2001 Volvo S40 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Volvo has made several improvements to its entry-level S40 sedan for 2001. This second year of production brings additional safety...
Volvo has made several improvements to its entry-level S40 sedan for 2001. This second year of production brings additional safety features and a new five-speed automatic transmission. Aesthetic alterations include designed headlights, bumpers and fenders. Inside, the sedan receives a more user-friendly dash layout. Safety upgrades include head-protection airbags, dual-stage front airbags and child seat anchors.
The S40 is still only available in the STD trim, which includes most of the necessary amenities. Automatic climate control, an interior air filter, cruise control, cloth upholstery, a split folding rear seat, heated mirrors, full power accessories and remote keyless entry. Buyers can also add luxury items like a CD changer, leather upholstery, a power driver seat and sunroof.
The sedan houses a small but potent four cylinder engine. Displacing just 1.9 liters, the turbocharged four delivers 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Power is directed to the front wheels through a new five-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the four-speed unit from the previous year. Fuel economy is slightly improved, up to 22/32 mpg.
Performance has also benefited from this upgrade. The S40 with the new transmission speeds from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, down half a second from the previous model's time. Test drivers report noticeable turbo lag through various points in the speed range, but 45-70 mph acceleration is much improved with the five-speed. The S40 has the sturdy feel of a larger Volvo, and the cabin is aptly protected road disturbances and outside noise. The steering and braking is incredibly responsive, and test drivers report that the S40 is well controlled at even higher speeds.
The S40 sedan finds some stiff competition, with similarly priced entry-level offerings from BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. Many reviewers feel that the Volvo's value in the class is below average, because of the underpowered engine and high cost of options.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2001 Volvo S40 generally love its performance, especially the turbo power and handling in various conditions like snow. Drivers appreciate the luxurious feel and safety features, making it a good family car. However, some owners mention the frequency of minor maintenance issues, which can be annoying. Despite that, many consider it a great value for money."
My 2001 S40 1.9 Turbo is a very fun vehicle to drive. Overall performance is great. Braking and acceleration is surprising and it's build quality is good. The Volvo's appearance is attractive. Very luxurious car. Gas mileage is the best I've ever driven and maintenance is needed very rarely.
July 11, 2008I love my car! it is great in the snow, the trunk holds a lot of bags of groceries. THe leather interior as held up beautifully. I love the sun roof for the summer and the heated seats in the winter is a nice bonus. I feel we got a great car for a great price. I feel very safe in my Volvo and thats important to me because my son is usually in the car with me.
February 7, 2009What more could you ask for? This is the a little more fun Volvo ( in my opinion ), which is sporty and fun to drive, 4 door sedan but with that sporty twist so it's more compact not like a full size sedan. You still get all the safety features however and just need to keep up regular maintenance and they go forever.
June 19, 2013What owners say
My 2001 S40 1.9 Turbo is a very fun vehicle to drive. Overall performance is great. Braking and acceleration is surprising and it's build quality is good. The Volvo's appearance is attractive. Very luxurious car. Gas mileage is the best I've ever driven and maintenance is needed very rarely.
July 11, 2008I love my car! it is great in the snow, the trunk holds a lot of bags of groceries. THe leather interior as held up beautifully. I love the sun roof for the summer and the heated seats in the winter is a nice bonus. I feel we got a great car for a great price. I feel very safe in my Volvo and thats important to me because my son is usually in the car with me.
February 7, 2009What more could you ask for? This is the a little more fun Volvo ( in my opinion ), which is sporty and fun to drive, 4 door sedan but with that sporty twist so it's more compact not like a full size sedan. You still get all the safety features however and just need to keep up regular maintenance and they go forever.
June 19, 2013I just happened upon this car one day on the internet and eventually I went and checked it out. We brought it home for a test drive and I didn't want to let it go. It's fully loaded sans the sport package, so its very luxurious. But for me its what's under the hood. The 1.9 liter is small but with the right turbo and chip you'd be looking at 600 or more hp. Right now i get like 26mpg, not bad, other than a bad o-ring for the turbo there have been no major repairs. I have added foglights and lowering springs which make it better all around. It's alot of fun to drive and driving it doesn't make you look like a dork, because it's a luxury car after all, not a sub-compact ricer. All in All I don't think i could have found a better car for the money.
August 29, 2008Has the most powerful brakes and fastest acceleration of any car I've driven or riden in. It has turbo so I can go 0 to 60 in 4 or 5 seconds. It handles great, I never get stuck in ice or snow, I never hydroplane, and I know if I hit anything I'll do more damage to it than it'll do to me. Looks great compared to the older models and then newer models - newer ones are ugly. Doesn't need to be maintained beyond the basics; looks newer than it is. VERY fun to drive.
August 20, 2008Been driving Lucy for three years. Ride could be a bit smoother at times, but really a great car. Plenty of power. Performs when needed. Put about 1,600 dollars worth over the summer. Fun to drive. Hope to keep the car for years to come
November 1, 2011This is the second volvo I have owned. The first one was a Volvo 850. I was hit while stopped at a light by another car going 65 miles per hour and walked away without a scratch. Thus, why I purchased another Volvo. They are tanks of vehicles and extremely safe. The turbo is a huge plus to this vehicle and it handles the road amazingly well.
November 20, 2011Suspension is really soft and when the wind blows so do you. But that's all things that can be changed, and will be in due time. It defintly takes off fast once the turbo kicks in. I love the sound of it spooling up and sneezing. I changed the air filter and i want to get intake piping.
August 2, 2011I bought my car used at 70,000 miles. I put faith in the Volvo name even though I wasn't purchasing from a Volvo dealership. It had a good maintenance history- to my knowledge. Since My purchase (now at 75,000) I have had to replace the break pads and rotors and am now concerned that there is a transmission problem.
March 17, 2008class,style, handling, power. comfortable driver seat this is a great car.
May 25, 2022Trims & specs
Base MSRP $24,175 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.9L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 12.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
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