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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  A Great Car - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Ray - April 7 - 4:33 am

  It handles great, good quality, gas mileage superb--36mpg on a 1000 mile hilly trip through VA,WV,and OH with the cruise set at 70 and 3 adults. I love the turbo and the fact that the cruise never kicks out on long steep grades and provides good acceleration when needed. I dont understand the other reviewers problems with brakes. Mine are still the original. I get 39 mpg driving a back and forth over an 80mi (160) stretch over the Blue Ridge Mts. I love the computer mpg meter giving instantaneous and avg mpg. The other features (heated seats, pockets in front of seat base) are nice. Overall a great little car. It could use a little more floor room for rear occupants.

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  my car - 2004 Volvo S40
  By mike 1000 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  its just basic transportation. no frills . was in the shop for some electrical problems 2 times.

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  Volvo...Out of the Box - 2006 Volvo S40
  By JP - April 4 - 11:46 am

  What a fantastic vehicle. I was not in the market for a new car when I test drove this Volvo for Volvos national Charity Event for "Alexs Lemonade Stand." (Dealer donated 20-bucks for a test drive) I bought it the next day. Sporty, fast, handles like a dream...and garners a lot of looks. It is different from all other comparable sports sedans. Nicer and faster then a co-workers 06 Mercedes C-class...he was impressed at the speed! I LOVE driving this car!!! I love looking at when it is sitting still!

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  2001 s40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By sallie - April 1 - 10:00 am

  i test drove the bmw 3 series, the acura cl, and the audi a4. i chose the volvo because of the way it handled. i also felt as though the vehicle was more substantial--less glass and more metal.

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  Volvo S40 - Highly recommended !!! - 2008 Volvo S40
  By Dan - March 23 - 8:56 am

  I purchased a left over 2008 S40 about a month ago, mainly for my wifes use. What a car! We absolutely love it. Weve both always owned domestic vehicles, but this one beats all of them in just about every way I can think of. It has an overall great design, both inside and out. The comfort, feeling and handling of the car is superior than everything I have driven in the S40 price range. Also impressed with crash test ratings. Now that we have experienced the quality of Volvo, I think it will be awhile until we go back to domestic. My vehicle is a Navigator, seriously thinking about trading it for a Volvo. Didnt think I would ever have considered that a few months ago!!

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  s40 - 2000 Volvo S40
  By jonny b - March 19 - 2:00 am

  the best car i have ever owned. nothing wrong here. excellent fuel mileage, and great comfort. a must!

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  sleek awesome car - 2007 Volvo S40
  By njs40 - March 17 - 6:06 pm

  i have not had this car very long, but i have always loved this body style, and when i saw it online i had to have it. it drives like a sports car, and gets decent mpgs.

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  S 40 -- a Sweedish Civic! - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Bruce I. Higgins - March 12 - 10:00 am

  We just bought the dealerships first 03 S 40 -- after buying a new 02 XC a few weeks ago -- the 03 S 40 is a really well built "Civic size car" with a supurb build quality -- we bought it for safety and reliability -- and its worth the extra dollars over the oriental competition.

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  2 Years Later I STILL Love it!! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Restongal - March 8 - 7:33 am

  Okay I have had this car over two years and have done some serious driving, at just over 42,000 miles Ive driven in most every weather condition and this car has passed with flying colors through all of them. I was stuck in a major snow storm in Maine, put the car in "winter mode" and had no problem driving where many others had to pull over. The 2.4 has plenty of get up and go, and I love the looks it gets from others, I have had several people stop and ask me about it. It handles well and corners darn good with no fishtailing, which I am sure the stability control is responsible for. I recomend this car highly!!!

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  The best car Ive ever had! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By LaLu - March 5 - 2:56 am

  I love my S40! It is very stylish and different, but also super reliable and safe. I never thought Id get hooked on Volvos, but I really am now. I just went out looking at new cars, but was drawn back to Volvo because nothing else compares.