Overview & Reviews

Output from the 1.9-liter turbocharged mill is bumped up by 10 to 170 horsepower. A CD player makes its way onto the standard features list, and the front fascia gets a slight freshening thanks to a black egg-crate grille and body-colored side molding and bumpers. Inside you'll find a new three-spoke steering wheel and a four-dial instrument cluster. The sport package adds front and rear spoilers, blackout headlamp surrounds and 16-inch wheels, and the premium package now includes a leather-wrapped hand brake handle and gearshift lever.

• Strong complement of safety features, affordable base price, upscale interior.

• No manual transmission offered, lacks sporting intentions, pricing can quickly escalate with optional equipment installed.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 58.00

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  Great Car! Great Pricing - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Jammer - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Even though I am a large person I have found this car to have great seating and leg room. Peppy, Fun and luxurious are words that describe how it feels to drive this awesome compact sedan. I never would have guessed a Volvo could be so much fun to drive!

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  Too Often Overlooked - 2003 Volvo S40
  By S40 in MD - October 3 - 2:00 am

  The S40 has got to be one of the most over looked automobiles. I have owned the car for 8 months and it is a joy to drive. Plenty of acceleration, good handeling, comfortable, very secure in bad weather, economical, reduced insurance and no gimics. The model is to be replaced mid-year 2004, so watch for good discounts as Volvo does.

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  S40 Exceeds Expectations - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Eric T. - September 17 - 3:53 pm

  My S40 began life as a RENTAL CAR, and 30k miles later, I purchased it. Why this car? Initially because of its value, reputation, style, & service competency at the dealership. I havent had a single problem with my car. I commute 50 comfortable miles r/t daily, and get 30+mpg. Ive never struggled to merge into fast moving traffic. I keep it clean, change the oil myself, and monitor fluid levels and tire pressure/wear. Volvo has higher value over time, and is safer than most other cars on the road. When I want performance acceleration/handling/braking, Ill put on my helmet and leathers, and head for a track day on my superbike. My car is more than competent at what I expect from a car.

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  Yes it is a Volvo but..... - 2003 Volvo S40
  By StuartL. - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Got a great deal on a demo model with exactly the features that I wanted. People in the dealership are great and not stuckup like Audi and BMW. Given Volvos reputation for building sturdy, dependable cars I have been surprised by the need for new break pads every 20K and the high maintanence costs.

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  S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Dshark - July 10 - 10:00 am

  never owned a near-luxury vehicle but the S40 is fantastic so far. The gas mileage takes some getting used to as I previously owned a Mazda Protege LX. Also, it had a manual trany. Great.

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  Our 2002 S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Davit - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Noticed wind noise from sunroof, brought it in. Dealer of course said theres nothing wrong with it. A few months later the headliner had a water stain on it from a water leak. The dealer fixed the roof properly, but got greasy fingerprints all over the new headliner. Also the new headliner was installed improperly, now have at least 3 rattles we didnt have before. Had problem with the intermittent wipers not working and cruise control. All total weve had 6 dealer visits in the first 9 months of ownership, not what we expected in terms of Volvo reliability. Other than these problems the car has been very good.

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  for volvo...not bad. - 2003 Volvo S40
  By BunBun - March 8 - 2:00 am

  for a 18 yr old guy.. im quite happy abt s40.. i never thot volvo will design diff. looks. Cuz usually they jus design it square and ...u no .. like a coffin.. but for S40..its amazing. Even though its a demo car when i bought it.. the car still runs smoothly and i only have to bring to dealer for check up once so far to change brake that had been worn off, tires rotation and tires alignment.

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  Great car, expect to pay for it though - 2003 Volvo S40
  By GT3996 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This car was purchased for my wife in 12/00 with the expectation that we would have a baby before the end of the lease. We truly enjoyed the car, however the addition of our daughter has changed our feelings towards the S40. It is simply not large enough for two adults and one baby. With the baby seat in the rear-facing position behind the passengers seat, my wife has to move the passengers seat almost all of the way forward, which is obviously not comfortable. Also, we had to replace the brake pads at 13,000 miles, and tires at 22,000 miles.

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  Awesom - 2003 Volvo S40
  By tdta817 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Audi A4, VW Passat, but finally settle on the S40. Its nicely built, good controls, acceleration, and excellent safety features for small car.

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  Before you buy - 2003 Volvo S40
  By CBG - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I really do like my S40, but the maintenance cost are a bit outrageous. In one year I have spent apx. $700.00 JUST ON MAINTENANCE. Plus every 15,000 miles you have to replace all the break pads ($150). The car is very fun to drive and has great pick-up, but if I had known I would be spending so much money on maintenance I would have stayed with my Toyota.