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 81 through 87 of 87.00

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  Do not buy this car! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Emily - October 6 - 9:30 pm

  I purchased this car as a certified pre-owned. It was 3yrs old and had only 35k mi., but almost immediatly I began having problems - from the steering wheeling vibrating, brakes needing to be replaced, having to replace the entire sunroof, and varous engine parts failing. As soon as the warranty was up, I started taking it other places, but eventually was sent back to a dealer when my check engine light would not go off. Volvo informed me they could try a download to the cars computer, but warned me this occassionaly resulted in the computer freezing and the car becoming unusable, and it would be my expense to fix.

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  We STILL love this car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By V - September 2 - 1:16 pm

  Fun to drive, great gas mileage, easy to park, as safe as the bigger Volvos... This car is fantastic. Weve had it almost 5 years, and have NO interest in getting a replacement. Has been super reliable, versatile for a sedan (folding seats, etc.), and the lines are great. We also bought a V40 at the same time, and only sold it to get a bigger wagon. These cars are easy to love.

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  Good car, bad cupholder - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Tristan - August 21 - 2:13 am

  My S40 is great to drive. It handles well, has nice acceleration, and is great when it comes to protection in a crash. It has had a few mechanical issues since Ive had it. At around 87000 miles, the left front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. At about 88000 miles, and after getting into one accident, the cruise control quit. Took the Volvo dealership an hour to tell me that they didnt know what was wrong, got it fixed by a local mechanic in a few hours. Fuel pressure regulator gave out at 103000 miles, as did the spark plug cables. Check engine light is overzealous. Parts are very expensive if you get into a crash or break a lens for the lights. Otherwise, this is a great car!

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  Adios! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 5:23 am

  I just traded this car in for a Toyota after 10+ years of loyal Volvo ownership. This is the worst car I have ever owned. Meticulously maintained and the turbo blew at 50k, then the ignition coils, then the thermostat, and on and on. Not on par with what a Volvo owner expects from a car. It was cheap and it shows in every aspect of the car from the interior to the mechanical reliability. I am so glad to be rid of this car.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Loved it the FIRST year - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Jen G. - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was great until I hit 23,000 miles with it. That is when the back brakes needed to be replaced and also the tires. Of course none of this stuff is handled under warranty. I leased the vehicle specifically so I wouldnt have to deal with these types of repairs but no such luck. I also think this car is a little sensitive to normal bumps in the road.