2002 Volvo V40 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Small but loaded with safety equipment, the V40 is, unfortunately, too expensive to compete with the VW Jetta Wagon and too small to take on the VW Passat Wagon.

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 are in store for Volvo's V40 in 2002. A Premium package now makes it easier for base wagon 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. New exterior colors include Bamboo Green and Dark Blue.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Goodbye Old Paint

Written by: Victor the Volvo on 08/31/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


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

Vehicle

2002 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

I just traded in Old Vic aged 98,000 miles. I have read other reviews and found them unappreciative. First, you need never be ashamed to pull up in a Volvo, no matter where, no matter how small. Second, although maintenance wasn't cheap, it was great at my local Volvo Dealer - Coast of Sarasota - very professional and thorough. Third, this car was gas-efficient and capable of carrying a number of dogs, cargo, and other assorted living/inert objects with grace. Fourth, it was comfortable. You sank into the seats, not on top of them. A million organized cubbyholes for all your junk are provided. It's a nice, sane, well- planned ride. Great visibility. I hope you enjoy it.

Favorite Features

Luxury appointments, good pick up, good gas mileage, good performance, good cubbyholes, good comfort, good cargo/dog room, WONDERFUL rear seats that fold upward, 60/40 seats, excellent safety features, cargo flexibility thanks to those fold-up seats. I bought the car for the dogs and they loved it.

Suggested Improvements

Brakes need replacement more often than other cars I have owned. Car is a tad light and tends to get blown by big trucks. Bulbs go out frequently-- Volvo dealer replaces them free. Front bumper is low (design flaw) and you have to be careful about parking stanchions.

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Vord not what Expected from the Swedes

Written by: arad on 11/29/2008


Performance:	4	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	2
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	7

I loved this car when I bought it. I believed in the Volvo reputation of long-life and reliability. Honestly, I thought I'd found my match for life. It handled well and was very comfortable. Had this car for about a year before experiencing major problems with overheating. Dealership repair visits 4x over the next year until, at 112K mi, the vehicle overheated one last time, the head gasket blew out and the turbo charger wanked. $5000 in repairs! If you can find one of these cars still on the road, I'd be surprised. I haven't seen one in about 1 1/2 years. You might not see it in the dark though, because they burn through lamps like crazy. Also, expect to replace brakes frequently.

Brakes, electrical, cooling system and turbo charger defects.

Very happy Volvo owner

Written by: jk on 11/22/2008


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

This is my first Volvo, and I bought it used two years ago. It replaced a Honda Civic. So that's the car to which I compare my V40. As noted, I bought the car two years ago. I haven't replaced a headlight yet. The windshield does need to be replaced, but living in Wyoming means high winds and sanded roads will affect a windshield negatively. I wish the fuel economy were better, but who doesn't? The cargo room is just about perfect. The seats are comfortable, and the ride is very quiet. (Perhaps it's my tires.) In fact, given the choice between taking our newer Subaru or the Volvo on a 2,000 mile round trip road trip, we decided on the Volvo. This won't be my last Volvo!

The leather seats, the cargo cover and fold down seats. The fog lights are also a bonus.

There's not a lot I'd improve. Maybe I'm just easy to please.

The Best!

Written by: Anna on 04/08/2008


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

I bought this car overseas with American specs. I drove it three times round trip to Italy and back to Brussels, Belgium (over 20 hours drive) and never had a problem. It spacious, reliable and looks great. I do keep it up. I take it only to Volvo for any required check up or parts. The headlights I only had to change them twice but this is normal for any car. I had little problem with the check engine light but it got resolved. Great car and I would buy it again. Rule of thumb: Take it only to Volvo for any problems and you will never have to complain about it.

Style, upgraded CD player, luggage capacity, handling, split folding seat in the back.

Saved my daughter's life

Written by: meonly on 03/13/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	6

My daughter totaled my first V40, hit on 3 sides, air bags inflated, went airborne across 4 lanes of traffic and hit by 3 cars. Not a scratch on her or her friend. I didn't think such a light weight car would have its occupants survive an accident like that, neither did the paramedics. Thank you for that. I am a volvo owner for life. Waiting for the xc60, that will be my fourth volvo.

Turbo!

Raise it up from the ground another 2-3 inches. Can't go anywhere in snow. Not used to that. My 240 never had a problem.

2002 Volvo V40 Consumer Ratings & Reviews