2002 Volvo 40 series Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2002 Volvo 40 series includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Volvo 40 series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Volvo 40 series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Volvo 40 series help you decide if a 2002 Volvo 40 series is right for you.

2002 Volvo 40 series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride	Rear-seat room

Steering/handling

Cargo room (wagon)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

S40	V40	Class Average
6	6	6

Test V40 took 7.8 sec 0-60 mph. Midrange punch is good, but these cars are still on the slow side compared with other near-luxury cars, and their turbo throttle lag is annoying.

Fuel Economy

S40	V40	Class Average
5	5	5.1

Test S40 and V40 averaged 23.5 mpg. Volvo recommends premium fuel.

Ride Quality

S40	V40	Class Average
7	7	6.2

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	6.9

Moderate body lean, grippy front-drive predictability in hard cornering. Precise steering, powerful brakes inspire confidence, but test V40 tended to wander in simulated panic stops.

Quietness

S40	V40	Class Average
5	5	5.7

Road, wind noise well managed. Engine relaxed in top-gear cruising, but exhaust boom, intake growl occur in hard acceleration.

Controls

S40	V40	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Similar to larger Volvos, and just as clear and functional. Additional cupholder front and rear a small but appreciated '02 upgrade.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

S40	V40	Class Average
5	5	6

Ample space on wide, supportive seats. Good basic driving stance with standard tilt steering wheel and available power seat. Visibility slightly hampered by rear headrests. Cabin materials and workmanship nothing special vs. near-luxury leaders.

Room/Comfort (rear)

S40	V40	Class Average
3	3	3.8

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	4.2

Sedan's roomy trunk has usefully low liftover, but small opening thwarts bulky objects. Wagon cargo deck fairly wide but not long.

Value within Class

S40	V40	Class Average
2	2	4.3

The smallest Volvos have a nice array of standard safety features, and they ride and handling competently. 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