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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  BEST PICK CAR OF 2004 - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Robert Molinar - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have recently purchased my 2004.5 Volvo T5 and it was the best choice I could have made. This car amazes me everyday I insert the nifty key fob and start that 2.5L turbo engine. I would and have recommended this car to many other people and ones that have had the chance to drive mine have said they would DEFINATELY consider buying a volvo for their next car.

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  Fun run around vehicle - 2009 Volvo S40
  By Shawn Reed - November 4 - 10:30 pm

  I bought the car from my son. Fun to drive great handling, peppy, rides firm like most sports cars. Great mpg. Very few mechanical issues. Visually impressive lines.

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  Certified used - 2002 Volvo S40
  By loberdorf - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my S40 as a Certified used car in February. Granted, not alot of time for bad things to happen, but so far, so good. The S40 looks great, drives fabulously and I get tons of compliments.

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  i think i got a dud - 2005 Volvo S40
  By shelly - November 1 - 7:56 am

  First of all, never ever buy a car from Pioneer Saab Volvo in Deerfield, MA. Im finally straightening the mess my dealer made- 2 years later. I love my S40. Its my first volvo-styling, size, mileage, ride...all works for me. In the last year Ive had many problems. One year after having the car the heat stopped working, it took volvo a month to get me the part and appt so I drove around freezing for a month, they had to replace a major motor part. Twice since July, my AC has stopped working and my radio also glitches all the time. Im debating selling because the warranty is going to run out soon, but I just love it otherwise--Im torn. Do the 06 or 07s have these problems?

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  never buy this car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By volvohater - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Since we leased this car, it has been in the shop 47 DAYS! The check engine light keeps going on and off, there are many rattles in the headliner, and when the dealer tried to fix this, they caused a leak to start in the roof. The car even came with a defect, a bad turbo hose that caused the car to stall randomly. The front brakes and rotors needed replacement after 21000 miles, the rear brake pads much earlier than that. The sunroof leaked, the antenna broke, and the dealer never had the parts on hand to fix the car.

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  A mistake - 2002 Volvo S40
  By 18yearolddriver - October 6 - 10:00 am

  With no added options, not even a CD player, the car came with nothing. 100 watts of sound is barely enough to drown out the loud engine and the sounds of the road. You can hear everything on the road, and everyone can hear the sound coming from your car. Very thin doors. Poor placement of cup holders, and they are square. Since when are cups square? Many problems: brakes, tires, steering wheel, wipers (headlight and windsheild), and the windshield itself. Weak body is prone to little dings that occur with everyday driving. Gas and brake pedals too close to each other!

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  Great European Automobile - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Aaron1 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our 2001 S40 in September and have very much enjoyed owning it. The 1.9L turbo charged engine provides great acceleration and the ride quality of the S40 is very smooth, even over rough surfaces. The service light issue, many other reviews have mentioned, was easily fixed by a recall from Volvo and a quick software upgrade to the car’s internal computer. The S40’s relatively low price and long list of standard features offers BMWs 3 Series and Audis A4 solid competition in the upscale entry-level sedan realm. The passenger compartment of the S40 is well-finished and its large trunk provides ample cargo capacity.

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  Mixed Impressions - 2005 Volvo S40
  By rsb - October 2 - 2:56 am

  Overall I am very satisfied with the performance and build. Not too satisfied with the A/C performance -- even after software update, A/C does not always switch on correctly. Clutch pedal making noise even after greasing. Trunk had problems with the lock.

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  best new car I have owned - 2006 Volvo S40
  By andre - October 1 - 12:13 am

  This car is great. I needed a reliable car and was sick of my 99 passat 1.8T breaking down all the time. Went to the dealership Portland Volvo in Maine. Sales guy was great, before and after the sale. I purchased a base model. It still has all the features I wanted. There is plenty of power in the 2.4i engine and it saves on gas. After 10 years of VWs I am switching to Volvo. Last thing, you cannot get a car for under 25K that has all the safety features that the Volvo has.

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  Just love them Swedes - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Brian Brodowsky - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for a few months. I have driven a 3 series BMW in the past and it is very comprible to both the look/sleekness and the ride. The appointments on the interior are beautiful...sleek new dash, greatleather seating,overall controls. The interior is so well made and not cheesy at all. What a hot car