2000-2004 Volvo 40 series: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2004 Volvo S40/V40 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Ride
- Brake performance
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Volvo introduced a pair of Dutch-built, front-drive compacts for 2000, to join its larger models. With both the S40 sedan and its V40 wagon companion, they wanted to attract younger buyers than the Swedish automaker's traditional customers. Rivals included the Acura TL, Audi A4, Infiniti I30, and Lexus ES 300. With a 100.4-inch wheelbase, the sedan and wagon ranked among the smallest cars in the near-luxury segment. They were also among the least expensive. Under the hood, a 160-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine worked with a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features included side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc antilock braking, and front-seat head restraints that were designed to minimize whiplash injury in a collision. Sedans had a trunk pass-through in the back seat. Wagons had a standard split folding rear seat. Heated front seats were available in an optional Cold Weather package. Other options included traction control, leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and integrated rear child-booster seats.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Volvo S40 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2004 Volvo S40/V40. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2004 Volvo S40/V40.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Volvo 40/50 series:
After only one year on the market, the S40 sedan and V40 wagon got a thorough makeover, including freshened styling and slightly more engine power. The four-cylinder engine was now rated at 165 horsepower. A new five-speed automatic transmission replaced the initial four-speed unit. In addition to extending the wheelbase by half an inch, Volvo designers subtly reshaped the fenders, reworked the front bumper with an integrated spoiler, and modified the front suspension. Recontoured seats went up front, along with upgraded trim and rear child-seat anchors. Power window and mirror switches moved from the console to the driver's door. Optional heated seats now had two warmth levels. Standard curtain side airbags were installed. A new sensor system could trigger the dashboard airbags to deploy with full or reduced force, according to crash severity and whether occupants were buckled up.
2002 Volvo 40/50 series:
Except for a new in-trunk emergency release and twin cupholders, front and rear, little was new for 2002 in the slow-selling S40 sedan and V40 wagon. An optional Sport Package featured leather upholstery, a spoiler, fog lights, and custom interior trim, but included no engine or suspension modifications.
2003 Volvo 40/50 series:
Volvo's slow-selling S40 sedan and V40 wagon got more horsepower--180 instead of 170. CD/cassette player was made standard and gauges were revised.
2004 Volvo 40/50 series:
S40 and V40 got a limited-edition luxury models for 2004, the LSE, with production limited to only 2500. It includes a color-contrasting exterior and special alloy wheels.
Our road test for the 2000-2004 Volvo S40/V40 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2004 Volvo S40/V40 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2004 Volvo S40/V40 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Most class rivals have V6 engines and are a bit quicker and more refined than the S40/V40. Still, the turbo four provides brisk takeoffs and good midrange punch. Little turbo-related throttle lag is evident at higher speeds. A V40 wagon accelerated to 60 mph in just 8.3 seconds. Downshifts from the four-speed automatic transmission are generally prompt, but expect some hesitation in full-throttle kickdowns from midrange speeds and a little jerkiness in some part-throttle shifts. Early test cars averaged 21 mpg in performance testing, which is fair for their weight and power. Premium fuel is required. Despite a relatively short wheelbase, the ride is supple and comfortable. Sharp bumps do register, but the suspension copes well with large ruts and humps--albeit with occasional floatiness. Handling and roadholding are good. Even the wagon corners with predictable grip and moderate body lean. Precise steering and powerful brakes also enhance confidence, but the wagon's tail tends to drift slightly in simulated panic stops. Road and wind noise are well managed. The engine is quiet in top-gear cruising, but hard acceleration induces exhaust boom and intake growl. Seating is comfortably supportive, with ample space forward. Rear leg and foot room are almost subcompact-class and head room is tight for those over 5-foot-7. Moving front seats more than halfway aft inhibits entry/exit, as do narrowish rear doors. Visibility is slightly hindered by rear headrests. Gauges are clear and controls handy. The sedan's roomy trunk has usefully low liftover, but the small opening may prevent loading of bulky objects. The wagon's load deck is fairly wide but not that long, and its cargo cover is too short.
