2003 Volvo V40 Review
Fuel Economy
22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Though loaded with safety equipment, the V40 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
From Volvo patriot to to Volvo hostage
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
The car was a subject of three repairs by warranty including one when I stuck in the road and the car was towed to an auto repair shop. After the warranty the owning of the car has turned into financial disaster. The car is purposely design to exclude or hinder repair by the owner. Now my car is 6 years old having 73000 miles on odometer and it has serious transmission problem. The repair costs so much that I cannot afford it. The car is filled with manufacturing defects and bad design solutions. While it was in repairs and I had chance driving S40 and V50. I found them even worse. What a big mistake I made when I got into this Volvo bondage!
Favorite Features
Wagon with roof rack
Suggested Improvements
Shutting down manufacturing and sale
Great car. Would like more room.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
I really love this car. It handles beautifully. The safety components (that are standard on all Volvos are very rare on other cars. Great heating/ac system and thermostat. Had some problems with the back latch. Other than that, the car has been reliable and very enjoyable to drive.
Favorite Features
Heating/AC/Thermostat Handling
Suggested Improvements
Larger (I wish I had the V50)
v-40
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
It is almost as heavy as my old '95 850T (which had 210000 on it). Handles like a larger car. It has a lot of zip with the turbo engine. It U-turns in 3 lanes. Plenty of room for a bike, wheelchair, or lots of luggage. Middle seat is short, but not as bad as some compact wagons.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Can't think of any, but wish I had a t ape payer wi th the Radio/CD.
A great car at a great value!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
I've always wanted an 1800ES wagon and I was surprised to discover the stylish v40 among the usual Volvo boxes. We drove it, liked it and bought one. The incentives on this car make it very appealing, especially considering next year's replacement looks too much like another VW. The more we drive it, the more we like it.
Favorite Features
Car is very smooth and quiet, nice features and flexible interior space.
Suggested Improvements
Climate package not available with premium package. More rear legroom would be nice but you don't buy this one for large families.
Not Bad/Not Great
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
I wanted the Passat Wagon, my wife did not. We chose this primarily because of the Volvo name and safety features. The price as also competitive. We live in the city so we V70 would have been too big. This car is somewhat too small, particularly in cargo area and backseat when compared to its competitors. He drives and handles well and is pretty zippy on the freeway. Gas mileage for city driving is surprisingly poor for a 4 cyl. car (15 mpg). Requires premium gas too!
Favorite Features
Superb stereo. Accelerates well.
Suggested Improvements
A little more room. Better gas mileage.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2004 Volvo V40
- 2003 Volvo V40
- 2002 Volvo V40
- 2001 Volvo V40
- 2000 Volvo V40
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