2005 Volvo S40 and V50: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.