Volvo Problems

Volvo claimed safety as its own realm in the '70s when it relentlessly sold its "safe and solid" message, but by the time the '90s rolled around it had lost its gloss.  By the time the new 40 series was launched in 1997 Volvo's drab, boxy shape was dated and was an impediment to sales.Model watchThe 40 series replaced the oddly styled 440, which had died in sales terms. Unlike the 440, the new 40 series was pleasantly styled, in line with contemporary trends. But there was no mistaking the trademark grille with its diagonal slash and familiar Volvo badge.The S40 and V40 were essentially the same, the S denoting the sedan model, the V standing for variant or wagon. The body differences were from the rear doors back.Mechanically both models were the same. Initially there was the one engine available, and that was a smooth 2.0-litre, double overhead camshaft, 16-valve, all-alloy, four-cylinder unit that gave 103kW of peak power generated at 6100 revs and 183Nm of torque, which arrived at 4500 revs.The 40 series was something of a surprise if you were prepared to rev it hard and high to realise its performance potential. That was boosted by the introduction of a 1.9-litre turbocharged engine. The T-4 40 series gave 147kW of peak power with the turbo under the bonnet. Early in 1998 Volvo also launched the T sedan and wagon.A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, or for an extra $2000 there was a four-speed auto with the drive through the front wheels.  On the road the auto was smooth in its operation. Yet it tended to hunt between gears, and soaked up some of the four-cylinder's power to dull the performance, which was more evident with the manual box.Ride was a little solid for what was a family sedan, but the handling was safe and secure. It exhibited the front-wheel-drive tendency to push wide at the front when pressed.  Equipment included airconditioning, power windows, central locking, power mirrors, cloth trim and four-speaker sound.The better equipped SE, priced at a $4000 premium, included leather trim, woodgrain highlights, CD sound, climate-control aircon, sports steering wheel and alloy wheels.  The T-4 had 16-inch alloy wheels, traction control, sports suspension and sports seats.In the shopThe 40 series is living up to Volvo's reputation for reliability, so look for a service record that can be verified. It should be from a Volvo dealer or acknowledged service specialist.Major services are due every 45,000km and it's important to replace the cam belt every 125,000km. Failure to do so risks severe internal damage if the belt breaks.Look for signs of bodgy crash repairs, mismatching paint on adjacent panels, overspray in door, boot or bonnet openings, variable panel gaps and doors or tailgates that don't open and close smoothly.  Front airbags for driver and passenger provided protection in head-ons, with the side impact protection system for side-on crashes.Add to that front seatbelt pre-tensioners, and built-in baby seats that match toddlers to the adult seat belts, and you have an impressive secondary safety package.  The primary safety package includes ABS and dynamic stability assistance.Owner's viewGlenys Allender says her 1997 Volvo S40 T4 has excellent fuel economy, smooth power, superb handling, powerful brakes, a good-sized boot and build quality. Negatives are the ride, faulty fuel gauge and poor headlights.Rating 14/20 Solid compact family sedan with good performance and handling without the traditional but rather boxy-looking styling