MSRP: $24,365 - $30,365
Invoice: $22,903 - $28,543
MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.1
Performance:7.1
Exterior:8.1
Interior:7.6
Safety:9.6
Reliability:8.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Extensive and innovative safety features
  • Well-received exterior and interior design
  • Secure-feeling all-wheel drive trim
  • Limited options for storage
  • Six-speed manual transmission no longer available

Prices

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Volvo S40 - What the Auto Press Says

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. In addition, the S40 offers competitve pricing for its class. 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. The Volvo V50 has the S40's quirky style but more space.

  • "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. Read More

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." Read More

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." Read More

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. Read More

S40 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

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. Read More

Review Last Updated: 2/17/09