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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  Happy - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Samantha Schmoeger - August 17 - 4:50 am

  Im very pleased with the S40. Fun to drive. Comfortable, simple and spacious. Its very sporty and suave.

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  2005 Volvo S40 T5 (6 speed man) - 2005 Volvo S40
  By jake - August 6 - 1:50 am

  This car is a fantastic driver with its perfect amount of power for its 6 speed manual transmission. I drive surface streets and freeway everyday to work and this car hands great through traffic in low speeds and really shines at high speeds. The turbo and 6 speed manual combo makes merging onto high speed freeways not just easy but a delight. I get complimented daily at its appearance. Plenty of room for the entire family of 4. Trunk space is generous. I especially like how well the hood is tucked into the body design. I would suggest for your seating comfort to choose leather over T tech fabric. Just a note the sport suspension may be a little stiff for some peoples comfort but you reap the great benefits of its smooth handling and cornering ability.

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  GET THIS CAR! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By b thomas - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the new 2004.5 Volvo S40 over the Memorial Day weekend. I must say-- I LOVE THIS CAR! The new design is much sportier than the old S40. My friends couldnt believe that this was a Volvo! It handles well, and the interior is so sleek! If youre gonna get this car-- definitely opt for the Sport Package w/ leather interior and moonroof. fuel economy is about 24 city / 30 hwy

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  S40 Rocks! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Robs S40 - July 31 - 10:50 pm

  I have had the car now for only 2 weeks, but so far its wonderful, I had it built and delivered to the dealership (I wanted navigation). The nav system is easy to use, the surround sound system will make some of your old CDs come to life and the car just has an amazing list of standard features and is one hell of a piece of eye candy in black. I had a Jetta before and this is an excellent upgrade from one of those. If you dont like the latest jetta or you want a little luxury w/o the big outlay of money take a look at this one.

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  A Quick & Comfortable Ride! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By MTRETTEL - July 30 - 6:16 am

  It was not that hard to convince my corvette driving husband that may want to drive my new S40 T5 . Although he enjoyed the comfort of our old SAAB 9- 5, the S40 gained his respect after driving it for a week in the Florida Keys. Plenty of room in back for our two black labs too!

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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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  S40T5 - great when its not in the shop - 2005 Volvo S40
  By jessenola - July 10 - 12:36 am

  I bought the S40T5 after my TSX was totaled. Its been in the shop 4 times: failed oxygen sensor, failed engine computer (requiring flatbed towing and a week-long wait for the part), check engine lights, failed fuel pump sensor, and a loose part in drivers door. Still the stereo stops working at random requiring a restart, the auto transmission shifts are so jerky in manumatic mode that I have to leave it in D, and there are rattles that the dealer refuses to acknowledge. At every service stop the local dealer service is pathetic. It is seriously fun to drive when it works, but the service is ridiculous.

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  2nd Volvo S40 - 2010 Volvo S40
  By R Johnson - July 8 - 10:00 am

  The 1.9% fin, maint covered for 5yrs/60K miles pursuaded me to buy 2nd S40 (prior being 06). Ownership experience has exceeded every reasonable expectation. With few exceptions (AC compressor), maint expense has been more than reasonable, considerably less than had I settled on another luxury make (considered BMW, Lexus). Seating is very comfortable, interior asthetically clean and simple, dash/instrumentation very intuitive. Subtle changes from my prior S40 is improved center console, USB/AUX/iPOD interface, Bluetooth, Satelite/HD radio, Auto- Climate control, BLIS. performance/handling is tight and responsive, though not as that as the 06 (which had sport-tuned suspension)

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  Great Car - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Dustin07456 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the second S40 that i have owned. It is an exceptionally reliable car with good pick up and very good handling. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Volvo S40
  By David - June 23 - 3:10 pm

  I got this 2004 Volvo S40 as a comapany car. I get a new car every 2 - 2.5 years. Of all the cars Ive had this is my favorite. The class of Volvo, the turbo makes this car fun to drive. I drive my company car until it has 80,000 miles then get another. By the time the cars get 80,000 miles they are tired and Im glad to see them go. But not my Volvo. At 80K it runs, looks, and drives as nice as the day I got it. I love this car. I have never wanted to keep my company car until now. I liked this car so much I got my wife a Volvo S80 Certified car and she loves hers. The dealer is wonderful, they treat you like royalty.