Value for the Money
While delivering a generally solid driving feel, the S40/V40 do not have the same quality of interior materials or detailed workmanship as Swedish-built Volvos. Fully equipped models get a bit pricey, impairing overall value. An Acura TL or Infiniti I30/I35 is roomier, quicker, and more refined.
While delivering a generally solid driving feel, the S40/V40 do not have the same quality of interior materials or detailed workmanship as Swedish-built Volvos. Fully equipped models get a bit pricey, impairing overall value. An Acura TL or Infiniti I30/I35 is roomier, quicker, and more refined.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Volvo S40 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Volvo 40/50 series includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Volvo 40/50 series .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Exhaust system:
The exhaust-manifold nuts may become loose and dealers should replace all nuts with new ones having captive washers. (2000-01)
None:
The fuel rail may leak on a small number (15,000) of vehicles due to a bad weld and owners may call 1-800-458-1552 to see if they are eligible for the recall fix. (2003-04)
Oil consumption:
The screen in the oil filler can get loose inside the filler neck and often would've been replaced when the vehicle was in for other services. (2000)
Seat:
The seat-adjustment mechanism squeaks if not periodically lubricated. (2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $610 |
| Alternator | $390 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,445 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $0 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $880 |
| Exhaust System | $345 |
| Radiator | $300 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $750 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $235 |
Our price chart for this generation Volvo 40/50 series details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| New S40 2.4i | $10,800-11,800 | $9,700-10,600 | $5,800-6,400 |
| New S40 T5 | $12,500-13,600 | $11,300-12,200 | $7,100-7,800 |
| S40 sedan | $9,200-10,500 | $8,300-9,500 | $4,800-5,500 |
| V40 wagon | $10,000-11,300 | $9,000-10,200 | $5,200-5,900 |
| 2003 | |||
| S40 sedan | $7,200-8,200 | $6,400-7,300 | $3,500-4,000 |
| V40 wagon | $7,900-8,900 | $7,100-8,000 | $4,000-4,500 |
| 2002 | |||
| S40 sedan | $5,600-6,500 | $4,800-5,600 | $2,300-2,700 |
| V40 wagon | $6,300-7,200 | $5,500-6,300 | $2,800-3,200 |
| 2001 | |||
| S40 sedan | $4,700-5,500 | $3,900-4,600 | $1,800-2,100 |
| V40 wagon | $5,200-6,000 | $4,400-5,100 | $2,100-2,400 |
| 2000 | |||
| S40 sedan | $4,000-4,800 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| V40 wagon | $4,400-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,500-1,800 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Volvo 40/50 series include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.9 | 100.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.4 | 176.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.7 | 67.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.5 | 55.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2990 | 3040 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.2 | 61.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.8 | 15.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.2 | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.7 | 32.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In their first season, the S40 sedan and V40 wagon had a turbocharged dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine that produced 160 horsepower, driving a four-speed automatic transmission. Engine output rose to 165 horsepower in 2001, when a five-speed automatic transmission replaced the four-speed unit. Power was up again in '03, this time to 170 horsepower.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 1.9 / 116 | 160-170 | 175-177 | 4-speed automatic: 22/32 5-speed automatic: 22/32 |
4-speed automatic: 21.6 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: The Netherlands
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Volvo 40/50 series include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2004 Volvo S40/V40 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000:
Water may be able to enter the brake vacuum pump, possibly causing a loss of stopping ability. Dealers will inspect and replace all affected parts.
2001:
A diode in the electronic climate-control system may have a reduced service life. If it fails, the heater fan stops running, affecting the defroster.
2004:
Non-return valve on some cars may crack, causing vacuum leak; more brake-pedal force may then be required, and/or vehicle may experience rough engine idle.
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