Saftey safety safety. Even though perhaps the most boxy of the new Volvo models, it looks pretty good. Mine is in Titanium (which only comes with the Sports Edition, I think), and it really looks sleek, especially with the spoiler. For being a 4 door car, it is pretty sporty.

After 15,000 miles, I've only had a few issues, all of which were fixed quickly under the warranty. My cupholder had to be replaced (it stuck). The steering wheel squeeked a little, but that was also fixed. Any rattles I found were pinpointed and fixed, except for one in the rear roof that seems to only happen on warm days (and specifically does not happen while I'm at the dealer!). If I just turn the music up a bit, I don't hear it.

I was in 6 car accidents prior to buying a Volvo (one of which resulted in an injury that I’ll probably have the rest of my life). So, it was the safety aspect of this car that attracted me to it. I challenge anyone to find a car within the same price range (or any range for that matter) with as many standard safety features as this one--especially the WHIPS and the inflatable curtains. Within about one month of owning my new Volvo, I was about to enter an intersection at about 35 mph when a car failed to yield and blocked my path through the intersection. Fully expecting to crash right into the side of the other vehicle, I forcefully applied the brakes. It is truly a miracle that at the speed I was going, my Volvo stopped in what seemed like a split second, about 3 inches before I probably (in any other car) would have ended up in the hospital. And it did it without a sound or any loss of control (likely because of the combined ABS and EBD). The face of the guy in the other car had turned completely pale, as he stared out his window at me, obviously just as surprised as I was. Every penny I paid for this car paid off at that moment. Yes, my car has a few problems with some rattling and a few other minor glitches, but I really think that no matter how much one spends on a car, things will rattle (after all, a car is just a bunch of metal and plastic), so I wouldn't lose sleep over stuff like that. My parents had far more serious problems with their Audi A4. Plus, I don't know what bizarre Volvo dealers some of the other reviewers have been going to for car servicing, but mine (Volvo of Santa Monica) has always been courteous and lived up to their promises. I had a small warranty problem recently, and they gave me a free rental of a 2002 S40 (loaded) for a few days while mine was fixed. I haven't had such good service with my previous cars (Acura and Honda).

Similar Products Used:

Acura Integra & Honda Civic. I had such awful experiences buying and servicing those cars at Acura/Honda dealers that I never wanted to see another car dealer again. South Bay Volvo in Torrance, where

Comfort. Above all else, comfort. Performance, while offering nothing exceptional, also doesn't leave a thing to complain about either. Even gas mileage for something so roomy is quite nice.

Fun. Yeah, the car is nice to relax in, but there's nothing about it that scream, "drive me!", and I'm used to that. Of course, so is local law enforcement, so maybe this isn't such a bad thing after all.

I didn't actually want or go looking go for a Volvo. Actually, this was a gift. For years now, I've been driving sports cars, so this was a pretty drastic change. But, lemme tell you, it's snowing today and I've never loved this car more. First of all, it's super-comfy. Even when it's a nice day out, and part of you rather just walk to enjoy the weather, the car is an undeniably nicer place to be than anywhere else. In addition to the physical comfort offered by the heated leather seats, wonderful climate control, and tight seals from nature's worst (like today), there's a level of mental comfort that can't really be measured. Driving it, there's more safety "felt" than there is "known". As in, yes, you know there are air bags everywhere, and steel reinfocement all around you. Yes, you know there's traction control, and even whiplash protection built into the seats. But, you find yourself not thinking about any of that. The car is just so tight, so sealed, and so quiet, that knowing all those safety features are hidden beneath it doesn't matter - you just plain feel safe being in it. It's as you can tell the manufacturers, and as such, now the car, actually care about you.

Similar Products Used:

I work as a valet. Even if only for a hundred feet, I've driven just about everything. This offers, far and away, the nicest interior for the money. I can't stress this enough: the luxury per dollar r

- Safety features - Aesthetics. Okay, so it looks nice. - Large trunkspace - Fast defroster - Good engine (so far).

Small glove compartment. Factory stereo- you have got to be kidding me with what they installed. Extreme major rattling sounds from all over! It will drive you crazy!! Only car that I ever actually get "car sick" in when riding as passenger. Engine light always comes on. Bulb lights burn out quickly. Fan rattles loudly. Very uncomfortable driver seating, even with leather. Ouch! No leg room for back passengers. Funky placement of dash controls. Horrible location of window buttons. Back windows do not roll down all way. Did I mention the rattling? BUMPY, BUMPY ride. Worse than a truck! Cup holders that are installed are ridiculous. Once you upgrade your stereo, the front cup holder is no longer usable and only one left that you can use- which was made for the back passenger. Insane! I have been to the service department so many times to fix various problems. They are nice but it is soo expensive for repairs even with extended warranty. Trust me. This is not a quiet ride at all! I test drove the 2003 Honda Accords this weekend, and that may be next after trading in this car. I pay way too much money for such trouble.

