persons, and the front seats have plenty of room to spare. Trunk is large as well, and can carry far more cargo than you think it should. Acceleration is a little timid, but all in all a very fun car to drive, it handles very well on dry or wet pavement, ice or snow. I have had a great experience with this car, and would highly recommend Volvo to anyone looking for a new car.
June 20, 2014This car has all the hallmarks of Volvo's new design DNA. It takes it's styling cues from it's larger brothers, the S60 and S80 while setting new standards for Volvo design in other areas. The performance is excellent with a full range of fabulous engines available from the frugal 1.6D through to the punchy T5. Volvo have also refined the software for the automatic gearbox control so it's function has been vastly improved. It has been well built and most items in the car are made from recycled materials and not to mention that the vehicle itself is almost 80% recylable at the end of it's life. It is not the most frugal vehicle in the world and the smaller diesels do need a new particle filter every 80k miles or so which does cost a few pennies. Overall, it's a lively vehicle, very fun to live with and is a really good all-rounder. I don't think I'd ever have anything else for my first car by choice than a Volvo. They're really easy to live with and deliver whatevery I want.
March 7, 2009What owners say
loved this car. Safe, yet sporty! Very reliable and enjoyable to own. Good gas mileage for class. Great amenities, leather, wood paneling, sunroof, seat warmers, etc. comfortable for long trips as well as for scooting about town. Small enough to fit tight parking spaces and large enough to not feel like you would be crushed like an aluminum can if you were ever be involved in an accident.
May 10, 2015For a borderline compact car, it feels wonderfully spacious on the inside. The back seat can comfortable fit two tall persons, and the front seats have plenty of room to spare. Trunk is large as well, and can carry far more cargo than you think it should. Acceleration is a little timid, but all in all a very fun car to drive, it handles very well on dry or wet pavement, ice or snow. I have had a great experience with this car, and would highly recommend Volvo to anyone looking for a new car.
June 20, 2014This car has all the hallmarks of Volvo's new design DNA. It takes it's styling cues from it's larger brothers, the S60 and S80 while setting new standards for Volvo design in other areas. The performance is excellent with a full range of fabulous engines available from the frugal 1.6D through to the punchy T5. Volvo have also refined the software for the automatic gearbox control so it's function has been vastly improved. It has been well built and most items in the car are made from recycled materials and not to mention that the vehicle itself is almost 80% recylable at the end of it's life. It is not the most frugal vehicle in the world and the smaller diesels do need a new particle filter every 80k miles or so which does cost a few pennies. Overall, it's a lively vehicle, very fun to live with and is a really good all-rounder. I don't think I'd ever have anything else for my first car by choice than a Volvo. They're really easy to live with and deliver whatevery I want.
March 7, 2009I bought it new in early 2006, and it's been a great car. Handles well, accelerates well with the T5 turbo and manual 6-speed, and is easily as much car as the BMW 3-series for a much more reasonable price tag.
June 22, 2008I have the automatic version of the car but you only really need to put it into automanual if you decide you want to have some fun on windy roads. I heard the manual version also gets going from a start faster, there is slight throttle delay from a stop. Even though the car is small, intelligent interior design lead to a comfortable back seat with enough leg room for people under 6'2. I have what I guess is a loaded version of the car, leather feels great and wears slowly, the six CD changer is easy to use and sounds great played through the upgraded sound system. Other nice features include one-touch up/down windows and one-touch open/close sun roof and there is even a button on the remote that turns on all interior and exterior lights for 30 seconds to help you find your car in a parking lot at night. The car is a great alternative for someone who is looking for performance and safety found in a car like a subaru wrx but wants something more mature and doesn't want "another 3 series".
June 8, 2008Can't really go wrong. Very relaxing car to drive but you can give it the beans.
May 29, 2008Extremely Safe! I expect it to last me a long time despite the age!
December 23, 2020I absolutely love this car. Its perfectly well behaved when driven around town but has plenty of power when you need it. I'm in high school and its perfect for the driving I have to do, at the sacrifice of a few mpg.
June 6, 2008Love the car, love the handling and the acceleration, surprising. Would liek it better if it was bigger. Larger families won't fit. Nice little car for the right price, as I mentioned above my wife can't drive in the snow, she was able to get the kids around town without any problems. I can drive anything in the snow but this was like I had 4 wheel drive
May 28, 2014Overall, the Volvo S40 is a good car with a high level of build quality and performance is above average with good response. My car has not had any major issues, but the check engine light can go on frequently. In summary, the Volvo S40 is a fun car to drive and my only complaint is that the car can be noisy (especially at high speeds).
December 29, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $28,865 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 218 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 12.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,090 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 218 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 12.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,200 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 168 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 12.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
