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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  s40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Aijaz - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The s40 is a good car. The acceleration is quick, the ride smooth and the front seats so comfortable. My only problem was a window that didnt work for a month. the dealer said he would fix it although he never got back in touch like he said he would.

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  I was wrong. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By irunthis19 - August 12 - 3:38 pm

  So here I looked at all these reviews before buying the car, I thought "Man I wonder if these people are right.." But got the car anyway. Its a day later, and already I have to replace all fluids, flush everything, buy a new water pump, and replace the timing belt. The car has been perfectly kept before me, and only has 90,000 miles on it. Yet, I still find myself burning a hole in my pocket. Do Not Get This Car - Or youll make the same mistake I did.

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  Not too bad so far. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By kdooms94 - June 9 - 6:38 am

  I have had a couple issues with the car. I replaced the brakes and rotors when i bought it, but that was my choice. The check engine light is almost always on, but I just ignore it as the car still runs fine and gets great fuel economy without it. I blew a radiator hose a while ago, but that isnt unexpected on a car that is 12. And i blew a brake hose, which also isnt uncommon on a car that is that age, as i have friends with fords, and toyotas, and hondas who have also experienced similar issues. My recommendation is to use high grade fuel when you can, as the car starts really hard and runs rough on regular fuel, and probably contributes to many of the problems others have listed.

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  I love my Volvo S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By youareslow - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I leased the S40 after comparing it to a Jetta GLS. The Volvo came out to be $10 more a month for the same term and down payment. Im glad I paid the extra 10 bucks. I love the Volvo. It is a solid car with a lot of zip and is reasonable on gas. The interior is top quailty and the fit and finish is great. The only problem I have had in the first 20k is one of the head lamps went out. The dealer replaced both under warranty and the service was great. If you are looking for something a little different this is a great car.

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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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  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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  Maintenance Headache - 2001 Volvo S40
  By JPP - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I leased this car for my wife. Was looking for something that wouldnt be a headache. Since weve had it the interior lights, headlights and fuses constantly blow out on a rotating schedule. My wife drives like a grandma so we didnt have to replace the brakes until 20k. The tires are worn out now at 24k. We had it in the shop three times to get the horn to work correctly. And the two right rims are bent without any major bumps. I thought we had a lemon until I read all these other reviews. Cant wait for the lease to be over...

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  GREAT DRIVE, REPAIR FREQUENT - 2001 Volvo S40
  By ANGRY/NOW IM MAD - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the car handles, but disappointed with inferior parts. Headlights BRAKES (last 15,000 mi), no auto trunk, window motors, air conditioner leaks on inside, recalls. Had several repairs, some my fault, other have been under warranty, Im at 30,000 mi, what happens at 48,000 mi when warranty expires, I stuck, right?I purchased a volvo for longevity, reliability and safety, instead I got a car I can only sell at a loss and fear of expensive repairs after the warranty expires

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  All I ever asked for! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By MY S40 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  My S40 is exactly what I wqas looking for...no problems thus far, EXCEPT the trunk light went out...no biggie. The car has great handling and acceleration