I appreciate the outside looks and the safety reputation and classiness associated with Volvo. However, I have major issues with this 2 year old car. I should have followed the negative reviews and never bought the car in its 1st year out. I wanted a head ache free car. When I start the car, many times there is a grinding and delay to starting. Various worries and troubles associated, and I don't want to have to deal with it. I take good care and maintence of my car- but I worry even with that...Will this car last me a long time?

Similar Products Used:

- 2000 Volkswagon Passat - 2002 Nissan Maxima - 2003 Honda Accords

styling,price performance.

front seat uncomfortable

Nice car and great gas millage. looks good. I'm getting almost 30 miles per gallon combined.

Similar Products Used:

volaire wagon,m30 benz

Looks (especially in black) Speed Luxury features Handling

None so far except that Volvo isn't a "cool" brand like BMW or Acura are

My parents bought me this car with safety in mind. I must honestly say that I was looking for something slightly more sporty like a BMW or Lexus IS300, but this car certainly didn't disappoint me at all and it makes my parents happy which is also a plus. My family loves Volvos and my dad drives their top, limited edition S80 T6 Exectutive model. Now, from what I have observed so far, the S40 has quality on par with it's bigger brother the S80 and in my opinion is a lot more fun to drive. I read all of these reviews and was fearing getting my new car, but it would seem that Volvo worked out all the bugs in this model year and I really like the new stearing wheel.

Similar Products Used:

Volvo S80 BMW 328i Volvo 240DL Acura RSX Acura TL VW Jetta

styling of car

The entire car

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! We have had nothing but problems - the car is in the shop more than it is on the road. We have only had the car 11 months, it has been in the shop 7 times already, weeks at a time. The air conditioning system had to be completely replaced (after 2 visits to the shop), the car still doesn't start correctly - there is a long cranking period before it will start (it's already been in the shop 3 times for this - and they tell me there is nothing wrong with the car). The rear brake pads had to be replaced at 16,000 miles - and they tell me this is normal. Don't even bother contacting customer service - they will never respond to you, no matter how many times you call - they don't want to hear about it. We are selling the car and going with a Honda Accord. Will never EVER recommend Volvo -- it is an expensive Ford...or should I say Mitsubishi (Turbo is manufacutured by Mitsubishi). PIECE OF CRAP!

Similar Products Used:

Honda Accord

performance, roominess, stylish yet practical, a true family vehicle/wagon.

stereo is somewhat lacking, more tinting on the side and rear windows, I think the drivers seat isn't too comfortable.

I was extremely leary about buying the car because of the lackluster reviews that I read. Now that I've owned the car for almost two years, I think most of the reviewers were expecting too much because of the Volvo name. My wife and I are very happy with the car. The performance is suitable, it's comfortable, roomy, and relatively quiet. I personally don't care for the drivers seat but my wife does. The controls are ergonomic, easy to see and use. We have had a couple of little electronic glitches but nothing to lose any sleep over and no mechanical problems. The car seems sturdy, roomy under the hood, and well made. I have the V40 wagon and would recommend it for most people. The gas mileage isn't as good as I would have expected, but then again a 1.9 with a turbo and its performance has to sacrifice a little.

Similar Products Used:

None

Sportyness, It delivers performance that is uncomparable with other cars with same output (165bhp).. You can easly with stand the performance of a BMW 325i without any porblems and may be a 328i in some cases. Handling is just great in this car. It loves to be taken through corners. Brakes are just perfect. The seats are very comfortable for both spirited driving or smooth driving. The sport steering wheel feels great when driving at high speeds or soing some spirited driving. Xenon lights completes it's great features (first Volvo to have them). The engine, 2.0T 165bhp 240Nm (1.9T in US), is just one of the best engines in it's class, may be one of the best 4 cylinder engines in the world. It's adaptive 5 speed auto box is so smart it can tell how you want it to behave be diagnosing the way you are driving. It can change from extreme sport to luxary and economy in few seconds.

As a luxary car, it's a bit harsh since it's been made as a sport car from draft. Sport suspenssion handles well but it has a little down side on ruff roads. The sound system should have been as good its bigger sisters, S60, V70, C70 and S80.

It's a great car, I don't know why magazines reviews were so unfair to it. It delivers pure sportyness, It's almost two years with the car and would love to own it as much as possible.. The stongest side of this car is performance and handling, plus it's good price. Very good choice for those who want a car they can modify (tune). Drive it and you'll know what I mean.

Similar Products Used:

Merc C class, BMW 3 series, Audi A4 and Jaguar X type.

It drives but then, so does a Yugo.

Brakes. Trunk Lock.

The 2002 Volvo S40 is fast becoming a "lemon". Beware that each time the brakes are applied, a buzzing noise will be heard. Volvo USA and the dealer consider this a "normal characteristic for this model car". Even a Yugo doesn't make this sound. It's similar to when a Caterpillar tractor backs up. It's amazing because Volvo USA has a Service Bulletin out for excessive noise; front door window, but not for a brake problem. The trunk release failed and the airbag deployment light came on.

Similar Products Used:

Mercedes. VW.

powerful engine (2.0 16V 137BPHP), good driving in curves

I found it a little bit noisy

That's a great car. By now it have more than 100kmiles and everything work fine.

Similar Products Used:

Volvo 460.