22nd Jun 2012, 21:32
All of the European brands are plagued by electrical problems, and have been for years. Ford may be at fault in this case, but it's hardly unusual.
I agree that the interior is pretty underwhelming.
Without the turbo, the S40 feels like it's stuck in molasses. The lack of power at this price point is appalling. A very expensive, but better-looking Focus.
25th Jun 2012, 13:09
The 2.4 isn't the best engine for the S40... for better performance, the T5 is the one to have! There is no power shortage with this unit... wow! What a car!
25th Jun 2012, 20:21
After a 20-year string of Lincolns, our family decided to try a Volvo S-60 in 2003. It was the most underwhelming car we ever drove boring, and as bland as a Camry, and no more luxurious than a Ford Fusion. Switched back to Lincoln (the incomparable MKZ) in 2006, and plan to stay there.
26th Jun 2012, 08:02
Complete opposite for us - after years of driving Volvo's, we fancied a change and 'upgraded' to a Lexus, then BMW before an Audi, but NO WAY are these cars better... we have just ordered another Volvo, and will be staying there! Nothing can beat one for comfort or character... A Volvo isn't trying to be German or anything else other than a Volvo, and fair play for them for that. Volvo for life.
29th Jun 2012, 16:01
I can't imagine even comparing a Volvo to a BMW. That is sort of like comparing a Toyota Corolla to a Rolls Royce. The Volvo is basically a run-the-mill car in the same class as a Chevy Malibu or Ford Fusion. To even compare it to true luxury cars such as Lincoln or Buick, or sport sedans such as BMW, is a real stretch. My family has driven 5-series BMW's, E-class Mercedes, Lincolns and Buicks, as well as Volvo. I'd rate Volvo at the bottom of the barrel. For out-and-out luxury, nothing beats the Lincoln or Buicks. For handling, the BMW takes it. The Volvo got us from point A to point B, and that's about all it did.
3rd Jul 2012, 08:09
Umm... have you ever actually owned a Buick or Lincoln. Go and sit inside a new S80 or XC60, and tell me that the quality of the plastics in the Lincoln/Buick is anywhere near as good. They simply are not. Volvo has come on a lot just recently, and are now very good cars, right up there with Audi and BMW. I'm sorry, but it's true.
10th Jul 2017, 22:01
While this review is useful, it's disingenuous to blame the bad points on Ford and the good points on some latent hold-over from the days of an independent Volvo.
Fords are not especially known for electrical problems. But plenty of European cars are, such as Mercedes, Land Rover and BMW. For a European brand to have electrical problems is typical of many European cars, and is not a Ford characteristic.
2nd Nov 2011, 13:14
For some reason, Volvo C30, S40, and V50 models are sensitive to weak batteries. That was probably causing the electrical glitches (except for the burnt out bulbs).