2003 Volvo S40 Review

Name: 2003 Volvo S40 Review
Brand: Volvo
Price: 1571 USD
Rating: 4.4 (59 reviews)

+35

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Volvo S40 model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

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

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.

Edmunds says

Though loaded with safety equipment, the S40 is hampered by its small size and aging architecture.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.64 per gallon for premium unleaded in Arizona.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Arizona

$257/mo

$190/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Volvo S40.

5 (66%)

4 (15%)

3 (15%)

2 (4%)

1 (0%)

4.4

59 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

A Great Car

Ray, 08/01/2009

2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

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 …

S40 Exceeds Expectations

Eric T., 02/27/2006

2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

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 …

:thumbs up:

Student Lee, 10/11/2002

2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

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 …

Love my 2003 S40

Sheri Ann Johnson, 08/04/2008

2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

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 …

See all 59 reviews of the Volvo S40

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2003 S40 Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$23,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$257/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the S40 include:

Alarm

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

2003 Volvo S40 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.64 per gallon for premium unleaded in Arizona.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Volvo S40.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

A Great Car

S40 Exceeds Expectations

:thumbs up:

Love my 2003 S40

2003 S40 Highlights

Safety

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2003 Volvo S40 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.64 per gallon for premium unleaded in Arizona.

Most helpful consumer reviews

A Great Car

S40 Exceeds Expectations

:thumbs up:

Love my 2003 S40

2003 S40 Highlights

Safety

Consider these recommendations

Related Used 2003 Volvo S40 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Volvo

Research similar vehicles

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volvo S40 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.64 per gallon for premium unleaded in Arizona.}