2010 Volvo S40
- 2009 Volvo S40
- Used Volvo S40
Based on analysis of 67 S40 reviews and test drives.
Volvo S40 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Volvo S40 ranks 6 out of 6 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 67 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo S40, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2010 Volvo S40 boasts a classy exterior and tasteful interior, and a long list of safety features. It is kept out of the top of its class, however, by lackluster performance.
The Volvo S40 is a sharp-looking ride, with some safety features not normally available at its price rang. But the S40 stays near the bottom of the upscale small car class because of its pedestrian driving dynamics. It won't provide the nimble handling or brisk acceleration that a BMW 1-Series or Audi A3 will. It is easy to find a car that is more fun to drive at a similar, or even lower, price.
Volvo has made no changes to the S40 for 2010. It is available in base 2.4 trim, or sportier 2.5T trim. The 2.5T is available with all-wheel-drive. Though Volvo sells a 2.5T R-design package, it no longer carries the performance upgrades of previous R editions - it's simply a package of sporty-looking exterior trim pieces.
- "One of those cars that might not get an enthusiast's pulse racing but is still well worth considering. It has a crisp and sporting feel, excellent steering, good looks, a reputation for safety, and it 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 2009 Volvo S40 is a fantastic way to enjoy the perks of owning a premium-brand automobile without having to pay a premium price." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "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
S40 Performance - 7.6 (Good)
The 2010 Volvo S40 doesn't aim to compete with the sportiest entries in the upscale small car class. Reviewers often say that the least-expensive trim is sufficient for the needs of most drivers, since higher trim levels still don't hold their own against the class leaders. Car and Driver writes that the S40 is "pleasing rather than exciting, with decent steering and willing engines, but no manual makes it even less fun." An all-wheel-drive option, however, might make sense for buyers in some climates. Read More
S40 Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2010 Volvo S40 wears a sharp suit of sheetmetal, perhaps the most attractive use of Volvo's current design theme. Kelley Blue Book says, "The Volvo S40's design evolves from the more rounded shape that now defines Volvo cars." Its deep shoulder lines and sharp hood creases mimic those of the premium Volvo S80. Read More
S40 Interior - 7.7 (Good)
The passenger cabin of the 2010 Volvo S40 is what most buyers fall in love with. With its unique ribbon-thin floating console, upscale materials and tight construction, it feels thoughtfully designed. As Automobile Magazine says, "the S40's interior is its best selling point." The rear seats, however, are cramped, and cargo space is hard to come by. Read More
S40 Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)
The 2010 S40 boasts some of the strongest federal government crash test scores in its class. The insurance industry hasn't tested a 2010 edition, but gave the mechanically-similar 2009 S40 respectable scores in its crash tests. Volvo's Blind Spot Information System is optional - something many rivals don't offer at all. Read More
S40 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 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). The 2010 Volvo S40 carries a basic warranty good for the four years or 50,000 miles. Read More
