2003 Volvo S40 Review
Fuel Economy
22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Though loaded with safety equipment, the S40 is hampered by its small size and aging architecture.
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 2003
Output from the 1.9-liter turbocharged mill is bumped up by 10 to 170 horsepower. A CD player makes its way onto the standard features list, and the front fascia gets a slight freshening thanks to a black egg-crate grille and body-colored side molding and bumpers. Inside you'll find a new three-spoke steering wheel and a four-dial instrument cluster. The sport package adds front and rear spoilers, blackout headlamp surrounds and 16-inch wheels, and the premium package now includes a leather-wrapped hand brake handle and gearshift lever.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
It handles great, good quality, gas mileage superb--36mpg on a 1000 mile hilly trip through VA,WV,and OH with the cruise set at 70 and 3 adults. I love the turbo and the fact that the cruise never kicks out on long steep grades and provides good acceleration when needed. I don't understand the other reviewer's problems with brakes. Mine are still the original. I get 39 mpg driving a back and forth over an 80mi (160) stretch over the Blue Ridge Mts. I love the computer mpg meter giving instantaneous and avg mpg. The other features (heated seats, pockets in front of seat base) are nice. Overall a great little car. It could use a little more floor room for rear occupants.
Favorite Features
Fuel economy!!!! Turn handling. Acceleration for a little engine---love that turbo. Interior extras and heated power seats Nice style. Braking excellent.
Suggested Improvements
More back seat leg room. Changed angle windshield to cut dash reflection. Add weather band to radio. Higher clearance---have to angle in on steep driveways
Love my 2003 S40
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
I purchased my 2003 S40 in 07 with only 4600 miles on it. Ultimately a new car! I couldn't be happier with it. It's quick to get out the way & handles nicely, especially in the Florida rains. I do wish the back seat had more room for passengers, but it's a great excuse to get out of driving! I feel safe driving, especially at night. I've had no major issues, replaced a headlight & put on a new set of Michelins. I'll definitely replace it with another Volvo.
Favorite Features
Handling, seat comfort, large trunk & excellent gas mileage!
Suggested Improvements
Larger back seat & improved door stop design (both are cracked & need to be replaced).
The Lilttle Engine That Could
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
What a super little car, I've owned other Volvos, but this is amazing built. Outstanding throttle response for such a prize machine. Imagine driving from Torrance, Ca to San Diego, Ca on ten dollars worth of gas in 2008! Wow! I love this car, my Cayanne S was fast, but nothing compared to this little speed demon. Thanks a lot Sweden.
Favorite Features
Premium sound, leather seats heated, luxury items.
Suggested Improvements
Scary, more horsepower! Larger brake system to stop the speed demon. More tire rubber.
Still satisfied after 4 years
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
Having owned this car for over 4 yrs, I remain quite satisfied. Changed brake pads and headlights at 36k miles. Still on original Michelin tires after 43k miles. Drives as well as it did in Nov 2002, smoothly yet with pep if needed. Recommended maintenance done by non-dealer Volvo-only shop for reasonable price. Even my BMW-3-series-owning friends enjoy riding in it with me.
Favorite Features
Small size allows easy parking in urban environments. Short turning radius. Comfortable seats. Fast-functioning effective window defroster. Easy to use radio controls - the much maligned single knob for station pre-sets actually works well in practice without having to take eyes off road
Suggested Improvements
Wish the 2003 model had AWD; front wheel drive doesn't work well on icy 40-degree slopes without tire chains
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Volvo S40 - 2003 model
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
Have owned this car for 2 years. Excellent road car, great around town. A/C is exceptional, esp. for Texas heat. Turning radius is typical Volvo - turns on a dime. Love the car!
Favorite Features
Body styling. Not too old-person looking, and young enough looking that my teens aren't embarrassed to drive it.
Suggested Improvements
Can't think of any. They already fixed a problem with the older models: placement of cup holders. This is better, although it doesn't accommodate larger sized cups. Still better than previous models.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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