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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  Must read - S40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By 2001 S40 - November 24 - 2:03 am

  I purchased this car in 2001 - my first new car! Since that time, I have replaced brake pads front and back each year since ownership. My check engine light continues to come on and no one can figure out why. Other repairs include fuel pump, rotors, every light bulb in car, thermostat, fuses and other minor things. I purchased this car for safety and my concern now is that with all of the repairs that I have made (most of them on-road surprises), that this car actually compromises the safety of the driver - not protects it.

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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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  Avoid S-40 - 2001 Volvo S40
  By rilster - July 21 - 2:08 am

  Purchased 2009, second owner, it had 135,000 miles now has 175,000. Carfax showed always serviced at Volvo dealer. Problems started within weeks of purchase and in three and a half years; Sunroof shade out of track, bad plugs, engine mounts replaced, both engine coils replaced, cv joint replaced, blown head gasket, new radiator, o2 sensors, catalytic converter, Cvvt valve leaking oil, cvvt valve sensor clogged, climate control problems, radio problems, window regulator, over $4000.00 in repairs in the past year. Transmission went out yesterday, done! I am aircraft mechanic and do much work myself. Oil changed regularly and I take care of vehicles I own...Never purchase a Volvo again.

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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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  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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  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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  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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  Be prepared for monthly repairs - 2001 Volvo S40
  By jgookassian - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Date-Odometer-Service 6/5/01-4847-Fuel gauge is not reading 9/10/01-7284-Replaced a door molding 5/30/02-14706-replaced front washer valve 8/8/02-16536-Replaced the rear brake pads 3/8/03-23553-Takes 2-3 tries to start the car. Performed speed sensor update 3/19/03-24503-Takes 2-3 tries to start the car. Could not reproddyce 5/30/03-28186-Replaced all light bulbs 7/8/03-30247-Turbo oil return tube leaking. Replaced front brake pads 7/31/03-31586-Install SOP oxygen sensor, install updated wiring harness 9/16/03-34079-Replaced front oxygen sensor 12/9/03-37319-Transmission internally slipping. Replaced the transmission. Continued below.