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Photo of a Volvo S40

Volvo S40

Four Euro NCAP stars in 1997. A British Touring Car Championship crown in 1998.12

Researched October 30, 2026 from 37 sources

At a glance

0150300
89–247 hpPower
0510
6.3–8.4 s0–60 mph
0125250
190–240 km/hTop speed
0200400
143–400 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,220–1,581 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.2781112

Engine
Gen 1: 1.6–2.0 L I4, incl. Mitsubishi GDI; Gen 2: 1.6–2.5 L I4/I52
Layout
Front engine; FWD on both generations, AWD also on Gen 22
Gearbox
Gen 1: 5-speed manual, 4/5-speed auto; Gen 2: 5/6-speed manual/auto, dual-clutch210
Built at
NedCar, Born, Netherlands (Gen 1); Volvo Ghent, Belgium (Gen 2)2
Units built
602,910 S40s2

The story

Created to offer Volvo in a lower price bracket, the S40 spanned two generations with V40, then V50 wagon siblings. Generation two introduced Volvo's slim, floating center console, with storage tucked behind it.23

1995: From S4/F4 to S40/V4019951997: First car with four Euro NCAP stars19971998: Rydell's touring-car double19982000: America gets a 160-hp turbo · Phase II reworks the chassis20002003: Second generation, new Ghent home20032008: Facelift and a 227-hp T520082011: DRIVe cuts CO2 to 99 g/km20112012: V40 hatchback replaces the range2012 Volvo 300 Series: 1976–1991Volvo 300 SeriesVolvo 440/460: 1988–1996Volvo 440/460Volvo S40 (first generation): 1995–2004Volvo S40 (second generation) (P1): 2003–2012P1Volvo V40 (hatchback) (II): 2012–II 19801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones21819
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1976–1991Volvo 300 Series
1988–1996Volvo 440/460
1995–2004Volvo S40 (first generation)
2003–2012Volvo S40 (second generation) (P1)
2012–Volvo V40 (hatchback) (II)
1995From S4/F4 to S40/V40
1997First car with four Euro NCAP stars
1998Rydell's touring-car double
2000America gets a 160-hp turbo
2000Phase II reworks the chassis
2003Second generation, new Ghent home
2008Facelift and a 227-hp T5
2011DRIVe cuts CO2 to 99 g/km
2012V40 hatchback replaces the range
  1. 1995

    From S4/F4 to S40/V40

    The planned S4/F4 became S40/V40 after Audi reserved S4. Built at NedCar in Born, Netherlands, they shared their platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma.2

  2. 1997

    First car with four Euro NCAP stars

    The original S40 became the first car to earn four Euro NCAP stars, in 1997.12

  3. 1998

    Rydell's touring-car double

    Tom Walkinshaw Racing's S40 carried Rickard Rydell to the British Touring Car Championship; he also won the Bathurst 1000 with Jim Richards.2

  4. 2000

    America gets a 160-hp turbo

    The US 1.9-liter turbo started at $22,900: 160 hp, four-speed automatic, 0–60 mph in 7.7 seconds, 36.6 m stops from 97 km/h and 0.83 g grip.4

  5. 2000

    Phase II reworks the chassis

    Phase II widened the front track and stretched the wheelbase. In Australia, the T4 grew from 1.9 to 2.0 liters without a power increase.56

  6. 2003

    Second generation, new Ghent home

    The S40 debuted at Frankfurt on a platform shared with the Ford Focus, with Volvo five-cylinder engines; the V50 wagon followed.27

  7. 2008

    Facelift and a 227-hp T5

    US T5 output rose by nine hp to 227 hp. R-Design trim and a Powershift dual-clutch automatic for the 2.0D broadened the range.8910

  8. 2011

    DRIVe cuts CO2 to 99 g/km

    With Start/Stop and aerodynamic changes, the 1.6-liter diesel S40 DRIVe reached 99 g/km CO2.8

  9. 2012

    V40 hatchback replaces the range

    The five-door V40 hatchback took over from the S40 sedan and its V50 wagon sibling, ending the two-generation run.2

Every generation

  • Volvo 300 Series
    Volvo 300 Series1976–1991
  • Volvo 440/460
    Volvo 440/4601988–1996
  • Volvo S40 (first generation)
    Volvo S40 (first generation)1995–2004
  • Volvo S40 (second generation)
    P12003–2012
  • Volvo V40 (hatchback)
    II

Power over the years

From 89 hp to 247 hp in 15 years.

