2002 Volvo S40 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Small but loaded with safety equipment, the S40 is, unfortunately, too expensive to compete with the VW Jetta and too small to take on the Acura TL.

Pros

Strong complement of safety features, affordable base price, upscale interior.

Cons

No manual transmission offered, lacks sporting intentions, pricing can quickly escalate with optional equipment installed.

What's New for 2002

Minor equipment changes have been made to Volvo's S40 for 2002. A Premium package now makes it easier for base sedan buyers to purchase desirable options like a sunroof, CD player, power driver seat and faux wood trim. And a Premium Plus package adds leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to the mix. The Sport package now includes aluminum interior accents, sport seats and an exclusive instrument cluster -- you can also get these items a la carte. A new center console design incorporates two integrated cupholders. Rear passengers will also have two cupholders at their disposal when they fold down the center armrest. And the S40 now comes with the an emergency trunk release. New exterior colors include Bamboo Green and Dark Blue.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

No Longer Happy!

Written by: MDB on 08/27/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

2002 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

Chose Volvo for safety and supposed longevity. Generally agree with comments of satisfied owners, though have had some of the problems -- lamp bulbs and brake pads. Owned the car for 7 years, yet only 58,000 miles, so expected at least a couple of more years w/o major repairs. Surprise! Last week my wife drove home from work, and upon arrival stated that something was really wrong with the car. Wheels very hot; towed to dealer; week later Volvo area expert determined that ABS pump failed, entire brake system damaged; repair cost $2800. Have followed all recommended servicing; most recent visit no brake problems noted. Dealer service has been very good, yet we will not buy another Volvo!

Favorite Features

Appearance, handling, comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Based upon our recent problem, improved quality control for major components would have been a plus.

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Good Car, But Getting Expensive

Written by: polzinbw on 07/17/2008


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	8

I agree with all of the positives others have written: nice ride, looks good, feels solid, nice features/bells/whistles for the price. However, after owning it now for just shy of 5 years (87,000 miles, bought used with 14k) it's starting to fall apart on me. Have replaced shocks/struts at 73,000 which seems early; put in a new power window motor around 75,000 ($600); the sunroof doesn't close quite all the way and leaks in a car wash sometimes; some small molding is coming apart around the trunk release; the alarm doesn't always turn on when I lock the car. Have done breaks twice now, too. And these repairs are expensive - this isn't a Honda or Toyota. Engine is supposed to be good though!

6 months ago, I'd have said the ride was my favorite feature. Now with $4.15 gas, I'd say the 30 - 40 mpg I get on the freeway is the biggest benefit.

Overall reliability. Some of the stuff that's going wrong on here is rediculous.

Volvo s40

Written by: Lynn on 03/15/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	7

This is a fun car to drive. The gas mileage is decent. While a 4 dr sedan, there really is no leg room to speak of for adult passengers sitting in the back seat. I have cloth seats, and have had them cleaned twice in 2 years; even a water stain leaves a mark. Next time it's leather for me. Overall, a nice car for 1 or 2 adults.

Sunroof, decent gas mileage, "peppy" little car, so far..fairly reliable.

Cloth seat material needs improvement

Great Little Car

Written by: Cristin on 04/09/2007


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	8

We have owned about a thousand Volvos but this one is by far my favorite. I work in a parking lot with very tight parking and where people are always getting into fender-benders. This car is easy to park and easy to drive. It's fun and gets good mpg. With the leather interior it is very comfortable for long drives.

Leather seats, small size, moonroof, pep.

Bigger backseat - hard to fit a car seat, better turning (can't do a u-turn to save its life).

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Consistent 32 mpg and fun

Written by: Cban on 11/29/2006


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	5
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	7

I really enjoy the car and the mileage is unbelievable given my driving habits. The car stops on a dime, which has saved me quite a number of times. The brake dust is a bit annoying, but the pads will be upgraded to ceramic when I have to replace them. I agree that my driver seat tips forward when you brake and back when you step on the gas. It's minor, but it is a unique feeling. I am a bit concerned about the quality given that my door latch on the exterior rear passenger door no longer works and the locking fuel door sometime has to manually unlatched from inside the trunk. All in all, I recommend the vehicle as it is fun, safe and merely sips on fuel.

It's no sports car, but it is peppy, it stops like no other and you can still exceed 30 mpg.

There should be additional aftermarket components to enhance performance.

2002 Volvo S40 Consumer Ratings & Reviews