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Used 2003 Volvo V40 Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
46 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 V40, so we've included reviews for other years of the V40 since its last redesign.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Practical and Economical while still Fun

thirtysomething, 01/30/2007
2002 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car because it was reasonably priced and the because of Volvo's reputation. It is a bit on the small side if you have more than one child or move lots of stuff, but it a very practical car that holds quite a bit with the rear seats completely flat. The acceleration is surprisingly quick for a 4 cyl. It is better than many V6 I have driven. The handling is tight enough for a sports wagon but I wouldn't go searching for curves. Fantastic mileage! This is what is keeping me from upgrading to a bigger or more powerful car or hybrid. 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. I've had zero maintenance issues in 5 years. Change your oil!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

This is not the 144 my dad drives

guy.sherr, 06/13/2002
2002 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

V40 rides very quiet. The difference between windows open and closed is just jaw dropping. Seating is comfortable, nice appointments, excellent finishing. 1.9L turbo accelerates strongly into traffic, although a little slowly with the A/C on. Mileage, windows up and A/C, highway was about 31.8 on cruise control in hilly terrain. Handling is good for a wagon. Swerves don't alter the lean much, and the car feels ready to turn at speed. Overall is well crafted and toughly engineered. This car may well outlast the oil reserves.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Big disappointment

DJ_in_WA, 09/10/2002
2002 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car has been plagued with electrical problems the dealer has been unable to identify and correct. Random stalling and loss of power steering have made the vehicle unsafe to drive. The excellent overall design, spaciousness, and comfort features are overshadowed by the car's fundamental unreliability.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car for a fraction of a price

bokakhat, 04/14/2003
2002 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It is a great car. So many safety features and yet not a high price.Milage is great and i love the seats and comfort

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

mridenou, 03/26/2002
2002 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had a most agreable experiencve thus far owning this car. It comes very well equiped and is built to last.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

The worst car I ever purchased

MICHELE, 04/23/2002
2002 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Every time you turn around there is another problem. My car has been serviced monthly for a variety of problems from AC malfunctioning, to the check engine light, and I am on my forth set of headlights! ENOUGH SAID!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The Best!

Anna, 04/08/2008
2002 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car overseas with American specs. I drove it three times round trip to Italy and back to Brussels, Belgium (over 20 hours drive) and never had a problem. It spacious, reliable and looks great. I do keep it up. I take it only to Volvo for any required check up or parts. The headlights I only had to change them twice but this is normal for any car. I had little problem with the check engine light but it got resolved. Great car and I would buy it again. Rule of thumb: Take it only to Volvo for any problems and you will never have to complain about it.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

V40 is terribly unreliable

Frustrated V40 Owner, 01/02/2003
2002 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great looking car -- too small to be useful for my family. BUT -- this is the least reliable vehicle I have owned in my life -- air mass meter replaced, cruise control replaced three times, front control arms and ball joints replaced after 20,000KM, numerous squeaks and rattles. Avoid this vehicle at all costs.

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5 out of 5 stars

No Regrets

biohazard6161, 11/21/2002
2003 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We always pictured Volvos as boxy, boring cars. I was really suprised when a friend recommended this car and once we saw it. The fit and finish is really very good as is the power and space and especially the safety and security features. if Volvo is aiming this car towards the younger generation and first time parents, they are on the right track.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Surprisingly competitive

Jackpot, 10/31/2002
2003 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Light, narrow and quick (once you get past the turbo lag). Excellent for the price, more fun and nicer than a Subaru, etc. Performs comparably to the BMW 3-series wagon, the MB C-class wagon, or the Audi A4 series for much less $. Handles well on snow.

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