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2000 Volvo 40 series Full Review
Date Published: 2/21/08
Also in the 2000 Volvo 40 series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2000 Volvo 40 series Review
Volvo expands its lineup for 2000 with a compact sedan and wagon aimed at younger buyers than the automaker's traditional customers. The sedan is called S40, the wagon V40. With a 100.4-inch wheelbase, they're among the smallest cars in the near-luxury segment, and also among the least expensive, starting under $24,000.
They have front-wheel drive, a 160-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and front-seat active head restraints designed to minimize whiplash injury. Wagons get a split-fold rear seat, sedans a rear-seat pass-through. Traction control, leather upholstery, power moonroof, and integrated dual rear child booster-seats are options.
They have front-wheel drive, a 160-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and front-seat active head restraints designed to minimize whiplash injury. Wagons get a split-fold rear seat, sedans a rear-seat pass-through. Traction control, leather upholstery, power moonroof, and integrated dual rear child booster-seats are options.
Competition
This hotly contested segment has a clear benchmark, it is the Acura TL (and its 2-door cousin Acura CL). The TL succeeds in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price.
But the Acura's not for everyone. We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30, and the luxury-orientated Lexus ES 300.
But the Acura's not for everyone. We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30, and the luxury-orientated Lexus ES 300.
News
New-design replacements for the 40 Series are about 2-3 years away. Little is known about them now, but European sources say the new models will be based on the Ford Focus platform and will thus be somewhat smaller than the 40 Series. Volvo had been developing its own new small-car platform, but this has apparently been scrubbed as a cost-saving measure following last year's purchase by Ford of the Swedish company's car operations. The current 40 Series is a Volvo/Mitsubishi design produced by a joint venture company called NedCar. Mitsubishi is withdrawing from the partnership because it is now partly owned by DaimlerChrysler, which wants no connection with rival Ford. No word yet on whether production will continue in Holland or be transferred to one of Ford's own European plants. Nomenclature will change, however, in line with Volvo's new system of using even-number designations for sedans and odd-number ones for wagons. The replacements should thus be badged S40 if sedan and V50 if wagon.
More intriguing is the recent report by one British auto-enthusiast magazine that the "40/50" project may spawn "a totally different type of vehicle," in the words of one top Ford exec. Code-named C50 but also known internally as the All Activity Roadster (AAR), it's said to resemble Volvo's classic 1800ES 2-door sports wagon of the early 1970s, but with SUV-flavored elements like elevated ride height, chunky bumpers, and jumbo wheels and tires. The "all activity" moniker derives from a unique retracting roof and tailgate that would allow the car to be configured as a coupe, convertible or baby SUV. The C50 is still only in the talking stage, however, and is at least five years off, assuming it even gets a green light.
More intriguing is the recent report by one British auto-enthusiast magazine that the "40/50" project may spawn "a totally different type of vehicle," in the words of one top Ford exec. Code-named C50 but also known internally as the All Activity Roadster (AAR), it's said to resemble Volvo's classic 1800ES 2-door sports wagon of the early 1970s, but with SUV-flavored elements like elevated ride height, chunky bumpers, and jumbo wheels and tires. The "all activity" moniker derives from a unique retracting roof and tailgate that would allow the car to be configured as a coupe, convertible or baby SUV. The C50 is still only in the talking stage, however, and is at least five years off, assuming it even gets a green light.
2000 Volvo 40 series Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Rear-seat room |
| Steering/handling | |
| Brake performance | |
| Cargo room (wagon) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Most near-luxury rivals have V6s, but this turbo 4-cylinder feels brisk. There's little turbo-related throttle lag in the 45-70 mph range, but response can still take a second or two until the transmission downshifts to an appropriate gear. Our test V40 did 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds.
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Most near-luxury rivals have V6s, but this turbo 4-cylinder feels brisk. There's little turbo-related throttle lag in the 45-70 mph range, but response can still take a second or two until the transmission downshifts to an appropriate gear. Our test V40 did 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds.
Fuel Economy
Both our test S40 and V40 averaged 21 mpg, only fair for a car of this weight and power, and premium fuel is required.
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Both our test S40 and V40 averaged 21 mpg, only fair for a car of this weight and power, and premium fuel is required.
Ride Quality
Supple, comfortable ride is impressive. Sharp bumps do register, especially in the wagon, but the suspension copes nicely with large ruts and humps, albeit with occasional float.
