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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  Great Car! Great Pricing - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Jammer - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Even though I am a large person I have found this car to have great seating and leg room. Peppy, Fun and luxurious are words that describe how it feels to drive this awesome compact sedan. I never would have guessed a Volvo could be so much fun to drive!

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  Great CAR!!! - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Maria F - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a dream, I have had no problems with it, and the service department is amazing.

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  Incredible Car -- bellisimo!!!! - 2003 Volvo S40
  By mr911sc - February 7 - 2:00 am

  The motor is strong with no lag. The turbo is fully spooled at 1750RPM, the Torque converter stall speed is well above that. The trans shifts according to the type of driver you are and adapts quickly.. it will even anticipate desired acceleration after a turn/obstacle, and downshift before you get on the gas.The suspension in this car does not compare to any car that I have ever driven (I also own a Porsche 911). It quite simply, is phenomenal. The geometry is PERFECT. The car always feels planted. You can never misunderstand what the car is doing or what the car can do. It goes where you point it.

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  Culturally confused but very nice - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Larry Pope - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a Ford product. I have never owned a Volvo. Ive never owned a Mitsubishi product. Ive never owned a car built in Holland. One purchase covered all of those voids. That said, the car is well built, and gutsy. Its my wifes driver and she loves it. My only complaint with the car is that the 4 cylinder is a little noisy. But Ive driven few 4 cylinders that didnt sound like sewing machines.

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  Too Often Overlooked - 2003 Volvo S40
  By S40 in MD - October 3 - 2:00 am

  The S40 has got to be one of the most over looked automobiles. I have owned the car for 8 months and it is a joy to drive. Plenty of acceleration, good handeling, comfortable, very secure in bad weather, economical, reduced insurance and no gimics. The model is to be replaced mid-year 2004, so watch for good discounts as Volvo does.

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  S40 Exceeds Expectations - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Eric T. - September 17 - 3:53 pm

  My S40 began life as a RENTAL CAR, and 30k miles later, I purchased it. Why this car? Initially because of its value, reputation, style, & service competency at the dealership. I havent had a single problem with my car. I commute 50 comfortable miles r/t daily, and get 30+mpg. Ive never struggled to merge into fast moving traffic. I keep it clean, change the oil myself, and monitor fluid levels and tire pressure/wear. Volvo has higher value over time, and is safer than most other cars on the road. When I want performance acceleration/handling/braking, Ill put on my helmet and leathers, and head for a track day on my superbike. My car is more than competent at what I expect from a car.

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  Freds review - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Fred Miller - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Of the 9 new cars Ive owned in the past 50 years, the S-40 is my all-time favorite--even better than the two 240s I owned for 15 years overall. Volvo--its for Life, really it is!!

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  Great bang for the buck - 2003 Volvo S40
  By Bababooey - May 21 - 10:00 am

  We test drove VW Passat, and Jetta. Both vehicles had a higher price tag. The S40 is by far a better car. Good power and the handleing is excellent for a Front Wheel drive car.

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  Yes it is a Volvo but..... - 2003 Volvo S40
  By StuartL. - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Got a great deal on a demo model with exactly the features that I wanted. People in the dealership are great and not stuckup like Audi and BMW. Given Volvos reputation for building sturdy, dependable cars I have been surprised by the need for new break pads every 20K and the high maintanence costs.

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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.