The 2009 Volvo S40 is a good looking compact car, with a great looking front end. Foreign competitors include Acura TSX, Lexus IS, Saab 9-3, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Jaguar X-TYPE. Domestic competition comes mainly from the Cadillac CTS and the Lincoln MKZ. S40 updated its looks in the 2008 model year and so did not change its basic appearance in the 2009 model year.

Unfortunately for the S40, aside from being a pretty car it doesn't have that much to offer. Reviewers knock it based on price, fuel economy, driver front crash test ratings, front headroom and power. About the only upsides for its class are side crash test ratings and a slightly better than average warranty.

Getting down to cases, the S40 comes in sedan only, with two trim levels: the 2.4i and the T5 R-Design. The 2.4i is two-wheel drive only and comes with a 169 horsepower 2.4 liter I5 engine. T5 R-Design comes in either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It has a 227 horsepower 2.5 liter I5 engine mated with a five-speed automatic transmission.

NHTSA gives the S40 a five-star side and passenger front crash test rating, with four-star driver front crash test and rollover ratings. Though you can quibble with or praise certain aspects of these test results, overall they are about average for class. The S40 comes with a tire pressure monitor, child safety locks, antilock brakes, traction/stability control, airbags everywhere and an emergency inside trunk release, all standard.

Standard features on the 2.4i include automatic headlights; heated, power outside mirror; tilt/telescoping steering wheel with mounted controls; six-disc CD changer; power driver's seat; second row folding seat; and a sunroof. With options or trim upgrades you can also get wood interior trim; navigation system; premium sound system; and leather, heated front seat. Somewhat surprisingly, you cannot get adjustable foot pedals, DVD player, hands free cell phone system, power lumbar support or power passenger seat.

Coming in at a base price of $28,550, the 2009 Volvo S40 is priced just under the cost of most luxury cars in its class, and well above the cost of the average family domestic compact. But most of the lower cost cars give you as much, or nearly so, and the luxury cars give you more in several areas. All in all, there are better buys out there whether you are interested in luxury or economy.