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Supple, comfortable ride is impressive. Sharp bumps do register, especially in the wagon, but the suspension copes nicely with large ruts and humps, albeit with occasional float.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Both models corner with predictable front-drive grip and moderate body lean. Precise steering enhances driver confidence.
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Both models corner with predictable front-drive grip and moderate body lean. Precise steering enhances driver confidence.
Quietness
Road and wind noise are well managed. The engine is quiet in top-gear cruising, but hard acceleration induces unwanted exhaust boom and intake growl.
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
Road and wind noise are well managed. The engine is quiet in top-gear cruising, but hard acceleration induces unwanted exhaust boom and intake growl.
Controls
Gauges are clear, and the optional trip computer is user-friendly, but the power window and mirror switches nestle inconveniently between the front seats.
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Gauges are clear, and the optional trip computer is user-friendly, but the power window and mirror switches nestle inconveniently between the front seats.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good head and leg room, with comfortable front seats.
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Good head and leg room, with comfortable front seats.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Leg and foot room are subcompact-size. Head room is tight for those over 5-foot-7. Entry/exit is hampered by narrow rear doors that should open wider.
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Leg and foot room are subcompact-size. Head room is tight for those over 5-foot-7. Entry/exit is hampered by narrow rear doors that should open wider.
Cargo Room
The sedan's roomy trunk has a conveniently low liftover, but a small opening. The wagon's cargo bay is fairly wide but not that long, and the cargo cover leaves much of it exposed.
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 3 | 7 | 3.6 |
The sedan's roomy trunk has a conveniently low liftover, but a small opening. The wagon's cargo bay is fairly wide but not that long, and the cargo cover leaves much of it exposed.
Value within Class
Optioned conservatively, a Volvo 40 can be inviting, and the wagon has little class competition. But a few options boost prices above $27,000, and a fully loaded V40 can approach $30,000. For that, sedan buyers could have a Nissan Maxima or near-luxury Acura TL or Infiniti I30, all of which are roomier, quicker, and more refined.
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 3.3 |
Optioned conservatively, a Volvo 40 can be inviting, and the wagon has little class competition. But a few options boost prices above $27,000, and a fully loaded V40 can approach $30,000. For that, sedan buyers could have a Nissan Maxima or near-luxury Acura TL or Infiniti I30, all of which are roomier, quicker, and more refined.
Total Score
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
| 46 | 51 | 49.3 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 60 |
2000 Volvo 40 series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/27/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| S40 4-door sedan | $23,400 | $21,794 | $575 |
|
|
|||
| V40 4-door wagon | $24,400 | $22,804 | $575 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
1.9-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side-airbags, front seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, rear seat trunk pass-through (sedan), cupholders, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette w/CD changer controls, power antenna (sedan), digital clock, outside temperature display, tachometer, variable intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon), map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover (wagon), floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, tool kit, rear fog lights, 195/60VR15 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$750
|
$639
|
|
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, front fog lights, rear spoiler.
|
||
|
Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,735
|
$1,478
|
|
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat, AM/FM/cassette/CD changer, premium speakers, trip computer.
|
||
|
Sport Plus Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,335
|
$1,989
|
|
Sport Pkg. plus Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
Sunroof Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,585
|
$2,198
|
|
Power sunroof, leather upholstery, simulated-wood dashboard trim and shift knob.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$950
|
$808
|
|
Traction control, heated front seats, headlight wiper/washer.
|
||
|
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Safety |
||
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Dual child booster seats
|
||
|
Base
|
$300
|
$255
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,200
|
$1,020
|
|
Power driver seat
|
||
|
Base
|
$450
|
$385
|
|
Audio Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$800
|
$680
|
|
AM/FM/cassette/CD player, premium speakers.
|
||
|
CD changer prewiring
|
||
|
Base
|
$27
|
$27
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Metallic paint
|
||
|
Base
|
$400
|
$340
|
|
|
||
2000 Volvo 40 series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Volvo 40 series 4-door sedan | Volvo 40 series 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.4 | 100.4 |
| 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.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.9 /116 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 160 @ 5100 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 170 @ 1800 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 21/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Volvo 40 series 4-door sedan | Volvo 40 series 4-door wagon |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
The Netherlands
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Volvo 40 series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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