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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  Nice car!! - 2002 Volvo S40
  By akaljy - August 8 - 2:00 am

  So far so good.. It runs great and looks great. All my friends love to get on my car. I had long trip to Vancouver ,BC from Eugene, OR and had much fun . Acceleration is good, it smokes out other cars so easily.But, one complaint is its underpowered engine. It could produce more that 160 hp, just as Jetta 1.8 T .

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  One of my best cars yet - 2002 Volvo S40
  By cmsims - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! Ive had it for a year now and have had absolutely no problems with it at all (a rarity when working out the kinks of many other new cars). As with all the other Volvos Ive had, Ive already had the privilege (sarcasm) of finding out that the thing holds up like a tank in accidents. My friends all love it as well - its peppy and has great acceleration - my only real problem is that half the time Im handing over the keys to someone else who wants to take it for a ride!

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  Great Car - 2005 Volvo S40
  By GJacobs - July 23 - 11:33 am

  Very solidly built car. Manual shift makes car fun to drive. Great pickup (5 cylinder) easy to drive/steer. Drastic change/improvement in car design over previous years. Very good value for the money and compared to its competitors.

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  Avoid S-40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By rilster - July 21 - 2:08 am

  Purchased 2009, second owner, it had 135,000 miles now has 175,000. Carfax showed always serviced at Volvo dealer. Problems started within weeks of purchase and in three and a half years; Sunroof shade out of track, bad plugs, engine mounts replaced, both engine coils replaced, cv joint replaced, blown head gasket, new radiator, o2 sensors, catalytic converter, Cvvt valve leaking oil, cvvt valve sensor clogged, climate control problems, radio problems, window regulator, over $4000.00 in repairs in the past year. Transmission went out yesterday, done! I am aircraft mechanic and do much work myself. Oil changed regularly and I take care of vehicles I own...Never purchase a Volvo again.

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  2000 Volvo S40 - 2002 Volvo S40
  By koj - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy with my 2000 S40 overall. I bought it brand new in December, 1999. It rides very well, although I think it could use a little more leg room. Ive had to have the radio/CD player replaced. Also, the windshield wiper dispenser on the hood leaks, which cause some discoloring on the paint. I bought the very first model her in the US, so Ive had several little thinngs occur which have all been under warranty. Lesson learned, I will not buy another Volvo model its first year in release, or any other car for that matter.

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  Let down! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By a.j. - July 5 - 8:43 pm

  This car is a gas hog! I sometimes have to fill my tank up 3 times a week. It is super slow since I didnt get the turbo. The first few months of driving the car the a/c broke and the software in the car had a glitch. The locks and the windows on my driver side would not work I had to crawl thru the passanger side. My a/c works now but it only gives you cool air not cold, so its really bad on a really hot summer day. The plastic linning in my door is pooping up, so everythime I try to get in the car I trip on the popping up plastic. I would not recomend this car to anyone, yeah its a good looking car but the quality is terrible. Very let down! I wish I never got this car, its a lemon!

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  Fun AND Comfort - 2002 Volvo S40
  By ShpDog - July 4 - 10:00 am

  For a compact automobile you can not ask for a better combination of luxury and handling in an automobile. It might be considered a little "stiff" on the road but I like the feeling of control that provides.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2004 Volvo S40
  By s40t5 - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I just recently recieved the s4o t5 for my highschool graduation... its def. well worth the little bit of money and its an awesome car to drive!

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  Awesome Car at a Great Price - 2004 Volvo S40
  By James Powers - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I have the 2004.5 S40 2.4i with Premium Package/Sound, Convenience. I chose the 2.4i because I didnt feel the T5 was $3K faster, meaning the 2.4i has some good enough zip for me. As most others have written, you are saving quite a few bucks when choosing the S40 over the TSX, A4 or C230. I came down to the Acura TSX and the S40. I paid about $2K less, understanding the great reliability history of Acura. At the end of the day I felt Acura is a small Accord with a sport package. As for the A4 and C230, both were great cars but were about $5K more. I would not have considered the old S40 nor the current S60, but the new 2004.5 S40) is a solid car!

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  Love my 2nd S40! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By nsg - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I leased my first S40 in 2001...when my lease expired I expected to try out another vehicle...possibly the Audi A4 or the BMW 325 series. After seeing the new S40 models I went to the dealership to test drive it...love at first sight. I must say this is a new and improved S40...much sportier and fancier than my last vehicle. I love the new design and features. Volvo for Life!