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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  Solid and fairly speedy - 2006 Volvo S40
  By rich - July 9 - 3:43 am

  Wife just leased a 2006 S40 T5 AWD. I own a 2005 S4 so my opinions may be biased. I was impressed how comfortable the drive is, the smooth handling and 6-speed gearbox, nice acceleration for 218 hp in the lower revs despite the cars weight, broad torque band, simple yet sophisticated interior, decent navigational system, "thud" sound of the closing doors, overall sporty styling.

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  Volvo4Life - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Volvo4Life? - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I Like this car except for 3 major issues: 1. Goes thru initial brake pads at about 15K miles. 2. Horrible leg room for passengers in the back seat. 3. This car does not hold its value. Prepare to tak a huge hit if you lease.

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  Fun, but not the quality expected - 2000 Volvo S40
  By senoj - July 5 - 10:00 am

  The S40 is excellent with road perfromance, but the continuous maintenance really takes away from the fun. This car, in 2 years, has been in the shop more than any other car Ive owned. Very disappointed - 2 brake sets, four new headlamps($15.00 each), malfunctioning engine maintenance light, stuck cup holder (thats useless) and thats not all. Good car for people with lots of money and free time to spend in the shop. I hang on to it because it is a pleasure to drive.

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  New S40 - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Dude 5 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Drives like a luxury car with all the amenities you could want.

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  Fantastic Car - 2004 Volvo S40
  By lkw15 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This car has been fantastic so far. The gas mileage is excellent, the ride is smooth, the acceleration is quick. With the premium package and climate package, this car comes loaded for a price right around high 25,000s, low 26s. I commute a long distance each day and this car has been a pleasure to ride in.

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  Good - 2000 Volvo S40
  By volvodriver - June 8 - 12:50 pm

  Good

• 

  Loving It for Now - 2008 Volvo S40
  By Dave D. - May 25 - 7:53 am

  I have only had it for a couple of weeks so I can not say much about the reliability, but the overall look and feel of the Volvo S40 is everything I was looking for. If you want a smaller refined looking ride that has some speed and handling, look no further. The S40 has a classy but still young and sporty feel to it. For people my age (26) it fits perfectly. The only con is that people looking for a sporty manual transmission the Volvo is not a good pick, but the Five-Speed Geartronic Transmission is very satisfying.

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  GOOD CAR - 2002 Volvo S40
  By samuroy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Satisfied

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  Excellent car - 2008 Volvo S40
  By Bing Yu - May 9 - 4:13 am

  This is the first time I purchased a Volvo. I love its exterior look and interior design. The back seat is pretty roomy. The 5 speed manual transmission is powerful and smooth. This Volvo S40 is really fun to drive.

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  What a ride! - 2004 Volvo S40
  By dargorilla - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I just got my new T5 two weeks ago, and I have to say that this is one serious automobile. The acceleration numbers that you read in the magazines (0-60 in 6.5 secs) just do not do this car justice, and cannot covey the feeling of doing 35mph, putting your right foot on the floor, and watching 70 come up before you can even take a breath. The ride and steering with the sport suspension feels stable even at ridiculous speeds through twisting turns. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the interior is stylish, and inviting. This is the perfect car for those of us that do not want to sacrifice performance, but need to haul around the rug rats.