Volvo S40
Overall Score - 8.0 (Very Good)
The S40 is a lower-cost entry into the upscale car market. It delivers a refined design and quality safety features for a small sedan, but does not have the precise handling or varied storage options of other cars in its class. If you're in the market for an upscale small car, you should also consider the Audi A3 and the Acura TSX.
For the most part, critics think the 2007 Volvo S40 hits the right notes, or at least the important ones. In terms of its performance and reliability, the majority of reviewers assume drivers will be pleased with their purchase, especially when these factors are weighed against the S40's sleek body lines and Volvo's reputation for safe and sound vehicles. With the S40, Motor Trend decides that "Volvo is demonstrating that it can do 'enthusiasm' just as well as it does 'safety,'" while Forbes describes the sedan as "peppy, nimble and refined." Additionally, a great number of reviews call this S40, which experienced a re-design in 2004, a far superior car to its predecessor. This is best summed up by the Washington Post reviewer, who considers it "truly hip."
Auto writers consider the 2007 Volvo S40's moderate pricing (for an upscale brand) to be one of its key attributes. Edmunds remarks that "the redesigned S40 is a roomier car with more standard features and more power, and it all comes in a great-looking package that will cost you less money. When will this gravy train end?" Kelley Blue Book's writers agree: "The S40 is a fantastic way to enjoy the perks of owning a premium brand automobile without having to pay a premium price." IntelliChoice gives the S40's base trim, the 2.4i, a rating of "average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
The Volvo S40 comes in two major trims: the base 2.4i and the turbocharged T5, both with five-cylinder engines.
S40 Performance - 7.3 (Good)
Driving the 2007 Volvo S40 is an adequate experience for reviewers, who are impressed with the car's stability, even if they wish for more agility and precision. BusinessWeek finds, "this little Volvo seems to love being hustled along." continue
S40 Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)
The 2007 Volvo S40 received an exterior redesign in 2004 that reviewers consider sporty and refined at the same time. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman is one of the writers to say the S40 "is a shapely, aggressive design that doesn't beg for attention but simply looks classy." continue
S40 Interior - 7.8 (Good)
Although it lacks interior storage space, the five-seat 2007 Volvo S40 appeals to reviewers for its look, feel and comfort. Road and Track considers the interior layout "exceedingly clean and refreshingly devoid of clutter." continue
S40 Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)
Reviewers can't praise the 2007 Volvo S40 enough for its safety precautions. Forbes describes Volvo as a "safety innovator," and New Car Test Drive comments that the S40 "may be the safest car in this size class." The S40 scores reasonably well in government and insurance industry crash tests. continue
S40 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Volvo S40 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Every new Volvo receives comprehensive coverage for the first four years or 50,000 miles. continue