Overview & Reviews

German car companies have long been the dominant players in the compact sport sedan market. The Volvo S40, introduced to the North American market in 2000, was the Swedish brand's first stab at stealing some market share. Though it had its shortcomings, the S40 was a decent small sedan that helped redefine Volvo's image. Instead of the standard boxy shape once associated with Volvos, the S40 had a sleeker silhouette and was relatively fun to drive.

Volvo released the improved second-generation S40 midway through 2004. Styling is sportier and more refined, as are the car's ride and handling dynamics. Additionally, there are now two engine choices, including a turbocharged five-cylinder. Though it still doesn't have the prestige or athleticism of its German competition, the latest Volvo S40 costs less and still offers plenty of refinement, comfort and style.

Current Volvo S40
The Volvo S40 compact sport sedan is available in two trim levels -- T5 and T5 R-Design. Both are front-wheel drive and powered by a turbocharged 227-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder. A five-speed automatic is the sole transmission.

Standard feature highlights include a sport suspension, a telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, a sunroof, Bluetooth and a six-CD changer with satellite radio, HD radio and iPod control. The "R-Design" adds sporty exterior and interior styling cues. Options include leather seating, heated seats, a navigation system and a 12-speaker premium sound system.

Inside the S40, the seats, dash and panels look upscale and classy, and the ultra-slim center stack design makes a fashion statement while adding to the car's functionality. The driving position is snug and comfortable, but adults seated in the rear might find legroom tight.

In reviews, our editors have found the Volvo S40 entertaining to drive thanks to its turbocharged engine and lively handling. But the S40 just doesn't do much else to distinguish itself. Whether you're looking for the latest technology features, sportier performance, better fuel economy or just a more prestigious image, you'll likely find a better choice for a premium or entry-level luxury sedan.

Used Volvo S40 Models
The present second-generation Volvo S40 was introduced midyear as a 2004.5 model. (A related wagon variant is called the V50.) Compared to the current model, the S40 hasn't received major changes since then, but you'll want to pay attention to the various updates over the years when shopping for a used model.

Up until 2010, Volvo offered a base 2.4i model. It came with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-5 rated for 168 hp and 170 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged T5 was a bit less powerful from the debut until 2007 than it is now; it made 218 hp. You might also encounter a model with a manual transmission; Volvo intermittently offered a manual for both the base 2.4i and T5 over the years. All-wheel drive was also available for the T5 through 2010.

There have been a few important equipment changes as well. Stability control became standard on all S40s for 2007, and upgraded audio components and the new blind-spot monitoring system joined the roster for '08. The '09 model received a slew of former options as standard equipment.

The first-generation Volvo S40 sport sedan debuted for 2000. It came with a turbocharged 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine that made 160 hp and 170 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the front wheels, and there was no manual transmission or AWD option. Standard features included ABS, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, and heated mirrors, while features like leather upholstery and a power driver seat were optional. In 2001, Volvo added safety features to the S40 and made minor styling changes to the headlights and interior. The company also brought out a new five-speed automatic transmission. For 2003, power was increased to 170 hp, and a CD player became standard. In 2004, Volvo added an LSE trim to the lineup to sustain interest in the car until the current generation launched later in the year.

In reviews of the first-generation Volvo S40, we noted that it was a competent small sedan but nonetheless a tough sell over the less expensive but comparably upscale turbocharged or V6-powered Volkswagen Jetta. If you're interested in buying a used S40 of this vintage, we'd recommend going with one from '03 or later, as these models benefited from the abovementioned mild power bump and standard CD player.

User Reviews:

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  This baby begs to be driven! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By SteveSS - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this vehicle more and more each day. I travel a lot of back country roads and this beauty performs! Only complaint so far, highway driving seems a bit harsh. Oddly enough I would think it would be smooth on the highway, it seems to ride better on hilly country roads. The S40 responds to your every need, its comfortable, responsive and turns heads. I test drove a 2005 Subaru Outback turbo, the 250hp did not come close to the performance of the 218hp Volvo. I originally wanted the AWD drive version but for some reason is hard to get. I opted for the automatic geartronic transmission, which is a blast to drive.

