Overview & Reviews

Only a year after debuting them on U.S. shores, Volvo has updated the S40 and V40 for 2001. Both the sedan and wagon gain additional crash protection in the form of standard head-protection airbags, dual-stage front airbags and a new child seat-safety system. Under the hood, engine improvements have been made to increase power and lower emissions. There's also a new five-speed automatic transmission that takes the place of the previous four-speed. Other changes are found in the cabin, with new material colors, a redesigned center stack for better functionality, more durable front-seat materials and improved switchgear. Rounding out the S40 and V40's 2001 changes are restyled headlights, bumpers and fenders.

• Strong complement of safety features, affordable base price, upscale interior.

• No manual transmission offered, lacks sporting intentions, pricing can quickly escalate with optional equipment installed.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 87.00

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  Very Disappointed - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Unhappy in Ottawa - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Very poor quality. Engine light kept going on unitl Volvo finally replaced O2 sensor 2 years later. Brakes and tires wear out prematurely. It seems like at every service appointment I must replace the front or rear brakes, not only the pads but also the discs and rotors. Trunk lock and gear shift knob had to be replaced. The worst part is that after 3.5 years the paint started peeling off the car in the area around all 4 wheel wells and where the fenders meet the bumbers. It is clear that this car, which was made in the Netherlands at a factory shared by Volvo and Mistsubishi has a lot more Mitsubishi than Volvo in it. Overall, I am extremely disappointed.

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  Only 7.7 years not for life - 2001 Volvo S40
  By AJFH - March 10 - 2:53 am

  Purchased this car after seeing it in France in the summer of 2000. We were first impressed by its ride, peppy motor and looks. We thought the car would last well beyond a estimated 10 years..oops big mistake. It is no better than a Chevrolet when it comes to reliability. Numerous visits to the shop for all kinds of repairs. Luckily we bought the 100000 mile warranty. Since it ended in August 2007 over $3000 in repairs have been done and its still doesnt run well. The engine light is continually on. Its just become a headache.

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  volvo - 2001 Volvo S40
  By not happy - December 16 - 5:26 pm

  Bought this car used about a month ago and can wait to get rid of it, worst designed car i have ever been in, cup holder blocks most of console controls, 12v plug dosent work, really strange noises come from engine compartment-sounds like someone is pulling a heavy box across the ground every once in a while when i am stopped at a light, the engine "bumps" between 30-40mph when i let off the gas and then accelerate again- used to have a maxima- same year- but crashed it- should have bought another maxima- this car is garbage- dont buy it!!

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  Dressed up Ford - 2001 Volvo S40
  By JoJo - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Car constantly has "Check Engine" light illuminated. New brake pads at 25k miles...ridiculous! Dealer claims its b/c of superior braking abilities and not under warranty....ha! Roger Beasley Volvo less than customer friendly. Offered me $10k less after 1 year when I tried to upgrade into S70 XC...what a joke.

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  read the other reviews first - 2001 Volvo S40
  By volvofrom orlando - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The paint is cheap, the location and function of the front and rear cupholders is bad, the headlamps burning out after 14,000 miles and the brakes experiencing frequent wear were unexpected. I also have been in to the dealer many more times than you would plan from a Volvo. Mysterious check engine lights, tires and rims that need to be completely replaced after minor/small impacts with potholes. The service department is always very nice, but why is it they always run out of Volvo loaners right before I get there? I end up seeing the "Enterprise" guy in the lobby and enjoy the hint of smoke- ridden Chevy Malibu for the day.

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  Never Again - 2001 Volvo S40
  By RPF - April 12 - 4:23 am

  Ill be honest, it IS fun to drive when everything is working properly, however thats rare... Check engine light seems to be a continuously-on feature, parts are expensive and its never an easily diagnosable fix. Sensors are waaaay to temperamental. The car was bucking like crazy when I put anything other than the over-priced Volvo plugs in it. Climate controls work when they feel like it.

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  Run as fast as you can!!! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Regreting it! - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I leased my 2001 S40 in November 2000 and it has been in for service 16 times. Problems started the first month. The check engine light had to be reset 3 times before a compression pump was replaced, 3 recalls AFTER the problems were fixed, the air conditioner broke, the radio broke, new brakes after 17000 miles, the paint on my hood has scrub marks on it, my gas gauge NEVER reads full eventhough it is, the fabric between my windshield and side window is unraveling, and the pan under my engine rattles during fast acceleration. But, there is good news, my cup holder still works.

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  Fair - 2001 Volvo S40
  By 06mcastle - February 13 - 4:16 am

  I chose a Volvo because its a luxury vehicle, but its just fair. I havent had any mechanical problems so it has been nice that way. The fuel pump is going out, so it will need to be replaced soon though. It is very costly to maintain or repair though. It requires a higher grade of gas, and synthetic oil, and a special oil filter size, most cars have one size, but not this one. It doesnt get as good of mileage as I was hoping, on the road it only gets about 28, in town it gets 25. There is a lot of road noise, but can be drowned out with the stereo. I wouldnt recommend this car to financial struggling people, but if you have extra dough, go for it.

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  Could be made better - 2001 Volvo S40
  By jackbuc - December 17 - 10:00 am

  The car handles well, however, there are problems. One, the doors are way to light. The paint could be of a better quality. The tires are below average. The engine is excellent but the steering and brakes are not up to par. I will need brake pads after 15,000 miles. The radio is OK but the cup holder is totally in the wrong place. Excellent pick up and fun to drive. If you are thinking of getting a volvo dont be cheap and get the s80.

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  what a decision - 2001 Volvo S40
  By mkoh55 - August 18 - 4:49 am

  So I bought this car two years ago...thought I was getting a good buy but within a month I had problems. First, the service light came on and they told me I needed an oil change. Then the check engine light came on and had to replace and o2 sensor, then the thermastat, now spark plugs and wires, replaced two complete struts, one coil spring, now I am on another o2 sensor and ECT sensor. The check engine light seems to always be on and something seems to always be breaking. Horrible decision, intending on getting rid of it.