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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  Great car... highly underated - 2002 Volvo S40
  By volvofan - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car... just bought it a week ago and its amazing. The engine seems it can handle a lot more than just 160 hp. It accelerates like a dream.

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  BOUGHT A VOLVO BUT GOT A LEMON - 2001 Volvo S40
  By jaykap - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car for my wife. Thought Volvo meant reliability and safety. Headlights had to be replaced 4 times. Check engine light would never go off. Brakes wore out after 15,000 mi. Ashtray door jammed shut. Cupholders were an afterthought. Tires wore down after 20k miles and had to be replaced. This car became very high maintainance. Ive had less trouble with my Jag. Dont buy this if you need a reliable car. I never got response from Volvo North America after I wrote them 3 times about my c

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  2004.5 T5 - 2004 Volvo S40
  By bharkins - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I havent had this car for very long, but I love it. Its a really smooth and responsive ride. I got the sports package and the premium sound and Im really glad I got both. In particular, I find the aluminum to look much better than the fake wood. While there are a number of little things Id like to see added in this car, they are little. Overall, Im really impressed.

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  So many problems! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By problem s40!!! - January 3 - 11:56 am

  I checked out a variety of cars in this category, and eventually settled on the s40. i loved the design, and heard such promising things about volvos, that i thought i was making the right decision. however, i have had problems with this car since day one. it has been back to the dealership 6 times in the year and a half that ive owned it. the first problem occurred when the car was less than 2 weeks old. the steering column had to be replaced. since then it has been back 5 times for starter control unit problems! volvo has not been particularly helpful either. i wish that i kept my 98 honda civic, which had absolutely no problems!

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  My first Volvo, but not my last. - 2006 Volvo S40
  By Diana C - December 18 - 11:43 am

  Great looking car. I love the sporty lines, while retaining its classy look. Gone are the days when Volvo was boxy and predictable. Volvo proves a sedan can be sporty.

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  great first car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By donaldduck - December 16 - 10:00 am

  5 speed auto is excellent. Very economical.

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  Had enough - 2004 Volvo S40
  By Lou - December 10 - 2:30 am

  Bought car new July 04 and 6 mos later check engine light came on and everything replaced above engine block- cylinders 3 & 4 had 75% leak-down. Tried software download which is a joke. Replace brake pads too. Car out 18 days. Then ignition console went out car died. Out 5 days. Then radio went out, ate my cds. Out 3 days. Next tranny issue- braking/accelerating produces nothing. Let off gas and retry works. Fixed. Windows work on/off, speakers work on/off. Strong electrical smell appeared. Defective condenser. All fixed. Out longer. As of today windows/speakers/strong smell issues still there, tranny wierd. Bottom line not safe or reliable. Software updates dont wrk.Is a lemon. Giving back. Had enough!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great Car! - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Frey the Viking - December 9 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo S40 is so underrated. I love my car! Its handling is great and the turbo engine seems as if though it can handle a lot more than 160hp. I always rev it and it accelerates like a dream. A must if you are a car enthusiast.

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  Nice little car - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Srini - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for 2 years and have no major complaints (except the check engine light - I got it fixed at the dealership when I received a notice from Volvo a few months ago). Excellent acceleration, good build quality and reliability. I frequently take this car on long trips and have great fun driving it.

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  small but cool - 2008 Volvo S40
  By URSUS - December 6 - 8:50 am

  I bought the S40 couple months ago and i like it ..European car always the best ..