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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  Great car, great price - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Sam - October 15 - 11:06 pm

  So far I love this car. It runs great and all the chicks dig it! I love all the automatic features and love the styling. Its my first European car and I must say, it blows my Honda Accord out of the water! The power is nice, but the turbo is a little tricky... but I managed to hit some nice speeds on the highway. Overall, I hope this car maintains its value in the long run!

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  Volvo wins me over - 2007 Volvo S40
  By PianoMan - October 14 - 5:40 am

  I love this car! I picked it up at the factory in Sweden (a fantastic deal that I would recommend to all), and drove it through Denmark, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria. It is stable as a rock at any speed (my son pushed it up to 110 on the autobahn), handles responsively, accelerates acceptably, and has good fuel economy. My onboard computer says I am getting 28.2 mpg overall, which I think is quite good. I consider it to be a BMW 328 for 10K less. (Yes, the BMW is superior in handling and acceleration.) The factory pickup experience was so fun that I may never buy a car any other way.

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  Content Owner - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Sarah - October 13 - 11:53 pm

  I bought mine as a certified car in 2002 with only 18,000 miles on it for $14,000. Id always wanted a Volvo, and for being a junior in college, I was lucky to purchase one at a young age. It now has 60,000 miles. The cup holder above the cd player was an annoyance. I had to remove my drink to put in a cd and couldnt really see any buttons when the cup was there. But now I dont have to worry about it because I pushed in in one time and its completely stuck. Completely stuck as in, Im not paying $80 for them to unstick it. You all know of the headlight situation. Luckily if the dealership replaces the bulb, there is a one year warranty on it. Makes the $15 labor charge worth it apparently

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  Volvo S40 - 2003 model - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Cindy - October 6 - 12:03 am

  Have owned this car for 2 years. Excellent road car, great around town. A/C is exceptional, esp. for Texas heat. Turning radius is typical Volvo - turns on a dime. Love the car!

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  Good Golly Miss Molly - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Lance - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the T5 for my wife who initially wanted the 2.4i, however after test driving the T5, took me no effort to sell her on it. Dollar for dollar, far superior than BMW 3 series, and AUDI A4. Classy and sporty design inside and out. So far, no complaints just reassurance that we made the right decision. Car gets better everyday.

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  Volvo? - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Volvo? - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I am both alarmed and glad to read the other reviews and see other similiar problems, I am not alone. Our breaks are beginning to squeak at 13,000 miles, the driver side door wind noise has always been abnormaly loud, there are a few areas on the car that the clear coat appears to be coming off, and last but not least the cruise is failing periodically.

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  Very disappointed - 2001 Volvo S40
  By BadLuck - September 29 - 8:03 pm

  Bought my 2001 Volvo S40 and after 3 years, I had the enjoyment of trading it in for a Mercury Mountaineer SUV! Im a big guy: 6 feet 200 and I was sick and tired of receiving a head concussion every time I stooped down to get in this vehicle. A/C never worked right and not cold enough despite multiple trips to Volvo dealer. CD player constantly skips even with entire new factory Volvo unit. Intrument panel/radio/cup holder ENTIRELY NON-USER FRIENDLY and confusing! Only good thing was turbo engine was quite peppy and good gas mileage. Because this car was so small and multitude of creature "dis- comforts" that it had, I had the pleasure of dumping it for a nice big SUV. Whew..what a relief!!

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  Great car - 2007 Volvo S40
  By ndotym - September 28 - 11:30 pm

  I bought this car off the Culver City Volvo web. I saw this car and had to have it, no regrets, 55,000 just replace the rear brakes, no problems, fun to drive, handles great very comfortable, great sound system. I get lots of looks some say its a females car, I dont care. It handles great, safe in the wet weather. Volvo makes a great product.

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  vroom - 2005 Volvo S40
  By williston - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The T5 has a fantastic balance of performace and comfort. The attention to detail in this car is remarkable.

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  BEST compact car ever! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By LOVE IT!!!!! - September 26 - 5:06 am

  I went on a "rainy" day just to keep it safe and not make a purchase knowing i had other cars to consider. Well, that certaintly didnt work as planned because once I drove the automatic knowing I ONLY wanted a manual in the rain, I could not believe the stability. I felt so safe cause Im such a chicken when it comes to driving in the rain that it sold itself! Though Im so picky I had to do a special order (Manual, Red, Climate, Sport & Select Pkg w/ beige interior) and cant wait for it to come from Europe. The premium sounds is out of control too. Its going to be a looker. I must say its a chicks car- Definitely!