Overview & Reviews

Output from the 1.9-liter turbocharged mill is bumped up by 10 to 170 horsepower. A CD player makes its way onto the standard features list, and the front fascia gets a slight freshening thanks to a black egg-crate grille and body-colored side molding and bumpers. Inside you'll find a new three-spoke steering wheel and a four-dial instrument cluster. The sport package adds front and rear spoilers, blackout headlamp surrounds and 16-inch wheels, and the premium package now includes a leather-wrapped hand brake handle and gearshift lever.

• 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 58.00

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  Still satisfied after 4 years - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Seattle driver - November 10 - 11:03 am

  Having owned this car for over 4 yrs, I remain quite satisfied. Changed brake pads and headlights at 36k miles. Still on original Michelin tires after 43k miles. Drives as well as it did in Nov 2002, smoothly yet with pep if needed. Recommended maintenance done by non-dealer Volvo-only shop for reasonable price. Even my BMW-3-series-owning friends enjoy riding in it with me.

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  Overlooked and underrated S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By RavCar - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is excellent, fun to drive, reasonably sized, had lot of features that were not there in Passat and A4 when I bought this car like side curtain air bags and nice interior. Acceleration is amazing. It responds well. Seats are very comfortable. Radio that allows me to set and store 20 stations and switching stations is as easy as controlling volume. Volvo should try to make this car popular, they dont pay much attention to this car as they do to their other models like S60.

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  Inexpensive, Fun to Drive, Great w/ Gas - 2003 Volvo S40
  By ArmyWife1971 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, nearly like a sport car, but without higher insurance costs. I love the way it gets up and the comfort for the driver. I do not like the wheel adjuster for the passenger seat. For me this is really a two person car because the front passengers are EXTREMELY comfy. The rear ones are just ok. Also, what happened to a trunk light? Im on nearly 30k miles in less than a year, no problems with the car at all. Overall I am pleased. I must say my once loved SUV is now parked while I zip around in a fast but safe car.

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  Love my S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By motor_city_smitty - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Solidly built. I could tell it is a quality vehicle when you shut the door and sit in the interior. The inside dash is well laid out.

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  three year owner and still happy - 2003 Volvo S40
  By djones - March 25 - 2:00 am

  We searched high and low for an affordable safe car without driveing a status symbol and found the 2000 S40. I wanted a good commuter car that would be dependable and fun to drive for many years. I do most of my own maintenance and have not had any mechanical problems;the dealer has treated me like royality. The car is not a family of four car but works out fine for a family of three! We purchased the car in August of 2000 loaded with all the features except heated seats; and we love it, love it , love it!

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  what you will - 2003 Volvo S40
  By boyo - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Despite problems with the central computer unit, this is the best vehicle Ive owned over the last 40 years.

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  Safety First Performance First - 2003 Volvo S40
  By PenguinPete - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is real good for the price it cant be beat the 03s are now going for around 21-22K fully equipped with premium and climate packages. Its a well made automobile thats FUN to drive. I just wish it had a little more room in the rear I guess thats what the S60 is for but 4 fit fine for a 2 hr trip. Any more I dont know Im never out of the drivers seat.

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  A Great Car - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Ray - April 7 - 4:33 am

  It handles great, good quality, gas mileage superb--36mpg on a 1000 mile hilly trip through VA,WV,and OH with the cruise set at 70 and 3 adults. I love the turbo and the fact that the cruise never kicks out on long steep grades and provides good acceleration when needed. I dont understand the other reviewers problems with brakes. Mine are still the original. I get 39 mpg driving a back and forth over an 80mi (160) stretch over the Blue Ridge Mts. I love the computer mpg meter giving instantaneous and avg mpg. The other features (heated seats, pockets in front of seat base) are nice. Overall a great little car. It could use a little more floor room for rear occupants.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2003 Volvo S40
  By big rich - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned in 30 yrs. of driving. For this price ($26,000) range you cant do better. Quiet, super comfortable, and an unbelievable ride. I will never buy anything else.

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  love it! - 2003 Volvo S40
  By dms6dms6 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my Volvo. I have had it just over a year now and Ive put 26K miles on it...and Ive had no problems with it. It is a great car for the money.