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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  nice, but not perfect - 2002 Volvo S40
  By marmot - December 25 - 2:00 am

  considered this car b/c of volvos reputation for safety and positive reviews. bought b/c volvo offers such good deals on demos. if not for the good deal, i wouldve bought a vw jetta with 1.8l turbo. the S40 runs and handles very well, but im often cursing the cockpit features. turbo is fun, but sucks gas. thought my next car would be an S60, but will probably look closer at passat and lexus.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Tracy - December 1 - 6:16 am

  This car is by far the best car I have owned! Comfort and reliability are hands down in the top 1% of its class. I love driving this car -- especially after I have driven another for any amount of time. It is a much smoother ride than my BMW 328i, and has better handling. I traded my Mazda RX-8 in on this car and although reluctant to go from a sportscar to another sedan, I am so glad that I did! This car is just as much fun to drive as the RX-8, but so much more reliable and comfortable! And can comfortably seat 5 adults.

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  Volvo S40 T5 Fwd - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Impressed - November 29 - 6:50 pm

  Wow, what a nice car. I had never owned a Volvo and was always turned off by their square body styling, that was until I saw the new 2005 S40. Volvo has definitely done a great job improving their body styles. I was originally interested in the BMW 325i. I figured I would at least give the competitors a try, so I test drove the Audi A4, Mercedes C230, and Acura TSX. I came across the S40 while doing some research on Edmunds. The ratings were good and the price looked even better. I went for a test drive and I was sold. In my opinion, the S40 T5 blew the others out of the water. I have been driving the car in the city and getting an impressive 27 mpg. I hope this continues after the break in.

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  5 Years and still purring - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Tim - November 17 - 4:53 am

  I have owned a 2001 Volvo S40 for over 5 years now, and it is still runs the same as when I drover her off the lot. The car has a great interior, is fun to drive, and is the best value for its price range. It was cheaper than the BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Acura equivalents and comparable in features. It may not turn the eyes as much as an Audi, but it is a rock solid car. I had a friend that bought a 2001 Audi A4 Quattro that has been in the shop 10 times more than my car.

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  Perfect Car!!!!! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By dr.wildcard - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Very Great car, great engine. Perfect acceleration, easy to handle!

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  MOST RELIABLE VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2007 Volvo S40
  By volvo84 - November 10 - 6:49 pm

  I purchased my 2007 Volvo s40 in late 2007. The vehicle had less than 5,000 miles and was in perfect condition. I have always been an import buyer yet never owning a Volvo I was a little skeptical. The i5 provides the car with more than adequate power. The acceleration was great and I never had any problem overtaking other vehicles. As the title of the review says, the s40 was literally the most reliable car I have owned. For the 3 years I owned the s40 and putting upwards of 130,000 miles on the odometer, I forgot what it was like to have my car reparied. No problems with anything other than a right front wheel bearing.

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  worst investment Ive ever made - 2000 Volvo S40
  By never_again5 - November 7 - 1:15 pm

  I have had this car for 3 and 1/2 years and I have spent at least 5k on repairs. I bought it for about $3,800. I have nothing but problems from day one. Ive had the engine rebuilt (blown head gasket), which was the most expensive. Had a massive oil leak, which took my mechanic boyfriend countless hours and dollars trying to fix. That was fixed... then on to the rest of the problems. Now, my favorite issue is that it revs when in drive, park, or neutral. It accelerates and decelerates all by it self if my foot isnt on the gas pedal. How fun! I dont have enough room to go over all of the problems Ive had but Ive been so sad about it. The car is so cute and I love the turbo but just awful.

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  Pure Service, not reliable - 2000 Volvo S40
  By ypod - November 7 - 10:00 am

  All I have with thia car are just problems, especially brakes.

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  Wait Until It Gets Older.. - 2007 Volvo S40
  By gadawg89742 - November 5 - 8:07 am

  I have been very disappointed with this car. Ive had my S40 for 4 years now. Wait a few years and your AC compressor WILL go out. My friend and I got our S40s, brand new, within a week of each other and both of our AC compressors went out in the same month 4 years later. The quality over time is just not there with Volvo anymore. So I hope all you people who just got your S40s are ready to shell out a few thousand dollars in the next year. Ill be getting a Toyota...

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  Not impressed! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By PassionRed - November 2 - 11:03 am

  We have had our car for 6 mons, and everything that can go wrong has! I would not recommend this car most issues we have had are resolved in the 2006 model.....that is what I have read on-line. Simple things mastered years ago on cars made by US Mfgs like, Digital clock (cant keep time even after update), headlights shine ....where...not where we are looking, drink holders, that cant hold drinks, Interior door handles that scratch so bad it looks like you picked it up from the local junk yard!!!! The TIRES..we wont go there.......Dont have time to list them all, there are too many. Thanks, PassionRed