Used 2003 Volvo S40 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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A Great Car
Ray, 08/01/2009
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
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.
S40 Exceeds Expectations
Eric T., 02/27/2006
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
My S40 began life as a RENTAL CAR, and 30k miles later, I purchased it. Why this car? Initially because of its value, reputation, style, & service competency at the dealership. I haven't had a single problem with my car. I commute 50 comfortable miles r/t daily, and get 30+mpg. I've never struggled to merge into fast moving traffic. I keep it clean, change the oil myself, and monitor fluid levels and tire pressure/wear. Volvo has higher value over time, and is safer than most other cars on the road. When I want 'performance' acceleration/handling/braking, I'll put on my helmet and leathers, and head for a track day on my superbike. My car is more than competent at what I expect from a car.
:thumbs up:
Student Lee, 10/11/2002
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I was trying to decide on whether I should buy a new S40, new A4, or new 325i. Just by looking at hp/curb weight or tq/curb weight, the S40 is way ahead of the two. It beats both the A4 and 325i in torque (a fat torque band) while weighing in at under 2800lbs, while the other two are above 3200lbs. This makes a HUGE difference. Although this car is obviously not aimed at being a performance vehicle, it still handles well. The 325i or A4 may beat the S40 in an AutoX course (325 being FR and A4 being awd), but it really doesn't matter since this car will not be raced. I just wanted a sensible car that drives and looks nice.
The Lilttle Engine That Could
zackyson, 04/06/2008
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
Love my 2003 S40
Sheri Ann Johnson, 08/04/2008
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
love my S40
lmh, 10/20/2004
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have thoroughly enjoyed my S40. I was hesitant to purchase after reading several reviews of earlier versions of this car. In my opinion, the 2003 S40 is one of the best values on the road. I had previously decided to replace my old Accord with a newer version but was turned off by the pricing on the EX model when I went in to purchase. I found the S40 to be far more luxurious and fun to drive than the Accord for about the same price (actually less for a certified used vehicle). The car is zippy and extremely comfortable, and I love the fact that it is far less common on the roadways than the old standbys Accord and Camry. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone!
03 Volvo s40
Daniel Fickenscher, 06/04/2017
updated 12/17/2017
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car, all the fixes have been simple and cheap. The only issues are with interior headliner dropping and buttons are sticky due to "soft rubber" deterioration. Back passenger side window mechanism broke recently, but everything else has remained fine
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Near the top of this Valet's list.
jeffj-nj, 08/05/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
700 characters is just NOT enough room to sing this car's praises. I work as a valet, so I've driven, oh, about everything. That said, there is nothing on the road today offering this cost/quality ratio. Everything about the car is just so... right. I had originally prepared a several paragraph essay about this, but I can't post it or even figure out what to cut from it. So, I'll sum it up with this: I've put 25k miles on this car, and enjoyed every one of them. Considering several hundred of them were accumulated in one sitting, and/or during the worst winter NJ has seen in some time, that's really saying quite a bit. If you're looking elsewhere, stop.
Most disappointing car ever
Marco, 04/23/2005
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
When I was shopping for a car back in 02, I chose the Volvo S40 after looking at the Acura RSX, Saab 93, and Audi A4. Ultimately, I picked the Volvo because it seemed luxurious, the dealer promised that this was a 'performance' car, and I had the Ford Aplan discount, which made it the cheapest of the bunch. Oops. What a disaster of a car. To be fair, I think that Volvo just has no idea how to make a small car. The 'performance' is a joke. The handling is ponderous and, at highway speeds, can be a little scary. When passing at high speeds, the car wobbles -- literally. The braking is AWFUL. The nose dips and the car takes too long to stop. Would not recommend this car.
Noisy and Bumpy ride
jimwen, 12/22/2002
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has some (not a lot of zip)but the engine vibrates throughtout the car and you can feel through the gas pedal. Small wheels and size of vehicle give very bumpy ride. You feel everything. Brake pads only last 15k miles and the dealer acknologes that this was a design flaw but they do not give a price break to replace.
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