2008 Volvo S40 [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 60 S40 reviews and test drives.
Volvo S40 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Volvo S40 ranks 5 out of 5 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 60 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo S40, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The S40 is a quirky entry into the upscale market that offers outstanding safety features and a classy and minimalist appearance both inside and out. But it doesn't have a reputation for powerful performance, nor does it have the cargo capacity of other cars in its class.
It's not a neck-snapping performer, nor is it your traditional upscale sedan, but our analysis shows that the 2008 Volvo S40 has enough style, cutting-edge safety features and solid road performance to appeal to drivers. For 2008, both the Volvo S40 and the Volvo V50 wagon have modified their body lines and cabin. There is also an increase in engine power and more advanced safety features. Overall, the changes made don't make the two cars the best in their respective classes, but reviews reveal the changes do solidify both vehicles as strong alternatives. The S40 is offered in three trims: the base 2.4i, the T5 and the T5 with all-wheel drive. If you're interested in an upscale small car, also consider the top-rated Volkswagen GTI or the Audi A3. If you like the S40's quirky style but are interested in more space or a hatchback's utility, consider the closely related Volvo V50.
- "The S40 is one of those cars that might not get an enthusiast's pulse racing but are well worth considering. It has a crisp and sporting feel, excellent steering, good looks, is reputed to be safe, and brings the Volvo brand to a younger, less affluent (and probably hipper) customer." -- Car and Driver
- "The S40 and V50 may not sell themselves to enthusiast drivers based solely on the way they carve corners and dust the quarter mile; but neither should their dynamics deter the hip, IKEA-loyal, young prospective buyers lured by their now even better-looking exterior styling and unmistakably Scandinavian interiors." -- Motor Trend
- "The Volvo S40 sedan is nimble and peppy, if not overtly sporty." -- Forbes
- "The Volvo S40 continues to enhance Volvo's reputation as a maker of superb sports sedans. The S40 looks and acts like a sports sedan." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The Volvo S40 is a real driver's car: a quick, compact four-door sedan you can get with both all-wheel drive and a stick shift. It's a genuine rival to all-wheel-drive versions of German sedans much prized by driving enthusiasts. -- BusinessWeek
- "If you've overlooked the S40 based on the original model, give it another chance. It is, this time, a Volvo." --Orlando Sentinel
S40 Performance - 7.1 (Good)
It's not a hot rod, but the S40 has decent performance to satisfy most drivers' needs. Car and Driver says the car is "pleasing rather than exciting, with decent steering and willing engines." Most test drivers are especially impressed with the T5 models. Continue with our full Performance Review for more information on the S40 T5 with its Dynamic Sport Suspension. continue
S40 Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Most see the 2008 S40's exterior changes as an even better version of an already good-looking car. Motor Trend says, "Despite the fact that the S40 and its V50 wagon sibling were last redesigned in late 2003 and are both still looking great, like vain Hollywood 30-somethings they've gone under the knife for a nip-tuck anyway … the result is striking and serves to heighten the resemblance of the S40 to the new flagship S80." Check out the Volvo S40 Photo Gallery to compare the S40 to the Volvo V50, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn more about both models' 2008 face lift. continue
S40 Interior - 7.6 (Good)
Although reviewers knock the 2008 S40's cabin for limited rear passenger space and cargo room, they still enjoy the minimalist design and level of quality. To Automobile Magazine, "the S40's interior is its best selling point." Check out the Volvo S40 Photo Gallery to see how Volvo's Scandinavian roots are evident in the S40's cabin design, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn how the numerous standard features offered fit into the sedan's less-is-more interior. continue
S40 Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)
As in previous years, Volvo's safety features get good reviews. Those reviews are right on the money, as the 2008 S40 does well in government and insurance industry crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for information on the Blind Spot Information System, or the Whiplash Protection System -- optional safety equipment paramount to the Volvo brand. continue
S40 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Volvo S40 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Volvo provides a new car warranty for all its vehicles that's good for the first four years or 50,000 miles. Continue with our full S40 Reliability Review to learn more about the S40's build quality and any potential problems. continue