2005 Volvo S40 and V50 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Volvo's entry-level line adds wagon and all-wheel-drive variants for 2005. The S40 sedan is joined by a wagon called the V50. Both offer base 2.4i and sporty T5 models and have a 5-cyl engine. 2.4i models are front-wheel drive and have 168 hp. T5s offer front- or all-wheel drive, are turbocharged, and have 218 hp. The S40 2.4i is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. The V50 2.4i comes only with the automatic. T5s offer a 6-speed manual transmission or the 5-speed automatic. Standard on every S40 and V50 are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and traction control. AWD versions come with a sport suspension that is optional on other models. Other options include an antiskid system, 17-inch wheels vs. standard 16s, navigation system with pop-up dashboard screen, and in-dash CD changer. Leather upholstery, sunroof, and heated seats are also available.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our single Best Buy in the Premium Compact Car class is the Acura TSX. Our Recommended picks include the BMW 3-Series and the Saab 9-3.

News

The smallest Volvos may soon add extra-sporty R-models with "hot car" chassis and cosmetic upgrades. Few near-term changes are expected otherwise, but S40/V50 will be the basis for several near-term additions to the Volvo line.

Confirmed for a spring 2006 U.S. debut is Volvo's first hideaway-hardtop convertible, a replacement for the recently discontinued soft-top C70. It keeps the C70 name, and will use the 218-hp 2.5-liter turbo 5-cyl engine that powers S40 and V50 T5 models. Among the features is an industry first: head-protecting curtain side airbags that pop up from the doors, this to make up for the lack of fixed roof rails from which to deploy the curtains.

Volvo has also confirmed the C30, a sporty 2-dr hatchback spinoff debuting in late '06 as a 2007 model. Said to be 8 inches shorter than the S40 sedan, it targets the Audi A3, Lexus' new IS and other premium compacts, which implies a starting price of around $20,000.

Ford Motor Company's Swedish branch is also pondering a V50-based baby SUV with AWD, plus styling cues from the big XC90. Likely to be called XC50, it would be related to a redesigned Freelander at Land Rover, which is also owned by Ford. No firm word on timing yet, but the XC50 should show by model-year '07.

2005 Volvo S40 and V50 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride/handling	Acceleration (2.4i)

Quietness

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
5	7	6	6	6

Volvo says S40 2.4i does 7.7 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission, 8.4 with automatic. But pickup is unimpressive even with manual, especially up long grades. T5s feel snappy, are mostly free of irksome turbo-induced throttle lag. Test manual-transmission S40 T5 did 6.9 sec 0-60. Manual shift slick, precise. Automatic generally smooth, responsive.

Fuel Economy

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	5	5.3

No opportunity to measure with 2.4i versions. Test S40 T5s averaged 20.3 mpg with manual transmission, 20.6 with automatic. Test automatic-transmission AWD V50 averaged 25.0 mpg with more highway use. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
7	6	7	5	6

All models firm, but base-suspension versions comfortably compliant on most surfaces. Taut sport suspension, standard with AWD and part of Sport Package option, triggers abrupt vertical motions on bumps; in combination with low-profile 17-inch tires, makes for uncomfortably stiff ride.

Steering/Handling/Braking

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
6	7	6	7	7.3

Assured, nimble, if not quite sport-sedan tenacious. Steering accurate, furnishes good road communication, but some testers say it feels overassisted. Tight turning circle for good low-speed maneuverability. Brakes erase speed quickly with fine stability, moderate nosedive.

Quietness

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
6	5	6	6	6

These 5-cyl engines lack 6-cyl smoothness, but aren't noisy except for intrusive thrum at high rpm. Wind noise modest. Little road ruckus from 16-inch tires except on very coarse pavement; 17s rumble on all but smooth surfaces. Test AWD V50 had annoying drumming resonance from cargo area at highway speeds.

