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2005 Volvo S40 consumer reviews

$23,260–$23,560 MSRP range
side view of 2005 S40 Volvo
(33 reviews)
87% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.2
Explore the 2005 Volvo S40

Know what you’re getting yourself into.

I owned this car for several years it has been a steady stream of repairs and replacement parts. Before you even contemplate buying one see that the timing belt has been replaced along with the water pump at 120k miles/10 years. If it hasn’t, you should expect a $1,400.00 repair bill. Also check immediately the cooling/radiator hoses, the PCV valve/oil filter housing, the coolant expansion reservoir, (and check coolant levels regularly as the S40 has NO coolant level sensor) and these cars are known for cracked and split coolant hoses and rapid coolant loss. This along with engine mounts and all other issues I’ve mentioned will destroy your engine and send your S40 in the scrapyard. This is ultimately a rebadged ford focus. Just know what you’re buying going in.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Love my Volvo

I had a 2007 Volvo S40T a few years back and was amazed by it, simple to work on, reliable as all xxxx, quick and a gas saver, so I recently decided to get another S40, this time I got a 2005 S40 I, yes that same diehard 5 cylinder motor, but without the turbo, and let me tell you, it's crazy fast, saves gas and is fun to drive, Love my Volvo.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Best bang for your buck!

The mileage is low compared to other 2005 vehicles. The ride is smooth and super exceeds my expectation of an older model vehicle it rides just as smooth as a 2020! The interior is in good condition and has been maintained well.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
8 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Best car I've had

Its great I had a hyundai sonata for 5 years and it was nice but a lot of the features didn't work like the mirror defroster and the ac compressor was bad. This car is everything I need! Great gas mileage winter mode for driving in snow and a 6 cd player that plays cdrs. It doesn't have Bluetooth or an aux jack but the sound is great and I plan on getting one installed in the future. The interior cloth on the roof started to peel away but cosmetic issues are not important to me. And I keep getting a check engine light for the system being too rich but I was told its because of the ethanol in modern gasoline and a software update will fix it. That's the only issue ive had with the engine its really solid! No issues with any major problems and thats what matters to me. Love the car hope to keep it for 300,000 miles it has 71,000 now

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Has held up well

Volvo S40 has been a great value for us. The car is 15 years old and still runs well and looks stylish. Great gas mileage and very reliable. I would definitely buy a Volvo again.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great value for a it safety and quickness.

The car feels plain inside and sourcing parts for the car can be difficult. The fwd was good in winter but the awd option is the way to go.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Issue with front right side

Had issues, but possibly minor issues. Car should be bought by a mechanic who has the tools/resources to fix safely. Tires are newer but all different types.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 1.0
  • Reliability
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
2 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great Sporty Car! Very Safe and Fun to drive

Good small sedan for around town. Perfect for a first time driver of student. Safe and reliable and very stylish too. Very comfortable and fun to drive!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Amzing first car! Well worth it!

This car has a really good exterior, it is very safe and reliable, the only issue is because it a luxurius car, maintenance costs a lot of money. It very good on gas and its great for new drivers.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great Colorado car

This is a great Colorado car! All wheel drive handles great with the ever changing weather and ski rack will get you safely to and from the mountains while having great gas mileage for the commute around Denver.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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