0100200300 199619982000200220042006200820102012 hp 1996 · 89 hp · Gen 1 1.9D1998 · 197 hp · Gen 1 T42000 · 160 hp · US 1.9-liter turbo2004 · 134 hp · Gen 2 2.0D2004 · 218 hp · Gen 2 T52005 · 108 hp · Gen 2 1.6D2006 · 180 hp · Gen 2 D5 five-cylinder2008 · 227 hp · US T5 facelift2011 · 113 hp · Gen 2 D22011 · 148 hp · Gen 2 D32011 · 175 hp · Gen 2 D42011 · 247 hp · T5 with Polestar upgrade 247 hp T5 with Polestar upgrade 89 hp Gen 1 1.9D
2478913
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
199689Gen 1 1.9D
1998197Gen 1 T4
2000160US 1.9-liter turbo
2004134Gen 2 2.0D
2004218Gen 2 T5
2005108Gen 2 1.6D
2006180Gen 2 D5 five-cylinder
2008227US T5 facelift
2011113Gen 2 D2
2011148Gen 2 D3
2011175Gen 2 D4
2011247T5 with Polestar upgrade

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Base / S / XS / SE / CD / Sport / Sport Lux

    Standard

    Base / S / XS / SE / CD / Sport / Sport Lux

  • Standard

    ES / SE / SE Lux / Business editions

  • Standard

    T5 Lifestyle

    2012

    227 hp

  • Special

    1.8 Bi-Fuel

    120 hp

  • Special

    1.8F / 2.0F Flexifuel

    2006–2012

  • Standard

    DRIVe (2011 update)

    2011–2012

    113 hp

  • Performance

    T4

    200 hp
  • T5 / T5 AWD / Polestar upgrade

    Performance

    T5 / T5 AWD / Polestar upgrade

  • Special

    R-Design Edition

    2012

  • Limited

    Sport Edition / Sports Pack

    2003

  • Limited

    AKTIV

    2003

  • Limited

    T4 SE Super Tourer

    2000

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: a V-shaped hood and upright grille within soft, rounded body lines.5
  • Second generation: short hood, cab-forward cabin and an abruptly cut-off tail.17
  • Second generation: broad shoulders above doors that bulge outward.17
  • Second generation: a diagonal grille slash and V-shaped hood echo the larger Volvos.17
  • Second generation: turn-signal repeaters are built into the door mirrors.17

Year by year

  1. 2000 Phase II

    First generation gains reshaped bumpers and front fenders, clear-glass headlights and larger side markers.5

  2. 2003 model year

    First generation adds a black egg-crate grille and body-color moldings; inside are a three-spoke wheel and revised instruments.5

  3. 2004 second generation

    The new body is shorter, wider and taller, with short overhangs, bulging fenders and turn signals in its mirrors.2717

  4. 2008 facelift

    Second generation gets new headlights, a deeper chrome-ringed grille and wide lower intake; new taillights and exhaust outlets update the rear.9

  5. 2008 R-Design introduction

    R-Design brings lower front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a modest rear wing.910

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Volvo S40
    S40
    Photo of a Volvo S60
    Volvo S60

    Volvo S60

    The second-generation S40 compresses the family shape into a stubbier body with short overhangs and bulging fenders.7

  • Photo of a Volvo S40
    S40
    Photo of a Volvo S80
    Volvo S80

    Volvo S80

    The second-generation S40 looks like a smaller S80; its doors curve outward where larger Volvos have concave door panels.1217

  • Photo of a Volvo S40
    S40
    Photo of a Volvo V50
    Volvo V50

    Volvo V50

    The second-generation S40 has a sedan trunk; the V50 shares its front profile but extends into a wagon.28

Against its rivals

  • Audi A4 1.8T

    S40 vs Audi A4 1.8T

    Price as tested lower is better

    S40$29,395
    Audi A4 1.8T$31,220
    20
  • Acura TSX

    S40 vs Acura TSX

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    S406.7 s
    Acura TSX7.5 s
    20
  • Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited

    S40 vs Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    S406.7 s
    Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited5.7 s
    20

