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.
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.
: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.
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
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!
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.
perfect car
Paul_pl, 03/08/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Simply the best, can not be compared to japan or german cars....
Overall
Spatwardhan, 10/27/2002
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've enjoyed the car. Except, I find little annoyances with the DSA light and Check Engine light coming on for no apparent reason and taking it into the service center to have it reset is annoying as well.
Too Often Overlooked
S40 in MD, 02/24/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The S40 has got to be one of the most over looked automobiles. I have owned the car for 8 months and it is a joy to drive. Plenty of acceleration, good handeling, comfortable, very secure in bad weather, economical, reduced insurance and no gimics. The model is to be replaced mid-year 2004, so watch for good discounts as Volvo does.
Inexpensive, Fun to Drive, Great w/ Gas
ArmyWife1971, 04/11/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is fun to drive, nearly like a sport car, but without higher insurance costs. I love the way it gets up and the comfort for the driver. I do not like the wheel adjuster for the passenger seat. For me this is really a two person car because the front passengers are EXTREMELY comfy. The rear ones are just ok. Also, what happened to a trunk light? I'm on nearly 30k miles in less than a year, no problems with the car at all. Overall I am pleased. I must say my once loved SUV is now parked while I zip around in a fast but safe 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.
Volvo S40 - 2003 model
Cindy, 08/06/2006
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Still satisfied after 4 years
Seattle driver, 01/21/2007
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
s40 and brake pads
leo22, 07/12/2005
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
my s40 has been through 3 sets of rear brake pads in 50,000 miles, and 1 set of rotors. Who ever heard of rear brake pads only lasting 12 to 15 thousand miles. Volvo claims this is normal wear for our pads and that there is no problems with the braking system. I have also replaced the front pads once they seem to hold better. I have also had other miscelanious problems i.e. bad fuel injectors replaced, gas gauge replaced, and several light bulbs. Overall this car has not been a very pleasant experience and I can't wait to get out of my lease.
Glad to get rid of it
timo, 09/18/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Was shocked at what a high matainance car it was. Aside from ride and being safe, the cost of breaks every 15,000 miles and tune up every 7,500 (one over $500) if you want Volvo to do it. Also, went through 6 headlights in 6 months (warrenty covered) and A/C needed work. I was glad to see it go and went for more reliable and smoother riding Toyota
Don't Do It
RObert , 12/15/2002
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Lot's of rattles, odds and ends that break. Sure, it's all under warranty, but each time another visit to the dealer for service, and who has time for that? My visits went like this, "yeah, you're right it's broke, but we have to order the part, so you'll have to bring it back," doubling my number of visits! Defects included chech engine light on at least 6 x's, gas cap lock broke, hazard switch broke, sun roof mechanism broke, and, for the first time with any car I've ever owned, rear bakes went on it after one year, ate into the rotors (not covered under warranty) causing $400 worth of damage.
Great car, expect to pay for it though
GT3996, 04/18/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car was purchased for my wife in 12/00 with the expectation that we would have a baby before the end of the lease. We truly enjoyed the car, however the addition of our daughter has changed our feelings towards the S40. It is simply not large enough for two adults and one baby. With the baby seat in the rear-facing position behind the passengers' seat, my wife has to move the passengers' seat almost all of the way forward, which is obviously not comfortable. Also, we had to replace the brake pads at 13,000 miles, and tires at 22,000 miles.
Love my S40
motor_city_smitty, 02/08/2004
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Solidly built. I could tell it is a quality vehicle when you shut the door and sit in the interior. The inside dash is well laid out.
TOO MANY PROBLEMS
s40sucks, 04/21/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I leased this new S40 in March 2001. Within the first year I had to replace a rear rotor due to a factory defect. During the second year with 10,000 miles on the car I needed new rear rotors and brake pads costing close to $500. I am currently fighting with Volvo to reimburse me. During the second year the shift light blew out, the front headlight had to be replaced, the power seat broke and needed a new switch, the steering colum needed repairs. The check engine light goes on and off continously, and the air conditioning is terrible. I would never consider another VOLVO and advise all to stay away!
Close to a lemon
Consultant, 06/01/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Car has been in repair an average of once per month since we got it. The gas gauge still doesn't work although Volvo made several attempts to recalibrate. Have blown two headlights and the list goes on. Can't wait to get rid of this piece of junk. My first ever car was a Volvo and this will be my last Volvo.