Controls

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.9

Mostly user-friendly design. Unique ultrathin center stack houses audio, climate controls, which some testers say take time to sort out. Windshield-wiper stalk interferes with easy access to dashboard-mounted ignition switch. Cabin design sleek, modern. Materials of high quality. Some testers noted a persistent squeak from the driver seat in AWD V50.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.3

Interior width not abundant, but there's adult-size head and leg room on supportive, well-shaped seats. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel, available power seat let most drivers get comfortably situated. Visibility good except to right-rear in sedan, where head restraints and high deck interfere some.

Room/Comfort (rear)

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.6

Two adults get decent head and elbow room. Knee space tight if front seats more than halfway aft, but generous toe room offsets crowding. Seat short on thigh support. Narrow door thresholds impede entry/exit.

Cargo Room

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	7	4

Fine trunk room for compact sedan abetted by standard fold-down rear seats, but volume not huge by absolute standards and aperture won't swallow really big cargo. Wagon a nice little hauler, but tailgate doesn't open past roofline, making cargo access difficult for taller users. Interior storage subpar.

Value within Class

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
5	5	6	5	6

They may be a little too pricey and not quite sporty enough to snare the young driving enthusiasts Volvo targets. But S40 and V50 are solid, capable, and--without the sport suspension/17-inch-tire combination--comfortable small cars that offer most big-Volvo features in appealing compact packages. AWD availability strengthens the attraction.

Total Score

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	AWD V50 T5 w/17-in. whls., auto.	Class Average
56	56	57	59	57.4

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		57
High Score		65

2005 Volvo S40 and V50 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 08/01/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

S40 2.4i 4-door sedan, manual	$23,560	$22,182	$695

V50 2.4i 4-door wagon, automatic	$25,990	$24,466	$695

S40 T5 4-door sedan, manual	$26,395	$24,847	$695

V50 T5 4-door wagon, manual	$27,610	$25,990	$695

AWD S40 T5 4-door sedan, manual	$28,170	$26,515	$695

AWD V50 T5 4-door wagon, manual	$29,385	$27,657	$695

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.4i

Powertrain

2.4-liter 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, folding front-passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover (wagon), rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon), floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear fog light, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.

T5 adds to 2.4i:

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, 8-way power driver seat, aluminum interior trim, steering-wheel radio controls, trip computer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Front fog lights, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, sport suspension.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
T5	$3,000	$2,580
Power sunroof, leather upholstery, power passenger seat, driver-seat memory.

Sport Pkg.
2.4i	$1,175	$881
FWD T5	$775	$666
Aluminum interior trim (2.4i), front fog lights (2.4i), sport suspension, 205/50R17 tires, unique alloy wheels.

Select Pkg.
2.4i sedan	$2,975	$2,557
T5 sedan	$2,950	$2,536
2.4i wagon	$3,275	$2,815
T5 wagon	$3,250	$2,794
T5 wagon w/Dynamic Trim Pkg.	$3,250	$2,794
Power sunroof, 8-way power driver seat (2.4i), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, steering-wheel radio controls.

Dynamic Trim Pkg.
T5	$2,025	$1,741
Body cladding, rear spoiler, sport suspension (except AWD), 205/50R17 tires, unique alloy wheels.

Climate Pkg.
2.4i, T5	$975	$838
ordered w/bi-xenon	$718	$617
Heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, headlight washers.

Convenience Pkg.
2.4i sedan, T5 wagon	$850	$730
AWD T5 sedan	$425	$365
2.4i wagon	$1,175	$1,009
FWD T5 sedan	$525	$451
FWD T5 wagon	$850	$730
AWD T5 wagon	$725	$623
Universal garage-door opener, trip computer (2.4i), automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, cargo-area auxiliary power outlet (wagon), grocery-bag holder, roof rails (wagon).

Audio Pkg.
2.4i	$1,325	$1,138
T5	$1,250	$1,074
2.4i w/Premium Pkg.	$1,274	$1,095
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls (2.4i), upgraded sound system.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
2.4i, T5	$1,200	$1,200
Std. 2.4i wagon.

