2001 Volvo 40 series: Road Test
2001 Volvo 40 series ▼
- MSRP: $23,550 - $28,400
- Invoice: $22,140 - $26,401
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Our road test for the 2001 Volvo 40 series includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Volvo 40 series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Volvo 40 series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Volvo 40 series help you decide if a 2001 Volvo 40 series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Test V40 with new 5-speed automatic took 7.8 sec 0-60 mph, vs. 8.3 with the 4-speed automatic. Midrange punch is better, too, but these cars are still on the slow side compared with other near-luxury cars, and their turbo throttle lag is as annoying as ever.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Test S40 and V40 averaged 23.5 mpg; last year's 4-speed automatic-models averaged 21 mpg. Volvo recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Comfortably supple despite a fairly short wheelbase. Sharp bumps do register, especially in the wagon, but the chassis copes well with large ruts and humps, though with occasional mild "float."
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Moderate body lean, grippy front-drive predictability in hard cornering. Precise steering, powerful brakes inspire confidence, but our test V40 tended to wander in simulated panic stops.
QUIETNESS
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Road and wind noise well managed. Engine relaxed in top-gear cruising, but unwanted exhaust boom, intake growl occur in hard acceleration.
CONTROLS
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Like those in larger (and newer-design) Volvos, and just as clear and functional. We welcome power window/mirror switches moved from the console to the doors for 2001, but still only one cupholder front and rear.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Adult-size space on wide, supportive seats. Good basic driving stance with standard tilt wheel and available power seat. Visibility slightly hampered by rear headrests. Cabin materials, workmanship, nothing special versus near-luxury leaders.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Almost subcompact-tight, with two adults the comfortable limit. Foot space and entry/exit hampered when front seats are set back. Narrowish doors should open wider, too.
CARGO ROOM
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7 | 3.5 |
Sedan's roomy trunk has usefully low liftover, but a small opening prevents loading bulky objects. Wagon's cargo deck is fairly wide but not that long.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4 |
The smallest Volvos have a nice array of standard safety features, but their uneven turbo power delivery and shortage of cabin space are serious shortcomings at these prices, which rise quickly with just a few options.
Total Score
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 46 | 50 | 51.3 |
Total Score: 46
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
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