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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  Volvo interior is a modern dream!!! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By OverseaVolvoDeliver - October 31 - 2:53 am

  After picking up the Volvo S40 T5 2005 in Sweden and driving it around Sweden all the way to Italy and now all around the State of Texas - the performance of the T5 will knock you back in your seat and the 0-60 and 0- 100 is great (Gotta love the "AUTO BAHNNNNNNNNNN").

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  05 s40 is a money pit - 2005 Volvo S40
  By CB - October 30 - 11:09 pm

  Ive had a slew of issues and high cost repairs on this car. From struts, to transmission issues, gear module, etc. Every car needs service, what makes Volvo "special" is it takes a Volvo specialist to make necessary repairs and usually at high cost. A 2 yr lease is probably the way to go if you desire a Volvo, purchasing one will be a forever quest in high cost maintenance.

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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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  Love, love love! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Kate - October 20 - 6:13 pm

  Just bought this puppy! Love it. However, I feel the ride is a little bumpy. Maybe after the shocks loosen up a bit... Very nice to drive with user friendly dash

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  A fun car - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Christy G. - October 15 - 1:56 am

  Im a loyal Volvo owner (have owned an 87 and 90 station wagons) and I love this car. I did have some set- backs in the beginning - electrical plug blew a fuse after barely being used, A/C started blowing out hot air mid-summer, then the foot fan stopped working. Currently experience a popping noise when turning every once in a while - still hasnt been corrected. Gas mileage is okay - not as great as my VW Golf, of course. Im hoping for a Volvo hybrid!

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  Great Alternative Sports Sedan! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Dylan - October 6 - 8:00 pm

  For the past year I have been pulling my hairs out trying to determine what my next car would be. I am a car enthusiast so naturally I have a lot of favorites pulling at my heartstrings which made choosing a vehicle to replace my dependable 2005 Civic would be very difficult! I laid out the criteria I wanted: powerful engine, AWD drivetrain, compact, reliable daily driver. Sure there are some great cars that meet these like the Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi EVO, or entry-level Audis, but the truth is I wanted to own something more unique because I like to stand out. The aforementioned competitors are a lot more common are starting to feel oversaturated in the world of car culture. Not many AWD compact sedans exist, so naturally the Volvo S40 appeared to be my only option. I went for it on a whim and ended up with a beautiful 2010 R-Design with the ever-exciting T5 engine of course! So far, I am not really disappointed. The car does everything I wanted it too and even a bit more. Im not 100% satisfied with the way it looks as it is a dated (2004, 08 refresh) design. I dont understand why Volvo dramatically updated the C30 and C70 styling but left the S40 kind of bland for its last 3 years... However, it is still a nice looking vehicle with cute yet aggressive proportions. Interior looks amazing though! A lot of people harken it to IKEA as a joke, but they arent too far off. The interior is sleek, modern, and beautifully simple. The materials are wonderfully rich and well put together. It feels like youre in a much more expensive car with all the great driver amenities and the excellent climate control and booming stereo system. Trunk space is a little small compared to my last car (especially the opening) but it is sufficient for hauling most things. I will say the rear seats can be kind of cramped with the front seats extended backward. The car is awesome to drive. Not quite as fast as a WRX or EVO, but has potential to run with them with a few easy modifications. The T5 engine is noisy, but in the good sort of way that it gurgles in the low RPMs to remind you how sporty it wants to be. The S40 AWD handles really good and flat and so far has proven to have some great traction on slick surfaces. The brakes feel a little bit grabby and fade under hard braking, but do the job. The seats work well to keep you comfortable, even though the cars great handling comes at a cost of being very stiff and it likes to jar itself over small bumps in the road. Overall a very impressive car so far! I have not had any issues except for the oil cooler which the previous owner damaged on a curb. It was only a $120 fix locally and I am no longer dripping oil from it.

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  Peppy Car Heavy On Safety - 2001 Volvo S40
  By RandyK - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the S40; it was quite peppy with excellent breaking for my driving style. I was especially impressed with the parking breaks grip on steep hills; no pressure against the transmission. I have had several of the problems others had: check engine light, brake/tire wear and headlight blowout. The check engine light was a recall upgrade, the headlight bad luck. The tires/breaks were understandable. Performance rated tires higher than H wear on all cars at 12-15K. Cheaper tires will last to 45K. Swift breaking usually means fast wear. Ill pay the extra for safety, as luxury cars in general are not cheap to upkeep.

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  Disappointed in Volvo - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Mich91020 - October 1 - 3:53 pm

  Went through not one, but two lemons. Multiple issues related to technical problems (car just froze) and cheaply made parts (engine bracket broke, yes while driving) and a number of unknowns (why is my engine light always on??)

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  Cool car, Qick too - 2004 Volvo S40
  By jgold95 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased the new t5 for my wife and i have to say it is a pretty cool car. we traded in an audi a4 3.0 and to tell you the truth i like the volvo better. i never thought i would say that but the overall look and feel of the car is great. it handels the road well and has great pick up. so far the only issue i have with it is when storing two specific stations in memory they sometimes like to revert back to one another but volvo is aware of it and they are awaiting a software fix. But i do have to say the dolby prologic surround sound system is worth the upgrade. It sounds great.

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  Cool calm collected - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Paul - September 20 - 12:10 pm

  All the features, design integrity and legendary safety with none of the bling and flash.