Prices

Value today $3.1K–$7.3K2627

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $3,100–$7,300 2000 · $22,900 · US base2004 · $24,000 · US 2.4i base, estimated2004 · $26,475 · US T5 base, Euro-spec test car2004 · $29,395 · US T5 as tested, Euro-spec 2000 · $22,900 · US base price, 2000 model year 2024 · $6,500 · 2005 T5 AWD 6-speed, 127k mi, modified, rust, BaT2025 · $7,000 · 2001 S40, BaT2025 · $12,500 · 2005 S40 T5 AWD, 26k miles, BaT2026 · $6,200 · 2001 S40 automatic, 56k km, BaT2026 · $7,300 · 2007 T5 AWD automatic, 54k miles, BaT2026 · $3,100 · 2000 S40 automatic, 44k miles, emissions trouble, BaT2026 · $5,200 · 2009 S40 2.4i, 91k miles, BaT2026 · $9,250 · 2010 S40 T5 AWD R-Design 6-speed, 105k miles, BaT2026 · $2,900 · 2002 S40, 85k miles, BaT $12.5K BaT, 2025
47202627303132333435
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2000Launch price$22,900US base price, 2000 model year
2000Price when new$22,900US base
2004Price when new$24,000US 2.4i base, estimated
2004Price when new$26,475US T5 base, Euro-spec test car
2004Price when new$29,395US T5 as tested, Euro-spec
2024Auction sale$6,5002005 T5 AWD 6-speed, 127k mi, modified, rust, BaT
2025Auction sale$7,0002001 S40, BaT
2025Auction sale$12,5002005 S40 T5 AWD, 26k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,2002001 S40 automatic, 56k km, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,3002007 T5 AWD automatic, 54k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$3,1002000 S40 automatic, 44k miles, emissions trouble, BaT
2026Auction sale$5,2002009 S40 2.4i, 91k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,2502010 S40 T5 AWD R-Design 6-speed, 105k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$2,9002002 S40, 85k miles, BaT
2026Value today$3,100–$7,300

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “The first four-star Euro NCAP car”
    • “Five wins and the 1998 BTCC crown”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 37 sources
  1. Begtest: Volvo S/V40 | Vi Bilägare vibilagare.se
  2. Volvo S40 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. Volvo S40 Model 2011 volvoclub.org.uk
  4. 2000 Volvo S40 - Road Test - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  5. Volvo S40 Model Year 2003 2004 volvoclub.org.uk
  6. Buying a used Volvo S40/V40 (1997-2004) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  7. 2004 Volvo S40 First Drive caranddriver.com
  8. THE C30 DRIVe, S40 DRIVe and V50 DRIVe - Volvo Car UK news.cision.com
  9. 2008 S40 Volvo V50- First Drive - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  10. Used Volvo S40 review: Mk2 (2004-2012) | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. Volvo S40 Pressemappe MY 2012 - Volvo Car Germany Presse news.cision.com
  12. 2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD - Long Term Review - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  13. 180 hp D5 in the Volvo S40 and V50 – the choice for connoisseurs in the segment - Volvo Car Austria news.cision.com
  14. News - 2012 Volvo S40 And V50 Bring Additional Features For Better Value carshowroom.com.au
  15. Volvo S40/V40 buyer's guide (Australia) - johna's automotive blog johna.motortraders.net
  16. Sondermodelle vom Volvo S40/V40 - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  17. The all-new Volvo S40: Innovative interior with large-car feel - Volvo Cars Global news.cision.com
  18. Volvo 300 Series - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. Volvo 440/460 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Tested: 2004 Sports Sedan Comparo caranddriver.com
  21. 1998 British Touring Car Championship – Inside BTCC insidebtcc.com
  22. Super Touring Register supertouringregister.com
  23. Life Inside the Car – the Story - Volvo Cars Global news.cision.com
  24. IGCD.net - Internet Game Cars Database igcd.net
  25. Volvo S40 and Volvo 850 Estate, stars of the BTCC, now starring in video racing game "Volvo - The Game" - Volvo Cars Global news.cision.com
  26. No Reserve: 44k-Mile 2000 Volvo S40 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $3,100 on August 4, 2026 (Lot #255,923) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. No Reserve: 2007 Volvo S40 T5 AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,300 on July 17, 2026 (Lot #252,830) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. Volvo S40 and V40 T4: History and Buying Guide - Unusual Cars UK unusualcars.co.uk
  29. Volvo S40/V50 common problems (2009-2016) – Haynes Manuals United Kingdom uk.haynes.com
  30. No Reserve: Original-Owner 2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,500 on August 30, 2024 (Lot #160,686) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 56k-Kilometer 2001 Volvo S40 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,200 on March 13, 2026 (Lot #233,316) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2002 Volvo S40 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $2,900 on May 20, 2026 (Lot #243,496) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 26k-Mile 2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,500 on November 29, 2025 (Lot #221,690) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 2009 Volvo S40 2.4i for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,200 on August 25, 2026 (Lot #259,570) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2010 Volvo S40 T5 AWD R-Design 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,250 on May 26, 2026 (Lot #244,487) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. Volvo S40 For Sale & Price Guide | The Classic Valuer theclassicvaluer.com
  37. No Reserve: 56k-Kilometer 2001 Volvo S40 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,000 on November 21, 2025 (Lot #220,580) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • vibilagare.se
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • volvoclub.org.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • carsales.com.au
  • caranddriver.com
  • news.cision.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • carshowroom.com.au
  • johna.motortraders.net
  • autobild.de
  • insidebtcc.com
  • supertouringregister.com
  • igcd.net

Photo credits

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