Personal review on my S40

Purchased the 2006 S40 and requested manual. I decided on this vehicle for personal reasons since I haven't purchased a car in a long time, being single & Swedish ancestry thought this would be the ideal car. Understated, real & firm with environmental issues that I believe in. I was amazed at how Volvo represents their products with the intent to protect the population as well as its habitat. In fact, I was concerned why it didn't have that 'new car smell' and discovered it was for health reasons! Who knew!

Incidentally, since Volvo were built on safety, the word Volvo is Latin word translated to 'roll on, or roll on wards':

-The Volvo design team invented both the 'safety cage and crumple zones' concept, where passengers are protected in a strong 'safety cage' and the energy in a crash is absorbed by destruction of the 'crumple zones'.


I agree with last reviewer on blind spots, especially parking lots (had couple scary experiences) and the freeway. I have taken out the headrests in the rear thinking that might help. It is nerve wracking on the freeways but have learned to adjust the side mirrors to reduce blind spots (thankfully after seeing an email about side mirrors aren't generally adjusted probably anyway) and getting a dose of exercise of craning my neck & body to be certain there are no side vehicles (or simply stay in the right lane or speed up enough to get away from other cars, which the car can easily perform).

I like the idea of spray painting the exhaust & gee who would have thought it was just the darn tires that were making the noise!

Now, I want to get back to the blind spots for a moment. Although it is annoying & still getting used to it but I have also learned that the road isn't really safe with drivers especially those in their SUV's, trucks, etc that basically think they own the road. The car almost re invents the concept that driving with other cars isn't safe, that we do need to drive defensively and be alert. Since I drive shift, that was my intention anyway and the Volvo only makes us realize we can enjoy the roads, yes, but we share the road with other machines.

The back seat is unique where I can fold down with enough room for my 2 large dogs. That was a neat feature.

For the driver side, the seats adjusts well for the back but wish the headrests were nearer to support the head, but that is a personal thing and in due time will make the necessary adjustments.

The car is nimble, responsive and getting a few items to get the car interior friendly. I regret not getting the multi CD stereo and even leather interior. However the representative at the time gave me pros & cons & since I wanted a 'no fuss ownership' the best way to go was basic (received even a lesson in tannery!). I think they were also happy to find a 'driver' who can shift! But shifting in my opinion does ease stress on the engine/transmission and I enjoy better control & response.

I enjoy my Volvo. The fact it is reliable for a single woman is vital and the feature of exterior lighting when I approach my car when walking my dogs at night makes me feel very welcome & safe.