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  Not great, but solid in most ways - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Darren Miles - July 7 - 10:16 pm

  The S40 is a great way for Volvo to reach a new crowd of drivers, the car is solid, but there are some minor annoyances. Seems as though I have the same likes/issues as most of the others on the list. I have replaced both the front and rear brakes (car only has 31,000 miles), the check engine light comes on/off constantly (its an emissions fault, but does not affect the car in anyway, but would make it difficult to sell if the light came on), and I have replaced the front bulbs 3 times, though the latest set have lasted over a year.

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  Good Car - Thought Not for the New Price - 2009 Volvo S40
  By EL - July 1 - 10:33 am

  My main beefs with the car is that the base engine is fairly weak for how heavy the car is. Throw that thing in a Honda Civic & it performs quite well. But you buy a Volvo for the solid build & safety ratings & it could afford a slightly more powerful base engine [~ 190hp?]... it shouldnt affect the fuel efficiency that much. The T5 isnt that much worse on the MPGs. Otherwise, I agree with most of the reviews & the main reason I bought this car is because I bought a loaner vehicle from a dealership for a third off the MSRP. And thats a 2009 with 10k miles. Volvos depreciate so much & that makes it worth it. That pretty much sold me. And my wife wanted it. Maybe that was the reason.

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  I Love My Swede - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Barbara - July 1 - 6:46 am

  So far this car has been awesome and incredibly so was the experience of purchasing the vehicle--they treated me like a Queen

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  My wife loves it - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Jeff Robinson - June 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife get her S40 5 days ago. She thiniks this the best little car for her 49" body. It is easy to drive and very good looking. She says she fields safe in it and it is speedy. The seats are my favorite I could sleep for days in them. I have had some hight end cars and now driving a Land Rover Disco and The little Volvos seats are above all of them.

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  my new s40 - 2006 Volvo S40
  By lisa - June 21 - 6:36 pm

  I thought I wanted a BMW then i looked at the volvo s40 and fell in love with it, its fun to drive, it has the speed and pick up when i want it and handles nicely, my daughter wants it, shes 13!!! I love owning a Volvo and feel safe.

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  bang for buck - 2004 Volvo S40
  By jennifers favorite - June 16 - 2:00 am

  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

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  I love this car - my 3rd Volvo - 2006 Volvo S40
  By me - June 12 - 12:33 pm

  I love this car - Many improvements over my last S40 - Beautiful car!! The only problem is that the electric drivers seat doesnt go back far enough (and Im 52"). I miss my Turbo -- what was I thinking!? The car is gorgeous - the only design defects are that I hit the wipers everytime I go near the key, the front window buttons are too far up (I keep putting the back windows down instead), bad blind spots & I hate leather but need a sunroof - this is a difficult package. I would give up some of that trunk room to have more room in the back seat. The cup holders are awful - they should be covered & bigger. Great car despite design defect Get lots of compliments! Needs an alarm for sunroof!

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  Good S40 - 2005 Volvo S40
  By HSIA OFENG YANG - June 10 - 11:01 am

  It is a 2005 Volvo S40. Still feel pretty good driving it. Still has the feel of an old luxury car.

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  Not too bad so far. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By kdooms94 - June 9 - 6:38 am

  I have had a couple issues with the car. I replaced the brakes and rotors when i bought it, but that was my choice. The check engine light is almost always on, but I just ignore it as the car still runs fine and gets great fuel economy without it. I blew a radiator hose a while ago, but that isnt unexpected on a car that is 12. And i blew a brake hose, which also isnt uncommon on a car that is that age, as i have friends with fords, and toyotas, and hondas who have also experienced similar issues. My recommendation is to use high grade fuel when you can, as the car starts really hard and runs rough on regular fuel, and probably contributes to many of the problems others have listed.