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 61 through 70 of 87.00

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  Never Again - 2001 Volvo S40
  By RPF - April 12 - 4:23 am

  Ill be honest, it IS fun to drive when everything is working properly, however thats rare... Check engine light seems to be a continuously-on feature, parts are expensive and its never an easily diagnosable fix. Sensors are waaaay to temperamental. The car was bucking like crazy when I put anything other than the over-priced Volvo plugs in it. Climate controls work when they feel like it.

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  Run as fast as you can!!! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Regreting it! - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I leased my 2001 S40 in November 2000 and it has been in for service 16 times. Problems started the first month. The check engine light had to be reset 3 times before a compression pump was replaced, 3 recalls AFTER the problems were fixed, the air conditioner broke, the radio broke, new brakes after 17000 miles, the paint on my hood has scrub marks on it, my gas gauge NEVER reads full eventhough it is, the fabric between my windshield and side window is unraveling, and the pan under my engine rattles during fast acceleration. But, there is good news, my cup holder still works.

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  s 40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By dave n - March 26 - 2:26 pm

  leased in nov 2000, great lease deal. 22,500 miles so far dealer replaced rear brake pads and head light under warranty very pleased with dealer service already told my salesman im interested in an S60 turbo

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  Best used value S-40ASR turbo - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Volvo for Life - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I do agree with some people here.If you buy a fully loaded model topping $27800 with all the options you dont want to have any problems and glitches like burning lights or brakes.It is still a best deal in the used sport luxury european sedan category.You have to drive normal and dont abuse it.I love this car,but you have to lubricate brakes ,especially if you drive in salty,cold weather.Handling is superb.Once again you have to buy them used for $9700-11500 range to really enjoy it.It worth this money all the way.Luxury European small sports sedan.

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  Drives likes a truck - 2001 Volvo S40
  By juanag - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Handling: choppy, bumpy ride. Have to hang onto the wheel in curves to keep it tracking. Reliability: one check engine incident. Rear brakes needed relining after 8,000 miles. Stopping distance is not that great, either. Dealer took 2 years to fix malfunctioning drivers window!

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  Disappointed! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Malinda - February 26 - 6:00 am

  My dad gave me this car after my mom drove it for a while. Its really great looking but I constantly had problems with it. The warranty never covered anything except my alternator, and it sat at the dealer for 1 month before it could be fixed. The check engine/service lights on constantly. Brakes and tires wore out way too early. I tried to trade in and was only offered $2500 for it (the AC finally went out and it was way too much to fix it). Literally in the shop once a month. The guys at the dealership know me on a first-name basis b/c Im there so much! Too bad, but its so cute on the outside! And the cupholder? Seriously? You have to take out your drink to change CDs!

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  Fair - 2001 Volvo S40
  By 06mcastle - February 13 - 4:16 am

  I chose a Volvo because its a luxury vehicle, but its just fair. I havent had any mechanical problems so it has been nice that way. The fuel pump is going out, so it will need to be replaced soon though. It is very costly to maintain or repair though. It requires a higher grade of gas, and synthetic oil, and a special oil filter size, most cars have one size, but not this one. It doesnt get as good of mileage as I was hoping, on the road it only gets about 28, in town it gets 25. There is a lot of road noise, but can be drowned out with the stereo. I wouldnt recommend this car to financial struggling people, but if you have extra dough, go for it.

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  Dont do it - 2001 Volvo S40
  By never again - February 8 - 8:43 am

  This car was the biggest mistake Ive made since my first marriage (and nearly as costly.) Constantly in need of repair and or maintenance. Everything from the sun roof to the brakes has needed attention. I would be remiss if I didnt mention the lights. Nearly $200 in bulbs in approximately 18 months! Cant finish without mentioning the cup holder - I seriously suspect is was designed by a team of monkeys. My recommendation to a prospective buyer is - dont.

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  Could be made better - 2001 Volvo S40
  By jackbuc - December 17 - 10:00 am

  The car handles well, however, there are problems. One, the doors are way to light. The paint could be of a better quality. The tires are below average. The engine is excellent but the steering and brakes are not up to par. I will need brake pads after 15,000 miles. The radio is OK but the cup holder is totally in the wrong place. Excellent pick up and fun to drive. If you are thinking of getting a volvo dont be cheap and get the s80.

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  LOVE IT - 2001 Volvo S40
  By g75401 - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my S40 to be a work car. I drive 90 miles round trip, mostly highway, and wanted a car with better fuel economy than my Expedition. So far, the Volvo fits the bill. Its very fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. I compare it to a Scirroco VW I had in the early 80s...very peppy without the requirement of needing to sleep in the back seat overnight on the side of the road due to breakdowns!!! Plus, my stepson has already informed me he likes it more than his dads S60!!