Overview & Reviews

Output from the 1.9-liter turbocharged mill is bumped up by 10 to 170 horsepower. A CD player makes its way onto the standard features list, and the front fascia gets a slight freshening thanks to a black egg-crate grille and body-colored side molding and bumpers. Inside you'll find a new three-spoke steering wheel and a four-dial instrument cluster. The sport package adds front and rear spoilers, blackout headlamp surrounds and 16-inch wheels, and the premium package now includes a leather-wrapped hand brake handle and gearshift lever.

• 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 58.00

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  s40 and brake pads - 2003 Volvo S40
  By leo22 - September 12 - 11:26 pm

  my s40 has been through 3 sets of rear brake pads in 50,000 miles, and 1 set of rotors. Who ever heard of rear brake pads only lasting 12 to 15 thousand miles. Volvo claims this is normal wear for our pads and that there is no problems with the braking system. I have also replaced the front pads once they seem to hold better. I have also had other miscelanious problems i.e. bad fuel injectors replaced, gas gauge replaced, and several light bulbs. Overall this car has not been a very pleasant experience and I cant wait to get out of my lease.

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  Dont Do It - 2003 Volvo S40
  By RObert - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Lots of rattles, odds and ends that break. Sure, its all under warranty, but each time another visit to the dealer for service, and who has time for that? My visits went like this, "yeah, youre right its broke, but we have to order the part, so youll have to bring it back," doubling my number of visits! Defects included chech engine light on at least 6 xs, gas cap lock broke, hazard switch broke, sun roof mechanism broke, and, for the first time with any car Ive ever owned, rear bakes went on it after one year, ate into the rotors (not covered under warranty) causing $400 worth of damage.

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  Glad to get rid of it - 2003 Volvo S40
  By timo - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Was shocked at what a high matainance car it was. Aside from ride and being safe, the cost of breaks every 15,000 miles and tune up every 7,500 (one over $500) if you want Volvo to do it. Also, went through 6 headlights in 6 months (warrenty covered) and A/C needed work. I was glad to see it go and went for more reliable and smoother riding Toyota

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  TOO MANY PROBLEMS - 2003 Volvo S40
  By s40sucks - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I leased this new S40 in March 2001. Within the first year I had to replace a rear rotor due to a factory defect. During the second year with 10,000 miles on the car I needed new rear rotors and brake pads costing close to $500. I am currently fighting with Volvo to reimburse me. During the second year the shift light blew out, the front headlight had to be replaced, the power seat broke and needed a new switch, the steering colum needed repairs. The check engine light goes on and off continously, and the air conditioning is terrible. I would never consider another VOLVO and advise all to stay away!

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  if you live in new york stay away - 2003 Volvo S40
  By jack tawil - September 28 - 2:00 am

  ive had this car for a year the cars performance as far as pick up is great. in the snow it sucks , if you hit a pot hole you need a new wheel base a tire and an alignment. the car really could get on your nerves. maintenance very pricy. overall sometimes it could be your friend but in a second it can back stab you

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  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.