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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  Good! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Ivette - May 14 - 2:43 am

  Bought it new. Very powerful, comfortable, and fun to drive. I have had it for five years, and it has been very reliable.

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  Dont Do It - 2003 Volvo S40
  By RObert - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Lots of rattles, odds and ends that break. Sure, its all under warranty, but each time another visit to the dealer for service, and who has time for that? My visits went like this, "yeah, youre right its broke, but we have to order the part, so youll have to bring it back," doubling my number of visits! Defects included chech engine light on at least 6 xs, gas cap lock broke, hazard switch broke, sun roof mechanism broke, and, for the first time with any car Ive ever owned, rear bakes went on it after one year, ate into the rotors (not covered under warranty) causing $400 worth of damage.

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  Ck engine light - 2006 Volvo S40
  By alison cramer - May 7 - 5:53 pm

  Love the Car! Very Sporty! Check engine light has come on twice already with one time being something broken. Wish MPG was a little better.

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  Lemon - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Kim, FL - April 13 - 6:06 am

  Love the car, perfect for me being a college student. Fun and sporty and perfectly smooth ride, excellent interior design and comfort. However, within 2 years of owning the vehicle, I encountered numerous problems with it starting due to electronic faults and technological issues. Buy with caution to save yourself headaches.

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  Love my S40 - 2003 Volvo S40
  By motor_city_smitty - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Solidly built. I could tell it is a quality vehicle when you shut the door and sit in the interior. The inside dash is well laid out.

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  Steady if unspectacular. - 2000 Volvo S40
  By PSedrish - April 11 - 10:00 am

  2.5 yrs and no major downtime....still very peppy....a little bland to look at maybe....stereo could be lots better.

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  Nwe S40 2002 - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Gerald - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research and reading prior to buying this vehicle. For the money this is an excellent choice of a European made car. My performance has been nothing but excellent. The day after I purchased it we took it on a long business trip (300 miles) and it was super to ride in and fun to drive. The folks at Volvo listened to those who complained. Cup holders have been moved and the service light problem fixed.

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  Very Disappointed - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Unhappy in Ottawa - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Very poor quality. Engine light kept going on unitl Volvo finally replaced O2 sensor 2 years later. Brakes and tires wear out prematurely. It seems like at every service appointment I must replace the front or rear brakes, not only the pads but also the discs and rotors. Trunk lock and gear shift knob had to be replaced. The worst part is that after 3.5 years the paint started peeling off the car in the area around all 4 wheel wells and where the fenders meet the bumbers. It is clear that this car, which was made in the Netherlands at a factory shared by Volvo and Mistsubishi has a lot more Mitsubishi than Volvo in it. Overall, I am extremely disappointed.

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  three year owner and still happy - 2003 Volvo S40
  By djones - March 25 - 2:00 am

  We searched high and low for an affordable safe car without driveing a status symbol and found the 2000 S40. I wanted a good commuter car that would be dependable and fun to drive for many years. I do most of my own maintenance and have not had any mechanical problems;the dealer has treated me like royality. The car is not a family of four car but works out fine for a family of three! We purchased the car in August of 2000 loaded with all the features except heated seats; and we love it, love it , love it!

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  My Volvo. - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Mardi - March 20 - 1:53 am

  The head rest pokes out and isnt comfortable. Other wise the seat is very nice. The trunk is too small, especially from top to bottom. Love the 6 CD changer and sound quality. Love the exterior look. People stop me all the time. Come out from stores to find people looking at it. wish I had bought the turbo. feel very safe in it. wish there was more storage in terms of console space in front of car. like the old S40 glove box better. everything falls out. The air conditioner is too loud. In fact, the whole car is too loud.