Safety
Antiskid system
2.4i, T5	$695	$597


Integrated child seats
2.4i, T5	$300	$258


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.4i, T5	$2,120	$1,823
Requires Audio Pkg.

Power sunroof
2.4i, T5	$1,200	$1,032


Leather upholstery
2.4i, T5	$1,200	$1,032


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights
2.4i, T5	$700	$602
Includes headlight washers.

Laminated side windows
2.4i, T5	$300	$258


Special paint
2.4i, T5	$475	$408


Caligo alloy wheels
2.4i	$300	$258


Sagitta alloy wheels
AWD T5	$500	$430
Includes 205/50R17 tires.

2005 Volvo S40 and V50 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Volvo S40 4-door sedan	Volvo V50 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	103.9	103.9

Overall Length, in.	175.9	177.7

Overall Width, in.	69.7	69.7

Overall Height, in.	57.2	57.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	3084	3269

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.3	62.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.3	15.9

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.9	38.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.6	41.6

Rear Head Room, in.	37.2	38.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.4	34.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I5

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /149	2.5 /154

Horsepower @ rpm.	168 @ 6000	218 @ 5000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	170 @ 4400	236 @ 1500

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/29	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	22/31

5-speed automatic	22/30	21/30

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Volvo S40 4-door sedan	Volvo V50 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	4	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	4	NA

Rollover Resistance	4	NA

Side Impact, Driver	5	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5	NA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	8/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	3/30,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Belgium

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2004.5 Volvo S40
Trim Level: T5
Arrival Date: 03/18/2004
Engine: Turbocharged dohc I5
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $26,990
Price as Tested: $33,755
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 1857
Mileage at End of Test: 2362
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 24.497 gals.

Major Options: Premium Pkg. (Leatehr Seating Surfaces, Power Passenger Seat, Memory Function for Driver's Seat and Mirrors, Power Glass Moonroof), Sport Pkg. (Dynamic Suspension, Sport Alloy 17-inh Wheesl, Aluminum Inlays), Climate Pkg. (Rain Sensor, Heated Front Seats, Headlamp Washer/Wiper), Audio Pkg. (Premium Sound System, 6-CD Player), Metallic Paint, Geartronic Automatic Transmission

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 20.61 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Rick Cotta A nice enough car, but doesn't seem worth the price differential over the Mazda 3 on which it's based.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2005 Volvo V50
Trim Level: T5
Arrival Date: 11/11/2004
Engine: Turbocharged dohc I5
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 6-speed manual
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $28,910
Price as Tested: $33,915
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 4010
Mileage at End of Test: 4698
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 27.749 gals.

Major Options: Metallic Paint, Climate Pkg. (Heated Front Seats, Headlamp Washers, Rainsensors), Audio Pkg. (Premium Sound System, 6-CD Player), Automatic Transmission w/ Geartronic Dynamic Stab/Tracs Control, 17-inch SAGITA Alloy Wheels

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 24.79 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Damon Bell The V50 is capable and competent, but its near-34K sticker price would have me shopping elsewhere.

Mark Bilek Other than the ultra-hard ride, this is an excellent city vehicle. Modest dimensions and excellent cargo versatility are key assets. However, the $33,000 price of entry is just too steep when compared to the competition. That makes this V50 just another in a long line of overpriced Volvos.

Rick Cotta The AWD T5 wagon is a good alternative to an SUV--and probably the most appealing model in this line. Prices climb quickly with a few niceties, but at least they're offered if you want them. Comparable Audi A4s are priced about the same, BMW 3-Series a little higher. Various Subarus beat any of the above for value, but don't carry the panache.

< 2005 Volvo S40 and V50 Photos

Also in the 2005 Volvo S40 and V50 Review:

Volvo S40 and V50

Volvo S40 and V50 Road Test

Volvo S40 and V50 Prices & Equipment

Volvo S40 and V50 Specs & Safety

Volvo S40 and V50 Photos

Volvo S40 and V50 Full Review

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