2000 Volvo 40 series: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.

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.