Great Car
Dustin07456, 03/24/2004
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second S40 that i have owned. It is an exceptionally reliable car with good pick up and very good handling. I would recommend this car to anyone.
three year owner and still happy
djones, 02/26/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We searched high and low for an affordable safe car without driveing a status symbol and found the 2000 S40. I wanted a good commuter car that would be dependable and fun to drive for many years. I do most of my own maintenance and have not had any mechanical problems;the dealer has treated me like royality. The car is not a family of four car but works out fine for a family of three! We purchased the car in August of 2000 loaded with all the features except heated seats; and we love it, love it , love it!
Great CAR!!!
Maria F, 03/11/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been a dream, I have had no problems with it, and the service department is amazing.
if you live in new york stay away
jack tawil, 12/25/2002
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
ive had this car for a year the cars performance as far as pick up is great. in the snow it sucks , if you hit a pot hole you need a new wheel base a tire and an alignment. the car really could get on your nerves. maintenance very pricy. overall sometimes it could be your friend but in a second it can back stab you
love it!
dms6dms6, 07/29/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Volvo. I have had it just over a year now and I've put 26K miles on it...and I've had no problems with it. It is a great car for the money.
Best Car I've Owned
big rich, 08/09/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I have ever owned in 30 yrs. of driving. For this price ($26,000) range you can't do better. Quiet, super comfortable, and an unbelievable ride. I will never buy anything else.
Overlooked and underrated S40
RavCar, 04/04/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is excellent, fun to drive, reasonably sized, had lot of features that were not there in Passat and A4 when I bought this car like side curtain air bags and nice interior. Acceleration is amazing. It responds well. Seats are very comfortable. Radio that allows me to set and store 20 stations and switching stations is as easy as controlling volume. Volvo should try to make this car popular, they don't pay much attention to this car as they do to their other models like S60.
Awesom
tdta817, 04/07/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove the Audi A4, VW Passat, but finally settle on the S40. It's nicely built, good controls, acceleration, and excellent safety features for small car.
Our 2002 S40
Davit, 02/05/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Noticed wind noise from sunroof, brought it in. Dealer of course said there's nothing wrong with it. A few months later the headliner had a water stain on it from a water leak. The dealer fixed the roof properly, but got greasy fingerprints all over the new headliner. Also the new headliner was installed improperly, now have at least 3 rattles we didn't have before. Had problem with the intermittent wipers not working and cruise control. All total we've had 6 dealer visits in the first 9 months of ownership, not what we expected in terms of Volvo reliability. Other than these problems the car has been very good.
S40
Dshark, 10/19/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
never owned a near-luxury vehicle but the S40 is fantastic so far. The gas mileage takes some getting used to as I previously owned a Mazda Protege LX. Also, it had a manual trany. Great.
worst car i've ever owned
dunx, 03/10/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i purchased this car in january, 2000, because my wife "had to have it". back brakes went out after 15k mi and ruined rotor. a/c stops working w/continuous use (2 hours driving). headlight go out every 10k mi. sunvisors are stuck in down position. check engine light is on contiously-no one knows why. maintenance is expensive even for european car. the suspension rattles until the car has warmed-up (?!?). headlight socket broke when light replaced (3rd time)-dealer says it's my problem since the warranty is out.
Bad Brakes
jamminjay, 07/17/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Brakes should NOT fail at 15,000 miles! On a regular maintenance trip to the dealer they informed us that the rear brakes had less than 10% life life and needed to be replaced. WHAT???? Other than that a peppy little car, pretty solid.
Is This a Volvo?
CG's binky, 05/16/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car 3 months.I have taken 2 long trips,commute and fun trips.On short drives it handles and has great pick-up.On long drives it has been extremely comfortable and easy to drive.In a pinch,it moved with stabil- ity and traction.I've never owned a Volvo,but I am absolutely sure my money was well spent.It has been fun, good- looking, comfortable and best of all, safe. It has enough verve to equal the responsiveness of a manual trans.As a friend mentioned -"look at all the old Volvo's you see on the road".Can't say I want to own an old Volvo,but it's nice to know it would likely last as long as I would want.I could not be happier with this car!
