2001 Volvo S40 4cy turbo

Summary:

Fabulous car, has never broken once in 50k

Faults:

Almost nothing.

The paint may not be holding up too well. At five yrs it does not look as good as new even when detailed. I believe it is partly Texas sun, (and little garage time, it sits out most of the time) and the fact it is clear coated (like most of todays cars) so one cannot really get at the oxidation with a rubout. (non metallic red BTW.)

Radio replaced under warranty with no fuss at 20k.

I can't even remember anything big enough to,well, remember! Oh yes. It burns out light bulbs a lot. But get this, initially I bought them at the dealer parts counter, then the guy told me they were covered, at least up to 36k. The dealer replace EVERY REAR BULB IF ONE BURNED OUT, OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS IF ONE BURNED OUT. FOR FREE! YES, you read correctly. Funny, haven't had a problem with a bulb in over a yr.

General Comments:

This car is my daughter's, a present for her 16'th birthday and I have to say it is the best present I ever gave anyone. It has never failed her once and she adores it. We actually give it dealer service, which is something I thought I would never do, as I have restored/owned about 10 older BMW's many yrs ago. But the dealer has been great (Autobahn in fort worth TX.) and the car is loved by everyone.

Turbo four has some lag, but is very quick, and it is a blast to drive. her college senior and HS junior brothers love it and love driving it. I used to drive BMWs and I love. Everyone agrees it is more fun than her mother's S80 of the same year.

It is a little tight inside, but you can judge that for yourself before buying one.

Has minimal front suspension travel.

Funky radio controls, but one becomes used to them.

BTW, the newer version improved on roominess and front suspension travel

Also, did I mention fabulous gas mileage? Like in the thirties on the highway, upper twenties in town!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2005

28th Sep 2005, 00:00

Have you encountered any other electrical problems with this car?

I'm asking, since my GF and I are consideirng one. I'm an old-school RWD Volvo fan, and have heard that these don't' compare to the old cars. I also have older BMW's and have vowed to never go back to a Volvo, but their features compared to the steep $ of BMW's parts and maintenance makes me consider Volvo.

2001 Volvo S40 1.9 T

Summary:

Less than what was expected

Faults:

I have had to replace the headlights twice in less than 2 years. The check engine light comes on constantly. If I leave the car on too long, without out driving it then the car will start shaking. If feels like for lack of better terminology, the car has gas, and then it will turn off. Recently the arrow light that comes on when you use the low gear is flashing and the check engine light is on, AGAIN. Which makes no sense to me. Unless the car is stuck in a lower gear (it does seem to be hesitating, which I never us. By the way the car is an automatic. I honestly couldn't tell you the number of time the check engine light has come on in the last year and a half or so. Bought the car in May of 2003, it's a 2001 S40.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th January, 2005

4th Feb 2005, 23:33

The check engine light problem was the subject of a recall notice, at least with my 2000 S40 model. Until the recall fix, the dealership kept making minor adjustments that did no good.

Good luck.

24th Oct 2010, 03:53

I also have a S40 2001 1.8A, and it gives no problems for so many years. Once the check engine light was on, then I removed the bulb and no warning, but runs without a fail.