4 Star Reviews for 2004 Volvo S40

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.63/5 Average
98 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Volvo offers two generations of its S40 sedan for sale in 2004. The old S40 receives few changes this year; however, an upscale LSE trim version has been added. There are also minor revisions to the front fascia, and the audio system now comes pre-wired for a CD changer. Midway through the model year, an all-new S40 arrives as a 2004.5 model. Nothing is carried over from the previous S40. The new sedan is shorter in overall length but has a longer wheelbase -- this translates to better handling and more interior room. Whereas the previous S40 has only one drivetrain option, the new version has two engine and three transmission choices.

Pros:
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 98.00
  • Thank God Volvo buys back - 2004 Volvo S40
    By -

    Had the car less than 2 days and Volvo still cant figure out what is wrong with this thing. This is my second Volvo , 850 turbo was the first, a better car but Ford didnt own them then. They are currently replacing the whole emission system. At least the dealer Buys back or replaces which is where I am at the moment.

  • conservative good looks - 2004 Volvo S40
    By -

    Ive had my car for only a couple weeks, enjoy it so far. Rides smoothly, handles nice, good zip, conservative exterior good looks have made some turn their heads. Drove over a portion of highway that had been stripped in order to repave, fairly considerable buzzing in the drivers side pillar, though normally it doesnt. Noticed a very slight squeek when coming to stop, not sure if its brakes. I also considered the Acura TSX and also came down to styling, TSX looks too much like an Accord, the dealer wasnt very friendly, nor would they respond to my email queries. The Volvo staff were very friendly, not pushy and were willing to negotiate via email.

  • bang for buck - 2004 Volvo S40
    By -

    rides good very good fuel economy getting an average around 29 or 30 mpg on a 35 mile trip to work daily on road with cruise control set on 79mph we got 35 to36 mpg from ga to ind

  • BUYER BEWARE - 2004 Volvo S40
    By -

    I really like my car, however, the paint is severely oxidizing on the top panels. Volvo North Americas representative would not even look at my car saying it was not covered. The finish is dull and must be waxed everytime the car is exposed to bad weather or washed. I would look at other comparable cars. The yearly maintenence on this car is expensive. Oil change is $75.00, 1st service at 15,000 miles will run $250.00 and the 30,000 mile is just over $500.00. I also needed to replace my brakes at 25,00 miles for $500.00. Volvo uses very soft pads, your alloy wheels will always be covered in brake dust a day or so after washing your car.

  • S40 Good but could be so much better... - 2004 Volvo S40
    By -

    I have driven the car on long trips as well as used it as a commuter and the driver comfort is excellent as are the interior features. My S40 is the 5spd manual non-T5 yet I LOVE the responsiveness and handling of the car in all types of weather - and the good mileage! (way better than auto-trans). I got the winter mats (a must for a New England winter) and had the dealer install - those little buttons that hold the mats in place REALLY should be fastened better. The other nag is that I get intermittent wind noise/whistle from somewhere in back. I dread the first rattle - PLEASE dont be a Ford and rattle after 30k miles! -the fuses for the 12volt were dead when I bought it...bummer.

  • This car can save your life - 2004 Volvo S40
    By -

    I bought this car for my teenage daughter, in part because of its safety features. Within months she was involved in a serious rollover accident (swerved to avoid a deer) and the car came to rest on its roof. The car was totaled. Looking at the car afterward I would have believed it was a fatal accident, but she did not have a scratch! If safety is paramount to you, you can count on this car - it saved my daughters life.

  • It needs more work on the brakes - 2004 Volvo S40
    By -

    It was fun to drive the car, but after 12months of driving, I start to feel pain/uncomfortable with my knee while driving it daily. I dont think its my phyical problem, but due to the design of the car.

  • Excellent car for the money! - 2004 Volvo S40
    By -

    I purchased my 2004 S40 on 9/2003 with a $4000 rebate and free maintenance for 3 yrs. The 170hp turbo has plenty of power and the 5-speed automatic is great. This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I currently have 33k miles on it. This car has features like auto climate control and heated seats that are usually only found on larger vehicles. They put synthetic oil in from the factory so you only have to go back for an oil change every 7,500 miles. This car is also very fun to drive and it handles the road like a champ.

  • New to Volvo, I made a GREAT choice! - 2004 Volvo S40
    By -

    Went to a VW dealership expecting to walk out with a turbo Beetle for my fiancee. Instead we got a GREAT deal on a 2004 S40 LSE. The ride is great and the car is shockingly responsive for only being a 4cyl turbo with automatic transmission. The interior is GREAT. the leather seating is luxurious and the dash/controls are ergonomically placed. Im already so comfortable in it that I feel like Ive owned the car for 3 years, not 3 days.

  • Good Deal and unique - 2004 Volvo S40
    By -

    Just bought the car yesterday for about 1100 under invoice. We had a sudden need for another car and wanted something economical that still had a little panache. Looked at Hondas, Toyotas, et cetera. Weve had a couple of BMWs including a competing 3 series. I dont really expect the same level of performance, comfort, or resale but the Volvo was about $10K less and I just think it has cool - unique (perhaps a little quirky) styling. I am expecting to like it very much and give it to my 13 year old daughter in a few years. jr

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