Incredible Car -- bellisimo!!!!
mr911sc, 03/29/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The motor is strong with no lag. The turbo is fully spooled at 1750RPM, the Torque converter stall speed is well above that. The trans shifts according to the type of driver you are and adapts quickly.. it will even anticipate desired acceleration after a turn/obstacle, and downshift before you get on the gas.The suspension in this car does not compare to any car that I have ever driven (I also own a Porsche 911). It quite simply, is phenomenal. The geometry is PERFECT. The car always feels planted. You can never misunderstand what the car is doing or what the car can do. It goes where you point it.
2003 Volvo S40
spin65, 01/08/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
beautiful interior for the price, 5 speed auto, whiplash protection system, CD , cassette and free cappuccino from the dealer. who could ask for anything more?
what you will
boyo, 11/05/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Despite problems with the central computer unit, this is the best vehicle I've owned over the last 40 years.
Yes it is a Volvo but.....
StuartL., 02/20/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got a great deal on a demo model with exactly the features that I wanted. People in the dealership are great and not stuckup like Audi and BMW. Given Volvo's reputation for building sturdy, dependable cars I have been surprised by the need for new break pads every 20K and the high maintanence costs.
Love my Volvo!
TLA72, 11/26/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is easy to handle and fun to drive. It is a fast little car. The leather interior is great quality and the seats are very comfortable. As a mother, it is a great feeling to know that I am driving my son in one of the worlds safest cars!
Safety at a great price
mslamont, 02/14/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A safe, and pleasant vehicle at a great price. Good pickup, smooth ride.
Great Car! Great Pricing
Jammer, 11/29/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Even though I am a large person I have found this car to have great seating and leg room. Peppy, Fun and luxurious are words that describe how it feels to drive this awesome compact sedan. I never would have guessed a Volvo could be so much fun to drive!
Great bang for the buck
Bababooey, 04/27/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We test drove VW Passat, and Jetta. Both vehicles had a higher price tag. The S40 is by far a better car. Good power and the handleing is excellent for a Front Wheel drive car.
for volvo...not bad.
BunBun, 03/02/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
for a 18 yr old guy.. i'm quite happy abt s40.. i never thot volvo will design diff. looks. Cuz usually they jus design it square and ...u no .. like a coffin.. but for S40..its amazing. Even though its a demo car when i bought it.. the car still runs smoothly and i only have to bring to dealer for check up once so far to change brake that had been worn off, tires rotation and tires alignment.
Worst Car I Ever Owned
strack, 10/10/2005
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This care has had problem ever since day one. The braking system was replaced, the a/c system replaced (and starting to act up again), splash guard fell down and there was no damage (screws just fell out). Fuel economy gets worse and worse. When the car was new, got 29 MPG on highway, now 25 MPG on highway. Maintenance costs are very high from Volvo for routine maint.
An expensive lemon
cyr, 02/14/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned this lemon for 2 years. I trusted Volvo for its reliability and Volvo did not deliver it. I have to take this car for repairs every 3 months on average. Only 21,000 miles, but I had 6 problems + 2 recalls. Everything from windshield wipers failure in the middle of a storm, to misalignment of the hood, to check engine lights on for transmission problems, to check engine lights on for unknown reasons, etc..... Brake pads had to be replaced after 15,000 miles. Air conditioning recall + transmission software upgrade recall. To sum it up, Expensive lemon, unreliable, and poor service
Just a great car!!
cyclegirl, 01/07/2004
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car. I might mention that I do have all the options on my car. I have had very little problem with the car. The headlights have gone out, and I had the rear brakes replaced. The ride is very smooth and there is more than enough power when passing or entering a freeway. I have had my car 3 years, and after 34,000 miles, it's just been very reliable. Oh, mileage on the highway seems to be very good.
Oh, not bad
JOHN LEE, 05/09/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We test drove VW Passat, and Jetta. Both vehicles had a higher price tag. The S40 is by far a better car. Good power and the handleing is excellent for a Front Wheel drive car.
Great Car!
alainecd, 02/10/2003
2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new for $21,995 + tax and lic. with premium package (leather and moonroof!) You can't beat that price. It has excellent safety features and is a comfortable ride. The interior materials are very nice and classy.
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