Overview & Reviews

Only a year after debuting them on U.S. shores, Volvo has updated the S40 and V40 for 2001. Both the sedan and wagon gain additional crash protection in the form of standard head-protection airbags, dual-stage front airbags and a new child seat-safety system. Under the hood, engine improvements have been made to increase power and lower emissions. There's also a new five-speed automatic transmission that takes the place of the previous four-speed. Other changes are found in the cabin, with new material colors, a redesigned center stack for better functionality, more durable front-seat materials and improved switchgear. Rounding out the S40 and V40's 2001 changes are restyled headlights, bumpers and fenders.

• Strong complement of safety features, affordable base price, upscale interior.

• No manual transmission offered, lacks sporting intentions, pricing can quickly escalate with optional equipment installed.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 87.00

• 

  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.

• 

  Competent but not outstanding - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Canuck2003 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought it 1 year old from the Volvo dealer and paid 20% less than if we had bought it new. Excellent value at that price. Pretty good acceleration and handling, although the ride can be a bit stiff on irregular surfaces. Engine a bit noisy at low (parking lot) speeds. Braking is excellent, although I agree with other reviewers that they wear down prematurely. Well-designed interior; e.g. hook on the left passengers side (on which to hang a jacket)is placed so that the blind spot is not obstructed. Cruise control is easy to use. Cup holders though are useless. Not as well built as the A4 but we paid much less than the A4.

• 

  S40 2000 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By vonts - March 16 - 9:03 pm

  Nice car except: 1. Paint on the hood leaches off when you wax it. Super soft paint still arguing over getting the hood repainted. 2. Its been in the shop twice for warranty work, nothing that stranded me, but still. 3. Better than the normally aspirated S60, I had one as a loaner while mine was in the shop and for that much money the dash and switches are cheaply done.

• 

  Only 7.7 years not for life - 2001 Volvo S40
  By AJFH - March 10 - 2:53 am

  Purchased this car after seeing it in France in the summer of 2000. We were first impressed by its ride, peppy motor and looks. We thought the car would last well beyond a estimated 10 years..oops big mistake. It is no better than a Chevrolet when it comes to reliability. Numerous visits to the shop for all kinds of repairs. Luckily we bought the 100000 mile warranty. Since it ended in August 2007 over $3000 in repairs have been done and its still doesnt run well. The engine light is continually on. Its just become a headache.

• 

  Great Value for Money - 2001 Volvo S40
  By ahirebet - January 20 - 2:20 pm

  Excellent bang for the buck. I bought this certified pre-owned, so it came with a 6 year, 100,000 mile extended warranty. Even so, I only used that warranty once to fix a cracked ignition coil and all it cost me was a $50 deductible. Aside from that, the car has performed flawlessly in all four seasons. It rides and feels like the other european luxury sedans - heated leather seats, alloy wheels, sunroof, quiet interior etc, but at a much better price. The 1.9L turbo delivers plenty of zip without compromising highway mpg.

• 

  Love my S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By LizAnd - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car for a long commute! This car is so responsive and tight. My husband drives a 2002 Passat, and recently drove my car on a long trip. He could not get over the quick acceleration and fun ride. His car is an absolute slug in comparison. I also get about 5 more MPG on the freeway than he does. Its a little small on the inside, but perfect for my needs, as I rarely have passengers. I wouldnt recommend it for a family sedan, but as a DINK car (double income, no kids), it really fits the bill. Reliability has been excellent, and service at my dealership is so stellar, I wouldnt dream of taking it anywhere else.

• 

  volvo - 2001 Volvo S40
  By not happy - December 16 - 5:26 pm

  Bought this car used about a month ago and can wait to get rid of it, worst designed car i have ever been in, cup holder blocks most of console controls, 12v plug dosent work, really strange noises come from engine compartment-sounds like someone is pulling a heavy box across the ground every once in a while when i am stopped at a light, the engine "bumps" between 30-40mph when i let off the gas and then accelerate again- used to have a maxima- same year- but crashed it- should have bought another maxima- this car is garbage- dont buy it!!

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  2001 VOLVO S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By BUD MASTERSON - September 24 - 10:00 am

  WE HAVE 0 PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR SINE OWNERSHIP(LEASED). IT IS QUITE QUICK AND EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE-FOR AVERAGE SIZED PEOPLE.AIR CONDITIONING,BRAKES,PICKUP,STORAGE, ARE ALL REALLY GRTEAT. THE ONLY DOWNSIDES ARE IS THE ENGINEERING OF THE RADIO,CONTROL UNITS & PLACEMENT OF CUP HOLDER-