2006 Volvo S40 consumer reviews

I initially wanted to love this car. I really did. I owned an S40 new in 2005 and it was fine, sold it while still under warranty. Felt nostalgic and decided to buy a 1 owner 2006 Volvo S40 2.4i from the original dealer. What could go wrong, right? Everything. If you are buying one of these you must be aware of a few things 1) make sure the timing belt has been replaced at 120k miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. 2) the cooling system is a known weak point. Unless your vehicle history shows the radiator and coolant hoses have been replaced in the last 5 years anticipate doing it. Same goes for the coolant overflow reservoir, this reservoir does NOT have a coolant level sensor so you need to check coolant every time you fuel the car, they also are prone to cracking and leak just like the hoses, and loose coolant rapidly, thus frying your engine. 3) the PCV oil trap/filter housing will need replacing if it wasn’t covered under the factory recall. It’s not an easy or cheap job but ignoring this will blow gaskets and seals and ultimately blow your engine. 4) I don’t care if they were replaced 2 years ago, you need to replace your engine, transmission and torque mounts immediately. They too are a known weak point on the car. The excessive rocking can damage your engine. Might as well look at your sway bar bushings while you’re at it. 5) anticipate replacing the rear suspension. Many S40 vehicles have excessive negative camber that cannot be adjusted so you will need to replace a multitude of control arms, linkages and sometimes the entire wheel hub assembly. I’ve purchased many used, older European cars over the years. This is not worth the money. The parts unnecessary expensive considering this P1 platform Volvo is nothing more than a glorified ford focus (look it up if you don’t believe me!)

We have had one for about 7 years. Very good little car. Always starts up nice and fast and compact. Only problem was leaking water through the sunroof.

It drives smooth and quiet. Everything mechanical works great. The only problems I've had are with electrical. The wiring harnesses are kind of fickle, but other than electrical it was a great buy.

The model Volvo is the best type of car I ever drove. They run super good. My kids love the sunroof. They’re so easy and comfortable to drive in. The exterior looks good.

Owned this car for 14 years and it is still running great. Will buy another Volvo in the future. Excellent value. Very smooth, comfortable ride, great on the highway.

I wanna give 4.5 stars for exterior styling, growing on me, its cool at 45 y/o. Test drove this car this morn. Knew nothing about it. test drove Nissans, VW's and a BMW all arvo. I bought it at close of business. I knew when I drove it it's a Grand car for a mid life crisis with dignity. Classy. And doesn't the Queen insist on Volvo? Love it. Bought it!!! Power with Class.

Very roomy inside both front and back. Along with luxry, and heated leather seats. Has cruise control and very sleek luxry design. Keep in mind this car is manual

Best car for the money. Very reliable car have never had any issues with it . Gets 28 miles. To the gallon. Sporty standard. Great Bose stereo

I bought one for less than $3k with about 170k miles on the odometer. I now have maybe $3.6k into the car all repairs included, and up to about 210k miles, all of 'em happy. It certainly needs more looking after than some of its Japanese brethren in a few ways - CV axles, upper radiator hose, sunroof seal are the big ones, but those handled it drives so well. I'd wager that I have the best driving, quietest, most comfortable car that $3.6k can buy. It's leagues more refined than just about anything else you can buy for similar money, and though not fast, rewarding to drive on bendy roads. It's not sensational, but it's the kind of ergonomic, quiet, comfortable and familiar tool you'll want to keep using. And as long as you treat it well, it'll keep on going. Oh, and the last one I owned (I've had two!) literally saved my life in a highway crash.

Great vehicle. Comfortable. Compact. Safe. Reliable. With routine maintenance it has had no issues. Style was ahead of its tome so still looks wonderful. Sunroof was fun.