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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Better than before... - 2005 Volvo S40
By Airborne - June 14 - 3:50 amIm a high school senior, and I bought a 2003 Volvo S40 in May of 2003. I fell in love with it, it was fast and agile. But over time it started to rattle alot, and despite the dealers efforts, it always came back. So that led me to look for a new car. I stoped by the dealer to see what theyd give me for my old S40 when I saw the new one. I test drove a 2.4i with the Premium and Sport package and settled on a Silver 2.4i w/ Black leather interior and the Premium package. Best buy I ever made. Its a night and day difference between the old one. This is quiet, fast, the sound system is unbeleiveable and even safer than before. I got a discount for being a returing customer and it was worth it.
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Jeep to Volvo... what Jeep? - 2008 Volvo S40
By Chris G - June 14 - 2:53 amHavent loved a car this much in many moons. Had a 2008 4 door Jeep Wrangler Sahara loaded. Fun in summer. Fun in winter. An uncomfortable disaster the rest of the year. Then... the Volvo S40. WOW. Fun ALL THE TIME! and looks and performs beautifully. What a deal too. Was an untitled demo. Sticker $27K. Bought it at $23K and they paid off my Jeep. Why didnt I choose Volvo sooner??? Safe. Stylish. Fast.
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Love/Hate relationship - 2000 Volvo S40
By Berlyn - June 6 - 10:16 pmIn 5 years of owning this care my ex and I have put over 2 grand into repairs, now I have another 3 grand to go. Engine mounts, strut cushions, bushings, sunroof, sway bar, breather box, and catalytic converter all need to be replaced. My front passenger door no longer opens from the outside, and like mentioned before the back door locks stick. The cup holder position makes no sense to me and one of the weather strips on the top of the car flew off while on the freeway and is 150 to replace. I love Volvo but theres something wrong with this car!
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GREAT LITTLE CAR - 2004 Volvo S40
By CHARLES RICHARDS - June 1 - 10:00 amA FUN CAR TO DRIVE....SURPRISING POWER ESPECIALLY ON THE INTERSTATE...DRIVER SIDE A LITTLE SNUG FOR A BIG FELLOW OR GAL....I MISS THE TILT STERRING RANGE...SHORT RANGE DOES NOT ALLOV EASY ENTRY TO DRIVERS SIDE
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FUN - 2001 Volvo S40
By krick - May 29 - 10:00 amGreat fun car for the price range. Reliable w/no problems whatsoever.
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A solid, conservative ride. - 2002 Volvo S40
By PCAL - May 17 - 2:00 amThis is a really good, safe, conservative car. Emphasis is on safety features, not much offered in the way of luxury gadgets. If you are looking for an entry level volvo, its not a bad start. If you want fun toys, youll be disappointed. But then again, compared to the more gadgety offerings in the same price range (say VW for instance) one should consider reliability issues. So far I have not encountered a single problem with my solid, if a bit stodgy S40.
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An expensive lemon - 2003 Volvo S40
By cyr - May 17 - 2:00 amOwned this lemon for 2 years. I trusted Volvo for its reliability and Volvo did not deliver it. I have to take this car for repairs every 3 months on average. Only 21,000 miles, but I had 6 problems + 2 recalls. Everything from windshield wipers failure in the middle of a storm, to misalignment of the hood, to check engine lights on for transmission problems, to check engine lights on for unknown reasons, etc..... Brake pads had to be replaced after 15,000 miles. Air conditioning recall + transmission software upgrade recall. To sum it up, Expensive lemon, unreliable, and poor service
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Safety at a great price - 2003 Volvo S40
By mslamont - May 17 - 2:00 amA safe, and pleasant vehicle at a great price. Good pickup, smooth ride.
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see for yourself its one great car - 2001 Volvo S40
By happydude - May 12 - 10:00 amwell, to sum it up quik. this car is no BMW 3-seris, or audi A4 as far as overall performance but it close. It lacks some ablity in cornering compared to these car. safety. Its better than both. roomyness, I front is fine, but if your tall than 511" you might be cramped the the rear seats. the car is built the a German tank. I own a chevy truck and it just as solid. There is also a ton of aftermarket upgrades for the car. upgraded it can d 0-60 in 6.2 sec, compared to 8.2 stock.
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Fantastic - 2008 Volvo S40
By James - May 7 - 10:00 amThis car is fantasic. I have the 5 cylinder 2.4i and I love it! It has more than enough power to speed my car up to equal that of anyother car on the road. I live in the north and it does wonderfully in the snow. Being a Volvo it is extremely reliable, and it perfect for the new driver in our family. It is my 16 year olds car and we feel very secure with him driving this car around. The car just has that safe feel about it: the doors are thick and heavy, there are numorius airbags and rides very smoothly. Interior is beautiful, the car is fully loaded and the sterio is louder than anyone could stand to hear. I believe this is the new luxury car.
