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 51 through 60 of 87.00

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  Dressed up Ford - 2001 Volvo S40
  By JoJo - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Car constantly has "Check Engine" light illuminated. New brake pads at 25k miles...ridiculous! Dealer claims its b/c of superior braking abilities and not under warranty....ha! Roger Beasley Volvo less than customer friendly. Offered me $10k less after 1 year when I tried to upgrade into S70 XC...what a joke.

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  Nice little car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Manimal - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I really like the S40. My mom got it last summer but then gave me the car and traded my jeep for a BMW. Its got a great engine that will pull into the triple digits with relative ease. It rides really smoothly at any speed. My only complaints- the stereo can get muddy when at absolute max volume, the cupholder sucks, and the leather wears down and stains too easily.

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Keith - April 7 - 3:16 pm

  Well, now I have 150,000 miles on it, yes, 150K! I dont know what people are talking about but I have not had a single issue with this car yet! I got it at 81K and knew that it would last, and it did. Yes, the cup holders are awful, but if you are like me and not like to have picnic in your vehicle, you will be just fine. I still average 28mpg with the ac running here in San Diego. If this car goes to junk, I would buy one again for about 7000 bucks. Beats buying a Civic as these are very very safe cars. The only issue I had was to change the coil wire which ran about 70 bucks! Just go and buy one, if it feels good, then it must be the right car.

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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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  Good Car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Rusty - February 21 - 2:03 pm

  After 90k miles and 5 years, our used off-lease 2001 volvo S40 is still a very reliable car. While under warranty, we had to replace the Climate Control system and a coil spring broke, but it always starts and gets us where we need to go. Bought it with 33k miles, now has 124k miles and it still runs great. Its like having a BMW but without the BMW pricetag and with Volvo reliability. I anticipate well drive ours until 200k miles easily.

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  read the other reviews first - 2001 Volvo S40
  By volvofrom orlando - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The paint is cheap, the location and function of the front and rear cupholders is bad, the headlamps burning out after 14,000 miles and the brakes experiencing frequent wear were unexpected. I also have been in to the dealer many more times than you would plan from a Volvo. Mysterious check engine lights, tires and rims that need to be completely replaced after minor/small impacts with potholes. The service department is always very nice, but why is it they always run out of Volvo loaners right before I get there? I end up seeing the "Enterprise" guy in the lobby and enjoy the hint of smoke- ridden Chevy Malibu for the day.

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  A little pricey, IMHO. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Tom in Nor Cal - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall its been a reliable, fun little car. Ive read some of the horror stories from other reviews, I havent experienced any of these. I bought the S40 and a Cross Country the same day. Volvo of Pleasanton, CA has a great sales stff but go elsewhere for service, trust me! The only problem Ive had with the car is the shift-lock mechanism getting stuck.

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  fast fast fast!!! fun fun fun - 2001 Volvo S40
  By volvo for life - October 27 - 6:46 pm

  I must say, from someone downgrading from a 2000 BMW 3 series this is an awesome car. Its very reliable, fast and handles like a race car. You can keep up with any car on the road with ease. The steering is very quick and responsive for a Volvo. I read and saw that many people did not like the cup holders, but i do, because i think its different. Although i am grateful to have this car, i must say i wish the suspension was a little firmer and not as soft, but hey it still handles great!

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  Love my S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By bbqbandit - October 20 - 8:36 pm

  I bought the car two years ago and it has been a dream. Incredible power and fuel economy. Body is in amazing condition with no rust and its so much fun to drive.

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  High Maintenance - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Disgruntled - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle will cost you oodles in maintenance costs. You will need rear brake pads every 12K-15K miles ($178), and front pads every 25K-30K miles. That means with every scheduled service you can add at least $180 extra for brake pads. Very disappointing! Also, headlamp burned out at 15K miles, and need to take the battery out to replace the bulb!