1997 Volvo S40 SE review from UK and Ireland

Minor wheel bearing problem at 31000 miles - fixed under warranty.

Alarm (not Volvo specification and fitted by another company) stopped working at 38000 miles.

This is my first Volvo and I am very happy with the performance and reliability of the car since I bought it.

Performance is great - more than enough for almost any situation to ensure safe progression - if you thought all Volvos were slow, you might be surprised how this one goes!

Handling is OK, though ride isn't great over poor road surfaces.

Cabin noise is reasonable, changing the tyres reduced transmitted road noise - engine can be a little 'boomy' and loud around 80 mph (which is an illegal speed of course!)

Seats are excellent and help ensure that long or short distances are travelled in comfort. In general the cabin is well planned with all controls to hand.

Good specification on this model - seat heaters, multi CD changer player, electric sunroof etc.

Although a saloon, load-space options are flexible with folding rear seat and front passenger seat folding flat too to allow long loads to be carried.

Although this car has been fine, driving more modern designs makes you realise the replacement for this model soon to be launched on the market is needed as the current version is getting a bit long in the tooth - still I would still buy another one, though I would almost certainly get a V40 instead for even more loading flexibility.