Faults:

My main problem/concern is the steering wheel is beginning to "blister". Has anyone else had this experience?

When accelerating, sometimes the shifting doesn't take place at the right time. Or it will downshift on it's own.

General Comments:

Overall, I love my Volvo S40. This is my first new car and I love it. It's fast and I look great in it. :)

Faults:

The front suspension started creaking after only about 10,000 km's. The first time I am told its normal, second time I threatened to complain to Volvo Sweden if they don't fix it. Problem solved.

The gearbox used to downshift suddenly during acceleration after braking. Dealer upgraded the gearbox software.

Rattling noise from the engine, like a coin bouncing on a metal tray. Service manager said that it would take too long to find out what the problem was and that it was probably not serious since the noise wasnt constant. He assured me that he would change the entire engine if a serious problem was to develop. I agreed fully. The noise is now audible only at over 6,000 rpm.

Cooling fan extremely noisy. No solution.

The steering column cover has become lose, but I'm told it is normal.

General Comments:

You're probably wondering why I'm still so happy with my car, it's because the Volvo dealer made the mistake of giving me a three year unlimited mileage warranty. Yes, they will regret it; I drive like a maniac (according to friends and family) and do on average 200 km's/day. That's over 200,000 km's in three years.

The car handles like a beauty although there is a lot of under steer which on several occasions caused my heart to skip.

Acceleration is pathetic although the top speed is acceptable. Engine sounds as if it is dying at over 5,500 rpm.

The car looks really awesome if you have all the cladding and skirts color coded.

I am told that the brake pads are very soft; this may be why there is always so much brake dust on my wheels.

Faults:

Windshield wiper blades faulty - the dealer would not replace them, but installed the new ones or free.

The car seems to make a high-pitched sound on occasion when turning at very low speeds.

The climate control (A/C) makes a discharging sound for no apparent reason.

General Comments:

My parents bought the car for me pre-owned as a Volvo Certified Pre-Owned Car (it was previously a loaner car). So far my S40 has been almost trouble free, and delivers great performance and a smooth ride.

When I was car shopping, I often read that a BMW 3-Series was superior to the S40, and it probably is, but a loaded 3-Series cost over $40,000 while a fully loaded 2004 S40 cost $29,000.

Faults:

The brakes ware off too fast, it's been lest then a year and I had to replace the left rear disk recently.

Occasionally when I'm speeding, the climate control goes berserk. Instead of cold air, warm air is vented into the car.

General Comments:

The seats are comfortable, however there isn't enough leg-room and head-room in the rear.

The engine is quite powerful, nothing compared to my 850 though. Love the 0 to 100 acceleration. However the 100 to 200 acceleration is very disapointing.

Parking is easy with this car, it's quite small for a Volvo. However Volvo should have made reverse censors standard and not optional.

The cabin lighting is OK, but Volvo should have retained similar lightings from the first generation of V40. That car had a really well lit cabin.

Faults:

No faults of any kind.

General Comments:

This car is simply fast and furious.

Volvo usually has been thought of 'the vehicle for the elders' but with the new S60 and S40 this has been changed totally. I (aged 23) find this car to be perfect for a small family or a bachelor.

The quality and craftsmanship of the vehicle is also superb. Although it's built in the Netherlands with Mitsubishi-shared platform it still delivers and takes the best of both.

Safety, speed and looks from Volvo - Economy, value and handling from Mitsubishi.