Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2000-2004 Volvo 40 series
Date Published: 2/20/08

2000-2004 Volvo S40/V40
More Photos

Price Range:
$3,900 - 14,600

Class:
Premium Compact Car
2000-2004 Volvo S40/V40
Expert Rating 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
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
2000-2004 VOLVO S40/V40 BUYING RESOURCES
Search Local Listings
 
Sell Your Car
 
Free CARFAX Record Check
 
2000-2004 Volvo S40/V40 Review
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.
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.
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car
    Find a Used Car
Price Range:
to
 Radius:
    Vehicle History Report

FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before you buy.