2009 Volvo S40

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Safety - What the Auto Press Says

Volvos has a strong reputation for its ahead-of-the-curve safety features, and generally receives good safety scores. The 2009 S40 does well in both federal government and insurance industry crash tests.

Crash Tests

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2009 S40 four out of a possible five stars for the driver's protection in frontal crashes, and five stars for the front passenger's protection. In side crashes, the federal government fives the S40 five stars for both the driver and rear passengers' protection in side impact testing. S40s with and without all-wheel drive receive a four-star rollover rating.
• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the S40 a "Good" rating, the highest possible, for frontal offset tests, and the second highest rating, "Acceptable," for side impact tests.

Safety Features

Reviewers heap praise on Volvo for equipping its vehicles to avoid accidents, and protect its occupants in the event of one. Some of the 2009 S40s standard preventive safety features include an anti-skid system, an auto-off rear fog light, and side marker lights. Anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control are also standard, in addition to six air bags. The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), a feature with rear-facing digital cameras on the door mirrors that monitor movement on both sides on the car, is optional.  

• "The S40 and V50 are safer than ever." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Long known for its emphasis on safety, Volvo carries on the tradition with side-impact and side-curtain airbags, the Whiplash Protection System and other safety features." --  Kelley Blue Book