Is it worth the extra funds to buy the stronger version? That depends on your driving style. I would prefer the base version and live with the reality that I don't have the rapid ride. Since the competition is as fast, or faster than the turbocharged version is not going to satisfy your primal urge to be the quickest anyway. For me, the looks, safety features, and solid chassis are what count so the base model would be best.
I don't dislike this Volvo, but it is so much different than the other members of the family it is difficult for me to accept its lineage. Yes, it looks like a Volvo but the tight interior and lack of trunk cargo space are very un-Volvo like. Does this make it a poor choice? Hardly, but it does take an open mind and since I drove Volvos for most of my life I find it a difficult paradigm shift to accept.
College male's view: First off, my singing career has resulted in a new name. Check me out at www.simple-thoughts.net. Download a few of my MP-3s. The reason I'm telling you this is simple. Yep, its cute and it scoots, but this S40 would toast my credit rating even for the base version.
As for my insights about this Volvo, well they are mixed. The driver's seat is good, but not as great as the other Volvos had, and the rear seating is hampered by a lack of legroom and a short cushion. I would say this seat is best left to the youngsters. The leather covering the seats was rather bland and the instruments were difficult to read in bright sunlight. One nice improvement was the fact that this car did not have that terrible station favorite turning knob that other Volvo models feature. It has simple to use buttons that is much safer and simpler to use without having to take your eyes off the road.
The T-5 five cylinder supplies ample acceleration bordering on exhilarating. Although I much prefer the Subaru Legacy GT that has a similar price, this Volvo seems smoother, quieter, and quicker off the line. I love the solid feel this car provides. It reminds me of the 3 Series BMW right down to the brakes.
Thankfully, the steering assembly has a long telescoping adjustment because the seats don't seem to adjust properly for my build. That would be a long torso and short legs in case you wanted to know. Furthermore, there is a lack of storage areas in the cockpit area and I found the foot wells a little cramped for my feet. The short wheelbase and the firm shocks make for a stable, but sometimes bumpy ride over poorly kept roads. The steering is quick, but not as precise as I would like.
So what we have here is a good-looking babe magnet sedan with enough power to keep depression under control and enough handling to make your drive home as peppery as you feel the need. Add in superior brakes, enough safety features to please your grandmothers, and adequate fuel mileage and you have a cool car. However, you should note that the Volvo S60 might be a better choice if you need space. This Volvo may not have all wheel drive like the S40, but is priced similarly and offers a lot more passenger room.
Family conference: The S40 is one spicy meatball. It looks sharp, performs well, and provides a sense of spottiness in a sedan format. Expect reasonable, but not exceptional gas mileage, but at least you are going to have some entertainment for the extra the premium fuel is going to cost you as the 218 horsepower five cylinder engine does its best to keep you upbeat. A nice car for a young couple or a practical single person who has a need for speed, the Volvo's major strength is its safety ratings and looks. The best small car Volvo has ever built, but at a price. For a list of all vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/auto/index.html
I don't dislike this Volvo, but it is so much different than the other members of the family it is difficult for me to accept its lineage. Yes, it looks like a Volvo but the tight interior and lack of trunk cargo space are very un-Volvo like. Does this make it a poor choice? Hardly, but it does take an open mind and since I drove Volvos for most of my life I find it a difficult paradigm shift to accept.
College male's view: First off, my singing career has resulted in a new name. Check me out at www.simple-thoughts.net. Download a few of my MP-3s. The reason I'm telling you this is simple. Yep, its cute and it scoots, but this S40 would toast my credit rating even for the base version.
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The T-5 five cylinder supplies ample acceleration bordering on exhilarating. Although I much prefer the Subaru Legacy GT that has a similar price, this Volvo seems smoother, quieter, and quicker off the line. I love the solid feel this car provides. It reminds me of the 3 Series BMW right down to the brakes.
Thankfully, the steering assembly has a long telescoping adjustment because the seats don't seem to adjust properly for my build. That would be a long torso and short legs in case you wanted to know. Furthermore, there is a lack of storage areas in the cockpit area and I found the foot wells a little cramped for my feet. The short wheelbase and the firm shocks make for a stable, but sometimes bumpy ride over poorly kept roads. The steering is quick, but not as precise as I would like.
So what we have here is a good-looking babe magnet sedan with enough power to keep depression under control and enough handling to make your drive home as peppery as you feel the need. Add in superior brakes, enough safety features to please your grandmothers, and adequate fuel mileage and you have a cool car. However, you should note that the Volvo S60 might be a better choice if you need space. This Volvo may not have all wheel drive like the S40, but is priced similarly and offers a lot more passenger room.
Family conference: The S40 is one spicy meatball. It looks sharp, performs well, and provides a sense of spottiness in a sedan format. Expect reasonable, but not exceptional gas mileage, but at least you are going to have some entertainment for the extra the premium fuel is going to cost you as the 218 horsepower five cylinder engine does its best to keep you upbeat. A nice car for a young couple or a practical single person who has a need for speed, the Volvo's major strength is its safety ratings and looks. The best small car Volvo has ever built, but at a price. For a list of all vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/auto/index.html
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