2004 Volvo 40 series: Road Test
2004 Volvo 40 series ▼
- MSRP: $24,700 - $29,845
- Invoice: $23,250 - $28,087
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Our road test for the 2004 Volvo 40 series includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Volvo 40 series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Volvo 40 series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Volvo 40 series help you decide if a 2004 Volvo 40 series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Midrange punch is good, but turbo throttle lag is annoying. Expect about 7.5 sec 0-60 mph.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Test S40 averaged 21.6 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Volvo recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Comfortably supple despite fairly short wheelbase. Sharp bumps do register, especially in wagon, but chassis copes well with large ruts and humps, though with occasional mild "float."
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Moderate body lean, grippy front-drive predictability in aggressive cornering. Precise steering, powerful brakes inspire confidence, but test V40 tended to wander in simulated panic stops.
QUIETNESS
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Wind noise well-managed, but bumps produce more clunking and thumping than expected. Engine relaxed in top-gear cruising, but exhaust boom, intake growl occur in full-throttle acceleration.
CONTROLS
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Clear and functional. Cabin materials and workmanship nothing special vs. near-luxury leaders.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Ample space on wide, supportive seats. Good basic driving stance with standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel and available power seat.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Almost subcompact-tight. Foot space, entry/exit hampered with front seats set back. Narrowish doors should open wider, too.
CARGO ROOM
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7 | 3.9 |
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 | 5.1 |
The smallest Volvos have a nice array of standard safety features, and they ride and handle 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
| S40 | V40 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | 51 | 56.8 |
Total Score: 47
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
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