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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  Love it! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By najowa - December 14 - 2:03 pm

  Ive had my S40 since June of this year, and am so happy with it. I love the way it looks, it has a great ride, and great performance. I cant wait to see how it does in the New England snow this winter, as I mainly wanted this car because of its AWD. I went with the Select Package, which includes the sunroof, larger wheels, and upgraded stereo. The sound is awesome; everyone comments on how nice the stereo is. Cant wait until the C70 convertible, based on the S40 platform, comes out next year.

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  Money Pit - 2001 Volvo S40
  By NoVolvoNoMore - December 11 - 7:50 pm

  Ever see that movie "The Money Pit"? Well oue S40 is the $$$ pit. I leased this for my wife in 2001. The 1st winter the Winter mode drive locked up. The car was in the shop 2 weeks. The repair writer called to tell me that 2 engineers were coming in from Canada to look at our tranny. Like thats supposed to make you feel better. They replaced the tranny and ever since weve had a slight turbo lag. The steering squeeks, the right dash speaker grill pops up (seen on all 2001s), the side mirror button is wonky, the Service light always comes on, the AC is possessed by the devil. Every scheduled maint or oil change costs over $300. Next time were buying a BMW.

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  Good Car, But Getting Expensive - 2002 Volvo S40
  By polzinbw - December 9 - 12:30 am

  I agree with all of the positives others have written: nice ride, looks good, feels solid, nice features/bells/whistles for the price. However, after owning it now for just shy of 5 years (87,000 miles, bought used with 14k) its starting to fall apart on me. Have replaced shocks/struts at 73,000 which seems early; put in a new power window motor around 75,000 ($600); the sunroof doesnt close quite all the way and leaks in a car wash sometimes; some small molding is coming apart around the trunk release; the alarm doesnt always turn on when I lock the car. Have done breaks twice now, too. And these repairs are expensive - this isnt a Honda or Toyota. Engine is supposed to be good though!

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  S40 - 2002 Volvo S40
  By RJONES - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I FIND THIS TO BE AN EXCELLENT VEHICLE FOR THE PRICE. DRIVING IS FUN AND VERY QUICK. I AM ALSO PLEASED WITH THE SAFETY FEATURES, IN PARTICULAR, THE WHIPLASH PROTECTION SYSTEM AND 6 AIRBAGS.

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  Good at everything, excels at litle - 2000 Volvo S40
  By MGB GT Racer - December 3 - 9:23 pm

  Its a great car, but was expensive when fully optioned. The lower optioned cars tend to drag the loaded ones into negative equity. Its deceptively fast, not quick. With a few aftermarket mods itll show taillights to most anything.

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Eduardo - November 28 - 9:40 am

  If you take care of this car, it will love you back. Ive had only 1 minor electrical problem in 6 yrs. The car has zip, gets great gas mileage and is the safest car in its class. Airbags everywhere. The seats are the most comfortable of any car. Huge trunk. Stops on a dime and is a blast to drive! Much more fun and safe then any of the Japanese cars Ive owned - Camry, Maxima.

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  A Head Turner - 2005 Volvo S40
  By alanfl - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Body exterior and interior totally revamped. Finally gives Volvos some pizzaz. Turns a lot of heads.

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  Great Car - 2005 Volvo S40
  By David Beardsley - November 14 - 4:23 pm

  When I began test driving cars, I really hadnt given Volvo any thought. In Portland, Volvo means the big boxy station wagons you see all over SE. The S40 came up on some comparable vehicles lists and on a whim I test drove the T5. After that everything else I drove seemed like a cheap garbage. The car is very smooth and quite, has a great interior, and I love the body style. You wont be racing Mustangs off the line but on the highway passing is great fun. Im 6, 200lbs, which I dont consider that big, but the S40 was one of few cars I felt like I fit into. Only wish I couldve afforded the AWD. :)

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  Everything I hoped and more - 2006 Volvo S40
  By osxboi - October 30 - 3:26 pm

  Had mine built to order -- about 10 weeks from order to delivery, and it was sure worth the wait. This is an awesome vehicle. With the 218/236 turbo, power is great. With the Sports Package, handling is superb -- 17" wheels and sport-tuned suspension. This little baby puts out when you most need it, like dodging lanes in rush hour traffic and on-ramp merging on interstates. Build quality is excellent. In three months I havent had a single problem. Everything works. Design is far superior to anything American, Japanese or German. Get this car if you want a good price, performance and lots of stares.

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  Wow! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Dave - October 29 - 11:26 am

  What a great car! I chose this car over the Subaru Legacy as I wanted an AWD vehicle. This car has plenty of power and feels very sporty. I love the exterior styling and the Volvo emphasis on safety. You will not be disappointed with this car at all. I chose the Leather, convenience package, Climate Package, Bi-Xenon headlights and 17" wheels. The seats are very comfortable even after having spent 3 hours in the car today. The only negative is the rear visibility. It is a bit smaller than what I am used to. With Volvo offering $1,850 cash back on the T5 model, it was an easy choice.