Volvo S40 (2006)

December 12, 2005 - Volvos have always had a reputation for being boxy and good. In fact, the Swedish carmaker was described as such in the Dudley Moore comedy classic Crazy People. About 15 years ago (about the time this movie was released), Volvo's PR flacks were all stoked for the "boxy but good" shout out in the movie, as they thought it would help shake the brand's then somewhat "plain" image. What a difference a decade and a half makes, as Volvo is now responsible for some of the most stylish cars on the road. We're guessing that there's something in the water in Sweden that makes its people more open to design nowadays. In addition to stunningly beautiful women, this Scandinavian country now gives us the cheap stylish pleasures of Ikea, the stylized synth-pop of The Sounds and, of course, the sleek and stylish entry-level luxury-sports sedan, the Volvo S40.Sure, Volvo's S40 isn't exactly new to these shores, but the current design is still "fresh" in our eyes. Introduced in the middle of 2004, the redesigned S40 showed the world that Sweden could make an entry-level luxury sports car that can rival the best Germany has to offer.