2009 Volvo S40 4-door 2.4i Sedan

The 2009 Volvo S40 is a fantastic way to enjoy the perks of owning a premium-brand automobile without having to pay a premium price. For around $30,000, customers can pick up an S40 2.4i complete with a frugal yet peppy five-cylinder engine, sporty ride and handling and legendary Volvo safety. For a bit more cash, the S40 T5 R-Design ups the ante with a powerful turbocharged engine, the availability of all-wheel drive and a long list of luxury features. While not as sophisticated or adept as an Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series, the S40 nonetheless plays well in this field, offering a nice balance of performance, economy and affordability.

You'll Like This Car If...	You May Not Like This Car If...
f you like to get the most bang for your buck, the 2009 Volvo S40 will impress you with its style, content and price. Long known for its emphasis on safety, Volvo carries on the tradition with side-impact and side-curtain airbags, the Whiplash Protection System and other safety features.	If you regularly need room for four adults, the S40's cramped rear seat and moderate headroom are a negative. Power in the base car is far from exhilarating and all-wheel drive is available only with the pricier T5 R-Design, and neither car offers a manual transmission option.

The V40 2.4i receives more standard equipment, including a five-speed automatic transmission (the manual option has been dropped), 17-inch wheels, upgraded sound system with six-disc CD/MP3 changer, a power moonroof, fog lights, power driver's seat and Bluetooth connectivity. The T5 R-Design receives additional R-inspired trim both inside and out, as well as leather seating with R embossed logo, memory functions for the driver's seat and heated front seats.