2008 Volvo S40 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Volvo's little sedan got a big redesign for 2008. On the outside, the S40 gets new headlights, a bigger grille, and new taillights. Inside,...
Volvo's little sedan got a big redesign for 2008. On the outside, the S40 gets new headlights, a bigger grille, and new taillights. Inside, you get more interior space, an auxiliary input for an MP3 player, and a Blind-Spot Information System. The S40 features three trims, with the T5 getting 6 months of Sirius Satellite Radio and a bump up to 227 hp. The 2.4i features a 2.4-liter, 168-hp inline five-cylinder engine.
Gas mileage averages out to around 19 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. All trims have 4 doors and seat 5. The 2.4i gives you a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic, while the T5 and T5 AWD feature a standard 5-speed automatic. All three trims have 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Overall, drivers like the S40's style, controls, comfort, solid safety features, and smooth handling. On the other hand, acceleration could stand some improvement, and options can cost you if you don't watch yourself. Despite its shortcomings, the 2008 Volvo S40 offers a stylish and capable package at a relatively low price.
What owners say
"Owners of the 2008 Volvo S40 generally appreciate its design, handling, and comfortable interior. Many drivers like the engaging driving experience and high-quality sound system. However, some are disappointed by its price relative to performance, noting that while it has luxury features, the engine power could be better. The back seat space is also a common concern for those needing extra room."
This is my third Volvo and i continue to be impressed.this is my first Volvo since the ford days began. The car looks great though it could stand to be about half an inch lower. The suspension is stiffer than in the 2.4i however Volvo dropped the ball on only offering the manual transmission in the 2.4i trim. The ride quality is not compromised with the stiffer suspension, the ability to feel the surface you are driving on is a requirement . The drive-ability is great with a little bit of body roll that should be expected. Overall the suspension is firm and adds to the sporty feel of the vehicle. The S40 is quick, the turbo charged engine delivers on par with those of the Audis and BMWs i have driven. Volvo has finally put out a vehicle on par performance wise with the two major German manufacturers. the S40 is also a very fuel efficient machine and that helps in these times of $4 + gasoline. The guys at Volvo have done a wonderful thing adding 15 BHP to the line from last year while keeping the overall fuel economy. The interior is amazing the design is simple modern and not hard on the eyes. Couple that with what are in my opinion the most comfortable seats you can get in a car and you have a fantastic interior. Volvo has also once again delivered on the exterior looks. The sleek Scandinavian design looks great in addition to being an integral part of the vehicle's fuel economy. this car is an underrated performer in its class and eclipses its competition in value for the money. The car has been a treat to drive and makes the daily commute more of a joy than a chore. Add in Volvo reliability and safety and you have one gem of a European sports sedan. I look forward to the addition of the six speed manual gearbox to the turbo model in 2009.
August 7, 2008Cool to drive in tiptronic mode always. Not bad torque, handles well, good acceleration, watch for the brakes. Nice attraction on the roads, easy to park, nice features on the dashboard. Beware the extreme heat like in the GCC; windows mechanism get stuck
September 2, 2009I love the handling of the car and the beauty of its design. Would definitely go with the Turbo (2.5T) next time around. The seats are comfortable, but not much leg room in the back seats. Sound quality from stereo is great. But most of all, I really like the floating dashboard!
February 8, 2011What owners say
This is my third Volvo and i continue to be impressed.this is my first Volvo since the ford days began. The car looks great though it could stand to be about half an inch lower. The suspension is stiffer than in the 2.4i however Volvo dropped the ball on only offering the manual transmission in the 2.4i trim. The ride quality is not compromised with the stiffer suspension, the ability to feel the surface you are driving on is a requirement . The drive-ability is great with a little bit of body roll that should be expected. Overall the suspension is firm and adds to the sporty feel of the vehicle. The S40 is quick, the turbo charged engine delivers on par with those of the Audis and BMWs i have driven. Volvo has finally put out a vehicle on par performance wise with the two major German manufacturers. the S40 is also a very fuel efficient machine and that helps in these times of $4 + gasoline. The guys at Volvo have done a wonderful thing adding 15 BHP to the line from last year while keeping the overall fuel economy. The interior is amazing the design is simple modern and not hard on the eyes. Couple that with what are in my opinion the most comfortable seats you can get in a car and you have a fantastic interior. Volvo has also once again delivered on the exterior looks. The sleek Scandinavian design looks great in addition to being an integral part of the vehicle's fuel economy. this car is an underrated performer in its class and eclipses its competition in value for the money. The car has been a treat to drive and makes the daily commute more of a joy than a chore. Add in Volvo reliability and safety and you have one gem of a European sports sedan. I look forward to the addition of the six speed manual gearbox to the turbo model in 2009.
August 7, 2008Cool to drive in tiptronic mode always. Not bad torque, handles well, good acceleration, watch for the brakes. Nice attraction on the roads, easy to park, nice features on the dashboard. Beware the extreme heat like in the GCC; windows mechanism get stuck
September 2, 2009I love the handling of the car and the beauty of its design. Would definitely go with the Turbo (2.5T) next time around. The seats are comfortable, but not much leg room in the back seats. Sound quality from stereo is great. But most of all, I really like the floating dashboard!
February 8, 2011A small Volvo saloon with a powerful 5 cylinder petrol engine that delivers 230hp and 320Nm/tourque
April 12, 2008The Volvo S40 does not seem to be a significant car when you take into account that its based on a European Ford Focus but is quite a lot more expensive. Yet after driving one, its really the feature it includes which might explain why its rather expensive. I like the way new Volvos have looked, they're no longer the square bricks I remember from the 80s where some looked ghastly. The interior is actually quite nice in an S40, there's quite a few buttons but not enough to overwhelm you. The most notable feature is BLIT which is basically a blind spot detector, nifty...but hopefully you don't fully rely on it. Still the nice touches are why some might buy one. To drive its pretty similar to driving a heavy Mazda3 since both are based off the same European Ford Focus platform(the American one is outdated in comparison). This means the handling is quite sharp and the drive is quite engaging. The 4-cylinder in the 2.4 is really the only problem here, the car has luxury features but doesn't make up for it in grunt so its not that quick. I do like this car but its priced close to that of a Lexus IS250 which is RWD and if I wanted a car like this I'd just get a Mazda 3 since I don't need the luxury features.
June 18, 2009Its just a fantastic car...! it have fantastic engine and a great grip depend for the tires...! The Bost power is awesom...! its such an elegant car and is a very fun car to drive...! the whole car is an ufo...! the engine sounds like an aircraft engine..!
October 23, 2009acceleration is good brakeing is good as is handeling and build quality hasnt needed any repairs done apperarance is nice inside and out m.p.g is not to good at 23 m.pg.combined .but is a fun car to drive biggest problem is putting the 180 b.h.p down whether it be wet or dry it justs wheel spins to much torque it needs more b.h.p but make it a.w.d it would be a fantstic car.
October 16, 2011Trims & specs
Base MSRP $30,365 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 218 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 12.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $24,365 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 168 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 12.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,515 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 218 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 12.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
