Faults:

The steering column squeaks.

The boot cover pulls the plastic lining away from its housing.

The ECU is at best coping badly. I sometimes have to gun the engine to keep it going. It has apparently had new software for a known fault.

Bulbs keep blowing.

General Comments:

This car is very quick indeed. But for the money you get 200hp traded against build quality and handling.

Handling aint to hot.

It does look good though and can be tweaked up to 250bhp for the enthusiasts. If you do this you might consider a roll cage.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car.

General Comments:

After owning 2 great used Volvo 240's I though I would treat myself to a new American car. What a mistake. You cannot compare the quality of a used Volvo with a new American car.

I have now returned to Volvo with my used V40. What a dream! It is very reliable and a pleasure to drive. The seats are comfortable, the cabin is roomy. It is perfect for a couple with a small family.

The car handles the snow like it has all wheel drive. It is also a great looking car and looks new, even after 3 years.

The dealer experience was also positive. I realize that generally each car dealer stands on their own separate of the manufacturer, but I can't help, but think that Volvo is much more involved than other dealers in setting the 'tone' on the sales floor. The Volvo salespersons are salaried as opposed to commissioned. My wife commented that it was nice to NOT feel like hens among the foxes in a showroom. For example, do you hate it when the car salesman takes your offer to the elusive business manager for secret chat? At the Volvo dealer, I actually was party to this conversation. I was treated like an intelligent human being. What can't other dealers do this?

Faults:

I had a problem with the fuel pump that caused the engine to stop on the most inconvenient moments. Had to be replaced. This was a common problem on all 1.9D 115bhp engines.

General Comments:

This is one of the most attractive estates on the market. Not a big and lumpy car, but a sleek design. Comfortable and stylish. And giving priority on the highways here as well.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

A trusted start when entering the express way or having to pass.

A quailty ride on short or long trips.

Required oil change set at every 7500 miles and 1st service not reqired until 65000 miles. (so I was told)

Faults:

Has needed new brakes twice since we purchased it used 18 months ago. I suspect it needed new brakes when we bought it used from a Volvo dealer, but oh well.

Air conditioning leaked into passenger side front seat, but it went away by itself.

Nothing else!

General Comments:

Best value on the road! What more could you want: safety, performance, comfort, carrying capacity, and that great Volvo look!

We bought the Volvo because we wanted something REALLY safe. You don't get any better than this: head airbags, side airbags, front airbags, whiplash protection system, and more. Nobody does safety better than Volvo.

The V40 was our choice because we needed some carrying capacity, but didn't want to pay for a V70. A V40 is 91% of the length of a V70 but only 65% of the price!

The ride is great --- wonderful pick-up, really comfy seats, very stable and heavy feeling.

My only complaint is the interior is a bit cramped feeling (plus we have the sunroof which eats up some space).

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Very fast motor. Good buzz for the adrenaline junky.

The interior however is awful. Tacky bits abound and you could easily fall asleep looking at the dash.. If you weren't to busy spinning the wheels at 40mph that is! The interior really lets this car down. I will look next for a good performer with a better interior. Probably won't be Volvo.

Ford have not improved Volvo's boring image one bit with this car. I've got one year left with it. 1 year of looking at the dash and feeling disappointed. But putting my foot down reminds me of the real reason I bought it. It's a lot of engine for not much money.