Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2006 Volvo S-40 T-5 (5-cylinder turbocharged) which is universally viewed with a great deal of respect. And you know what? You need to give credit where credit is due. It has earned the image of safety, solidly, or well built with a long recognized classic design which translates into – expensive. Relatively speaking, it isn’t expensive. Rather, it is well priced for this class and quality of automobile.
For me this is one of the top ten favorite cars to own when everything is taken into consideration. My wife is in another top ten listing of all possible women in the world – and for the same reasons. My five senses tell me so and the sixth sense is that I know intuitively know both are exactly right – “Just Because”. I used to say ‘because’ to my young daughter and she’d say, because isn’t an answer. Now that she’s a mom, she knows that sometimes ‘because’ IS an answer. Funny how that works.
Private discussion for Public expression: GM called a couple of weeks ago and wanted to discuss their new gas rebate program where you are guaranteed gas at $1.99 a gallon for the next year. Say what? Ok you probably heard the announcement and the resultant back lash about the devious way they are promoting their “Gas Guzzler” cars like the Tahoe, Suburban and the H2 and H3 and some sedans. Ever notice how such marketing gimmicks draw so much attention – like GM is a bad guy or something for giving you money back on gas. They do it with Zero Interest and no bitching and complaining – but tie it to Crude Oil and the critics go bonkers. What’s that all about?
We all know it’s just a marketing way of allowing you to buy the higher fuel use vehicles and we don’t even know if that kick back will work. And you know what – I don’t care. Do you?
Handling & Performance:
I enjoy the feeling I get from a car that takes the turns with comfort and ease. It’s like it wants to be there with you. Know the feeling? The Corvette Z06 felt kind-a that way too but it was there to race.
Styling:
I like what I See. Does that make Sense?
Fit and Finish:
Quality construction you can see, hear, touch, smell (while it’s new), taste the desire and of course the sixth sense – intuition – knowing this is the car for me.
Cost:
Excellent, considering it is a quality Volvo.
Conveniences:
An outstanding list of things included in the price.
Consumer Recommendation:
Quite a field of competition. Boy could you get dizzy searching for ecstasy – while having to pick from such a great lineup of cars. But I could own this car and I can’t say that about many out there that I test.
This list however has got to be more difficult for most than choosing a spouse that comes with a much higher price tag. And trust me the maintenance on this Volvo is far less in comparison. For the ladies, if you want to look like a soccer mom even if you aren’t, buy the Volvo because it exudes “Family”. Saab has a similar image but that’s a whole ‘nuther story. For the guys who my friend Price C. refers to as “Gear Heads” buying a car comes way before shopping for a mate.
Recognized Competition:
Volvo S40 $24-29,000, BMW 3-Series $31-45,000, Cadillac CTS $29-51,000, Mercedes-Benz C-Class $29-54,000, Audi A-4 $28-45,000, Saab 9-3 $26-42,000, Volkswagen Passat $23-32,000, Subaru Legacy $22-34,000, Jaguar X-Type $32,330, Lexus IS $30-35,000, Infiniti G35 $31-34,000, Acura TSX $28-30,000.
Good News:
Turbocharged power, decent fuel economy, many thoughtful features included as standard equipment and one especially I appreciate is the “kinder and gentler” (quieter) ding-ding seat belt reminder.
Bad News:
Annoying surge in acceleration due to turbocharger,
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 5-cylinder 218 horsepower turbocharged engine, 5-speed electronically controlled auto / manual transmission, stability traction control, uni-body construction with integral passenger safety, cage high strength steel (HSS) components and energy absorbing impact structures, front and side primary and supplemental air bag restraint systems, weight sensor for front passenger multistage airbag, security system with immobilizer anti-theft ignition, child rear seat anchors door safety locks and warning system, fog lights, climate control, trip computer, memory for locking, audio and climate control settings, steering wheel audio controls, power windows, heated power mirrors with turn signal lights built in, power drivers seat and trunk lock/unlock, remote entry, tilt and telescopic steering column with leather wrapped wheel, cruise control, front and rear armrests, dust / Pollen filter, O/S temp indicator heated rear window, stereo with CD player and 6 speakers.
Gas Stats:
22 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $26,615.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2006 – An Automotive Love Affair
