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:

• 

  50 50 s40i - 2005 Volvo S40
  By abqdn - May 11 - 12:03 pm

  Good car but have had fuel pump problems twice in less than a year.

• 

  Wouldnt ever buy a Volvo again. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By KWall - May 1 - 10:06 am

  Ive had my Volvo for almost 5 years now (purchased it when it was 2 yrs. old). Have had many problems with the check engine light coming on. Had to replace an oxygen sensor a total of 8 times! Recently the electric components of the headlight broke, and it cost $1550 to repair! Volvo parts are extremely expensive, and the electric components of the car are too sensitive. The upkeep of this car is so expensive that I will never buy a Volvo again.

• 

  so many nay sayers ! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By venus - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I Live in Germany, AutoBahn speeds ! I have owned this car since April 2001. Break in drivinig was from Gothenburg Sweden to Germany, 500 miles at 90+ never an issue. I drive her at a 80-90 mph average every day to and from work. Have yet to encounter any problems. She handles great at high speed, has the power when needed. And out ran a few 3 series BMWs and V6 3.0 Alfa Rameos. I have replaced the tires, my own fault. Breaks my own fault. other than that my dealership is great and look forward to driving her for years to come. I must admit the cup holders were an after thought. Price is fair and the style is classy.

• 

  Great car for value! - 2005 Volvo S40
  By CBell - April 26 - 4:20 pm

  This Volvo definitely has an appealing design both on the outside and the inside. The engine is fun to drive and the car handles well in a sport driving mode due to its compact size. The fuel consumption is a bit more than what I expected for a small engine and the finishing could be better (noise isolation). Overall, this car gives great driving pleasure and has a certain class for a price which remains very affordable compared to other Euro imports in the same category.

• 

  Love this car! - 2006 Volvo S40
  By happyinnh - April 18 - 5:06 pm

  You cant find a better car for the price. All the features on my Volvo made it irresistible, heated leather seats, traction control, 6 CD changer with 12 speakers, sunroof, I love it. It is so much fun to drive, I find that the 2.4L engine is enough for daily driving, it has good pickup and delivers a smooth ride. I feel so safe when I get into this car, and it handles really well.

• 

  An excellent car! - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Wiliam Su - April 17 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo S40 is a very powerful, beautiful machine, with a very good value and it is the safest car in the segment.

• 

  Quiet Rocket - 2005 Volvo S40
  By Ron - April 15 - 10:53 pm

  I first saw the 2004 Volvo S40 T5 at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2003 and I instantly fell in love with it. Having three cars already, I planned to buy a new one at the end of 2004 and I did. I was also considering the Audi A4, Mazda RX8, Mini Cooper, BMW 3-Series and the Volvo S40 T5. The A4 did not have enough mid-range torque. The RX8 guzzled too much gasoline. My neighbor already has two BMWs andthe Mini was going for more than list price! So I got the Volvo. This cars Acceleration is impressive as you quietly leave the loud pocket rockets the kids drive in the dust. Its pick-up is calm and smooth, if you lose on a standing start to a souped up car, youll appear as if you werent trying to race anyway. Its handling is responsive with the modified suspension & not choppy at all.

• 

  Lemon - 2000 Volvo S40
  By unhappy mom - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had all the problems that have been listed in these reviews, some repeatedly. This is the worst car I have ever owned. Plus, the dealership has not been willing to work with us. The power assist brake system failed while driving, and luckily I was able to stop the vehicle. The airbag light was on at the time this occurred, and the dealership informed me that the airbags would not have deployed had there been an accident. The brakes continue to give us problems.

• 

  Great Little Car - 2002 Volvo S40
  By Cristin - April 9 - 1:13 pm

  We have owned about a thousand Volvos but this one is by far my favorite. I work in a parking lot with very tight parking and where people are always getting into fender-benders. This car is easy to park and easy to drive. Its fun and gets good mpg. With the leather interior it is very comfortable for long drives.

• 

  Most disappointing car ever - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Marco - April 9 - 4:03 am

  When I was shopping for a car back in 02, I chose the Volvo S40 after looking at the Acura RSX, Saab 93, and Audi A4. Ultimately, I picked the Volvo because it seemed luxurious, the dealer promised that this was a performance car, and I had the Ford Aplan discount, which made it the cheapest of the bunch. Oops. What a disaster of a car. To be fair, I think that Volvo just has no idea how to make a small car. The performance is a joke. The handling is ponderous and, at highway speeds, can be a little scary. When passing at high speeds, the car wobbles -- literally. The braking is AWFUL. The nose dips and the car takes too long to stop. Would not recommend this car.