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Used 2004 Volvo V40 Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
45 reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2004 V40, so we've included reviews for other years of the V40 since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
3 out of 5 stars

280,000 miles and going strong

Fishhead, 12/29/2017
2004 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful

First: This is my first Volvo. I (mostly) do my own work and I bought the car with 90,000 miles on it. Its a Volvo, it has it's demons, the dealership is the greatest of those demons, avoid going there at all costs. Find a good independent Volvo garage. I love this car, for the price I paid, and the miles put on it. That would not be the case if I had to bring it to a garage. Over the 5 years I have owned it I have replaced the brake pads, rotors, plugs, battery, front and rear struts, tie rods, tires, transmission, front speakers, various dashboard lights (now it's like new!). The check engine light is always on (catylitic converter). I live with it. This car is great on the highway (29 mpg). It prefers Premium gasoline. Leather seats and interior is very comfy (for a single guy) if you drive a lot... and you can fit 5 2x4x10's inside with practice. This model year (2001-2004) is known for weak transmissions (2001-2002 especially) (I blew my transmission towing a heavy load - not the cars falt), a poor steering rack (you have to remove the engine to replace it) and vacuum leaks that can drive you nuts. I live in new England and this is the first car I have owned with this many miles with NO RUST. I think the poor transmission is why there are so few of these on the road in the states - the cost to replace is the replacement cost at this point. I am looking for another used one, 2004 if possible with low miles-at 1.8 cents per mile for my purchase price its a great value.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.75 out of 5 stars

Not Bad/Not Great

Lincoln Steffens, 10/21/2003
2003 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I wanted the Passat Wagon, my wife did not. We chose this primarily because of the Volvo name and safety features. The price as also competitive. We live in the city so we V70 would have been too big. This car is somewhat too small, particularly in cargo area and backseat when compared to its competitors. He drives and handles well and is pretty zippy on the freeway. Gas mileage for city driving is surprisingly poor for a 4 cyl. car (15 mpg). Requires premium gas too!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Consultant's Car

SRH, 12/14/2008
2004 Volvo V40 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful

This was our first Volvo purchase. We wanted a car that was safe, but fuel efficient. We also wanted a car that was flexible enough to be both our family car, but also a respectable car to be driven for my consulting work. The V40 fit the bill. I have to drive both short distances in city traffic as well as long distances on highways and the V40 handles both nicely. Four years later I still love my car. I would buy another.

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5 out of 5 stars

My Volvo V40 Experience

silver bullet, 06/12/2004
2004 Volvo V40 LSE 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is absolutely the smoothest driving automobile ever. I've driven them all. It is my wife's car. She loves the size since it is easy to park. The miliage is very good. Interior comfort is excellent.

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5 out of 5 stars

Superb Compact Wagon

rachmaninov1, 06/09/2004
2004 Volvo V40 LSE 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The car is great for families with small children who want an entry-level luxury car. Seats: In both short trips and hundred mile journeys, the driver and passenger front seats are extremely comfortable. However, a rear seat with integrated booster can feel awkard at first. Leather is beautiful, rugged, and cleans easily. Handling: Extremely responsive, though steering is tighter than I had expected. Acceleration: 170hp w/ Turbo provides a smooth, powerful push. Braking: Very strong; have not had problems with pads. Stereo: Takes a while to get used to knob-only control. Rich sound. No satellite option.

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