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 1 through 10 of 87.00

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  Frustration - 2001 Volvo S40
  By tmbbmt - December 14 - 3:03 am

  I wanted to get a Volvo before grad school because I always viewed them as safe, reliable, lasting cars. Our old volvo wagon went 330k miles with few problems. This car is one big electrical malfunction. Windshield fluid spray/wipers randomly coming on, air/heat confused as to whether it should be putting out hot or cold air and at high or low, constantly replacing lights, check engine light coming on and off when it pleases (believe this is a sensor issue). Sometimes its like the radio display is possessed. But for me, I kinda lost faith in my car when I stopped in the middle of a toll plaza on 95 and my car shut off and took 15 mins to restart.

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  definitely unique - 2001 Volvo S40
  By lami - January 14 - 10:00 am

  if youre looking for an affordable sedan that doesnt look like a taurus or camry, this volvo is your best bet on the US market. this car has been manufactured in the netherlands since 1996, but its look and feel are still very fresh around here. and do not get scared by the small size of the engine. no matter in what situation youll be, this cute volvo is going to move fast and without much effort. mileage is good, performance adequate, the interior design beats all the cheap american/japanese kitch styles invading the market today.

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  Decent Car - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Name - September 29 - 12:23 am

  After driving several station wagons and the classic 240, I bought this car used in 05 w/ ext. warr. Frnt and back seat cup holders broke after 2 wks. Have replaced tires, ext lights numerous x, transmission, brakes & cruise control. Thank God for the ext. warr. Paint scratches incredibly easy - quite a nuisance. Frnt cup holder is in a bad place and poorly built. Glove box wont close all the way. Knobs for a/c & radio are cheap and the material chips off. Leather stains easily. Drivers headrest sits up too high for short ppl like me. It honestly pains me to say this but after driving Volvos for 20 years and having such a "lovely" experience with this one, Im done with Volvos.

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  Love my S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By AllisonM - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I think this is a great, fun car. I have always wanted to own a Volvo and thought Id never be able to afford anything better than an used 40. When I learned that they had introduced a sub-30K product, I ran to the dealership and dumped my 3-year old Subaru Outback.

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  s40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Aijaz - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The s40 is a good car. The acceleration is quick, the ride smooth and the front seats so comfortable. My only problem was a window that didnt work for a month. the dealer said he would fix it although he never got back in touch like he said he would.

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  Not too bad so far. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By kdooms94 - June 9 - 6:38 am

  I have had a couple issues with the car. I replaced the brakes and rotors when i bought it, but that was my choice. The check engine light is almost always on, but I just ignore it as the car still runs fine and gets great fuel economy without it. I blew a radiator hose a while ago, but that isnt unexpected on a car that is 12. And i blew a brake hose, which also isnt uncommon on a car that is that age, as i have friends with fords, and toyotas, and hondas who have also experienced similar issues. My recommendation is to use high grade fuel when you can, as the car starts really hard and runs rough on regular fuel, and probably contributes to many of the problems others have listed.

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  Maintenance Headache - 2001 Volvo S40
  By JPP - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I leased this car for my wife. Was looking for something that wouldnt be a headache. Since weve had it the interior lights, headlights and fuses constantly blow out on a rotating schedule. My wife drives like a grandma so we didnt have to replace the brakes until 20k. The tires are worn out now at 24k. We had it in the shop three times to get the horn to work correctly. And the two right rims are bent without any major bumps. I thought we had a lemon until I read all these other reviews. Cant wait for the lease to be over...

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  GREAT DRIVE, REPAIR FREQUENT - 2001 Volvo S40
  By ANGRY/NOW IM MAD - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the car handles, but disappointed with inferior parts. Headlights BRAKES (last 15,000 mi), no auto trunk, window motors, air conditioner leaks on inside, recalls. Had several repairs, some my fault, other have been under warranty, Im at 30,000 mi, what happens at 48,000 mi when warranty expires, I stuck, right?I purchased a volvo for longevity, reliability and safety, instead I got a car I can only sell at a loss and fear of expensive repairs after the warranty expires

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  A great car if you treat it right. - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Jesse Coley - November 20 - 3:30 am

  I bought this car used with 80,000 miles on it. Its currently pushing 100,000 miles and I have had none of these problems other reviewers keep talking about. My brakes are FINE. The Check Engine light only comes on if I gun the engine while it is still cold, but then the light usually goes back off before the day is over. I had to replace the turbo when I first purchased the car, but Im sure thats why it was for sale in the first place. Turbo cars have special needs. Synthetic oil and letting the engine idle a bit before shutting off the car is a MUST. Im sure the previous owner didnt. Some people complain about bulbs burning out. The solution is to turn off the day-time running lamps.

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  Volvo? - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Volvo? - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I am both alarmed and glad to read the other reviews and see other similiar problems, I am not alone. Our breaks are beginning to squeak at 13,000 miles, the driver side door wind noise has always been abnormaly loud, there are a few areas on the car that the clear coat appears to be coming off, and last but not least the cruise is failing periodically.