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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  Volvo Man - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Q - May 16 - 9:23 pm

  The car is enjoyable enough. I stink at driving and dog my cars and its still going great at almost 70,000 miles. I would not recommend the car, buy a Honda its cheaper and more reliable. But if you really love Volvos its not too bad.

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  Volvo S40 - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Janet S - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Driving this car is a pleasure. It is the perfect mix of safety features, dependability, style and comfort. I have had only minor problems, (rattling sunroof, bulbs burning out) that were quickly fixed by the dealer. It is the easiest and most fun car I have ever owned!

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  Dont buy this car! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Dave T - May 13 - 10:00 am

  *The brakes and rear rotors wore through after only 20,000 miles. The factory admitted a bad brake pad compound. My cost $500! *The electonic gas gague would read empty when it had over a third of a tank of gas left in it. The dealership sent me away once and said that that was "normal". * The radio didnt recieve AM stations. I had to replace the radio *The cup holder spring broke two days after I bought the car. * At 23,000 I started hearing a loud knock from the under carriage when I braked at slow speeds. *The noise inside the cockpit started increasing significantly after only 24,000 miles

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  my review - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Duckhookdrew - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car, everything I wanted.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By incabod - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome! The handling is precise, the car is quiet but, poweful enough for any situation.

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  Just thought you should know - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Lynn - April 29 - 11:13 pm

  Ok, right to it: Cup holder sticks, CD cant be used when using cup holder, radio/cd lights are out, arm rest is cheap and a nusance (pops down with the slightest touch and hits drink in cup holder), head lights go out all of the time, dash board reflects on windsheild making it hard to see when the sun is out, paint job was poor, rear locks stick. Maybe the design has changed in 8 years.

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  Awesome Little Car! - 2007 Volvo S40
  By 4 Time Volvoer - April 29 - 12:33 am

  We have owned 3 volvos in the past year, 2 s40s and 1 xc90, all purchased new. The s40 is an amazing vehicle, it is comfortable, safe and has to be the nicest looking compact sedan on the market. Only complaint is the power, mine was a 5 speed manual, and I had plenty of power, however my wife still has her automatic and something gets lost with the same engine mated to the auto, even with the manual mode. I really have no idea what Volvo is thinking in phasing out the manuals from their V50 and S40 lines, what a stupid move. Other than that, we have high regard for all of our Volvos. Dont believe the new EPA ratings, this car gets 26mpg city and 34 hwy. be safe, buy a Volvo!

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  My review - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Patrick Whitworth - April 28 - 10:00 am

  VERY unhappy with the electrical as well as the climate control system.

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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Andrea - April 26 - 3:03 pm

  I have had this car for less than a year and it has been in the shop for brake problems 3 times already. Ive also had to go in for software updates for 3 times also. Now Im having a airbag issue. The company is non- responsive to these problems. This car has made me miss my old car that was 8 years old.

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  My Volvo! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Brian - April 20 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my Volvo used with 3k miles on it and have driven it all over Europe, I have yet to have any problems. The only thing I could possibly complain about is the lack of factory tint on my windows. Also if you have something heavy (15 lbs) or more sitting in the passenger seat it will sound a bell and there is a flashing seatbelt sign. If you can call that a bad thing. And the last one is the lack of after market sterios made to utilize the new dash/radio in the S40.