Faults:

Battery, alternator.

Brakes, suspension.

Oil leak.

Power steering fluid leak.

ABS.

General Comments:

Good looking little Volvo, this car did me OK for a while.

No major issues, but quite a lot of parts replaced, mostly down to wear and tear. Reliability was OK. Some parts were expensive however.

1.6 basic boring engine, average performance and economy.

Very nice interior even on this basic model.

Classic Volvo really, reliable and durable but boring. I scrapped it recently as it failed an MOT needing too much work, but it was 20 years old, not bad going.

Faults:

If you plan on buying this car, prepare to do the valve body. They consist of weak aluminum parts. If you catch it before serious problems occur, then it's replacing that over the whole transmission.

Gets good mileage, comfortable, and looks great. Just work the kinks out of the design flaws, and it will be a great car.

Also, do not use winter mode, as it puts the trans in second, putting greater wear on transmission. Put some Spyder Spikes on... Or get the AWD T5..

General Comments:

I love the car's look, and interior. However I do not like how cheap it feels. You would think you're driving a Civic, not a Volvo..

Faults:

Brake calipers at 25,000 miles (replaced under warranty).

2 factory batteries replaced under warranty.

AC clutch replaced at 83,000 miles.

Fuel tank pressure sensor replaced at 83,000 miles.

General Comments:

Overall, a nice little car. Reasonably snappy performance and decent economy.

My gripe with the car is the extraordinarily high maintenance cost that is due to Volvo's "weirdness". The procedure for replacing the cabin air filter (removing the gas pedal) is ridiculous. All maintenance on a Volvo costs more than other makes. The parts are out of sight. You have to abandon the dealership after the warranty runs out, unless you want to be completely killed on the labor. You must find a good Volvo shop.

Faults:

Purchased the car, and a few months after purchase, the air conditioner started to blow hot air. I live in Texas, and this occurred in the spring. It wasn't too hot at the time, and Volvo said they fixed it.

Right smack in the middle of summer, the air blew out hot air like the heater was on. I took it in 5 times, and each time I got a computer upgrade.

Finally, the last time, Volvo replaced my A/C. It still occurs every once in a while. Just in time for my warranty to go out.

Now, when backing up, my rear brake locks and doesn't stop. I've had the pads replaced and checked the fluids are all OK. Now I'm getting a warning that there is a brake failure when I back up. My check engine light is on, and told there may be a problem with my O2 sensor.

I have had my Volvo S40 at the dealer so often, I hear a tone of frustration when I announce my name on the phone with the service crew. They know me by 1st name. I hate, hate, hate, hate this car.

General Comments:

Worst car I've ever owned.