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Used 2001 Volvo S40 Consumer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
90 reviews

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Very disappointed

BadLuck, 12/30/2004
2001 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought my 2001 Volvo S40 and after 3 years, I had the enjoyment of trading it in for a Mercury Mountaineer SUV! I'm a big guy: 6 feet 200 and I was sick and tired of receiving a head concussion every time I stooped down to get in this vehicle. A/C never worked right and not cold enough despite multiple trips to Volvo dealer. CD player constantly skips even with entire new factory Volvo unit. Intrument panel/radio/cup holder ENTIRELY NON-USER FRIENDLY and confusing! Only good thing was turbo engine was quite peppy and good gas mileage. Because this car was so small and multitude of creature "dis- comforts" that it had, I had the pleasure of dumping it for a nice big SUV. Whew..what a relief!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Smooth meets tight

Car guy, 09/24/2002
2001 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Thus far, my experience with the S40 has been completely rewarding. Notwithstanding the one problem I had with the passenger airbag being defective -- which is something I wouldn't really expect from a Volvo -- this car is an all-around gem. It combines tight european handling and turbo-charged power with excellent fuel economy and distinctive styling. Quality is clearly a cut above most any American car, and certainly better than any car in its price range (including the Accord, Passat, and Camry).

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Poor Man's BMW

Scott Bentrup, 01/27/2005
2001 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought in Feb 04, and fell in love immediately. Suspension is nice and tight with a feel that inspires confidence, but in cold MN winters it gets a little rough. Drives like other European sedans (Audi A4, BMW 3 series). I did have some problems with rear driver's side door locks, but easily fixed. Did also have problem with fuel pump. Both would have been pricey, but I bought an extended warranty - which I would recommend. Minor finish issues also with driver's door console, but that was fault of prior owner. Gas mileage is a little low in the city, but on the freeway at 75 it still gets 30-32 MPG. Overall, it is a very fun car to drive, very sporty, looks nice w/spoiler, fairly reliable.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Adios!

Anonymous, 07/16/2005
2001 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just traded this car in for a Toyota after 10+ years of loyal Volvo ownership. This is the worst car I have ever owned. Meticulously maintained and the turbo blew at 50k, then the ignition coils, then the thermostat, and on and on. Not on par with what a Volvo owner expects from a car. It was cheap and it shows in every aspect of the car from the interior to the mechanical reliability. I am so glad to be rid of this car.

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4 out of 5 stars

Competent but not outstanding

Canuck2003, 06/01/2003
2001 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought it 1 year old from the Volvo dealer and paid 20% less than if we had bought it new. Excellent value at that price. Pretty good acceleration and handling, although the ride can be a bit stiff on irregular surfaces. Engine a bit noisy at low (parking lot) speeds. Braking is excellent, although I agree with other reviewers that they wear down prematurely. Well-designed interior; e.g. hook on the left passenger's side (on which to hang a jacket)is placed so that the blind spot is not obstructed. Cruise control is easy to use. Cup holders though are useless. Not as well built as the A4 but we paid much less than the A4.

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