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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  Smooth meets tight - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Car guy - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Thus far, my experience with the S40 has been completely rewarding. Notwithstanding the one problem I had with the passenger airbag being defective -- which is something I wouldnt really expect from a Volvo -- this car is an all-around gem. It combines tight european handling and turbo-charged power with excellent fuel economy and distinctive styling. Quality is clearly a cut above most any American car, and certainly better than any car in its price range (including the Accord, Passat, and Camry).

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  My first Volvo - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Kevin S40 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Volvo, and likely wont be my last. From the minute I test drove it, I had a clear impression of just how solid and stable the car was. The S40 had substantially less turbo lag than my previous car- a 98 Audi A4. In general, the driving experience felt tight, as a European car should.

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  cupholder - 2001 Volvo S40
  By buzilita - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving the S40. Its very comfortable and sporty looking. It has a lot of trunk space and handles well.

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  I love my Volvo S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By youareslow - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I leased the S40 after comparing it to a Jetta GLS. The Volvo came out to be $10 more a month for the same term and down payment. Im glad I paid the extra 10 bucks. I love the Volvo. It is a solid car with a lot of zip and is reasonable on gas. The interior is top quailty and the fit and finish is great. The only problem I have had in the first 20k is one of the head lamps went out. The dealer replaced both under warranty and the service was great. If you are looking for something a little different this is a great car.

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  5 Years and still purring - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Tim - November 17 - 4:53 am

  I have owned a 2001 Volvo S40 for over 5 years now, and it is still runs the same as when I drover her off the lot. The car has a great interior, is fun to drive, and is the best value for its price range. It was cheaper than the BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Acura equivalents and comparable in features. It may not turn the eyes as much as an Audi, but it is a rock solid car. I had a friend that bought a 2001 Audi A4 Quattro that has been in the shop 10 times more than my car.

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  Perfect Car!!!!! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By dr.wildcard - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Very Great car, great engine. Perfect acceleration, easy to handle!

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  Peppy Car Heavy On Safety - 2001 Volvo S40
  By RandyK - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the S40; it was quite peppy with excellent breaking for my driving style. I was especially impressed with the parking breaks grip on steep hills; no pressure against the transmission. I have had several of the problems others had: check engine light, brake/tire wear and headlight blowout. The check engine light was a recall upgrade, the headlight bad luck. The tires/breaks were understandable. Performance rated tires higher than H wear on all cars at 12-15K. Cheaper tires will last to 45K. Swift breaking usually means fast wear. Ill pay the extra for safety, as luxury cars in general are not cheap to upkeep.

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  All I ever asked for! - 2001 Volvo S40
  By MY S40 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  My S40 is exactly what I wqas looking for...no problems thus far, EXCEPT the trunk light went out...no biggie. The car has great handling and acceleration

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  Great car for the low cost - 2001 Volvo S40
  By Matt - December 6 - 5:06 pm

  I have had my Volvo for a couple of years now and I am getting ready to sell her (upgrade). I must say that this car was an incredible purchase, I bought the car so that I could use it as a travel car and ended up using it full time because it was such a nice car. I would recomend this vehicle to anyone that loves the luxury of nice product but does not have the money to get a BMW/Merc

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  Miss it a lot - 2001 Volvo S40
  By prodigy1 - September 22 - 8:46 pm

  I bought a 01 s40 with 30k miles on it and NEVER gave me an ounce of trouble. I took very good care of it. The dealers always treated me great when I went in to do major maintenance, such as replace turbo o-rings and timing belt. The dealer prices where not bad at all. Its sad to see so many people had such bad luck with theirs. Unfortunately a year ago my wife fell asleep and flipped it over a couple of times but its a volvo and her and the kids walked away with only seat belt burns. It had 135k miles on it and ran like it was new. I highly recommend this car to anyone. And not all but most of what Im reading in other reviews that are "complaints" are wear and tear maintenance items.