2002 Volvo S40 Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Nice Car. Find a good mechanic. by jhelm007

Handling

Low center of gravity. Good steering/suspension. Turbo engine. Fun car to drive even with a load of groceries in the back.

Safety & braking

Its a Volvo. Good brakes. Good ABS. Good traction control.

Cargo capacity

We have the wagon. Cargo area is nice. Wouldn't ever tow anything with this thing though.

Materials & workmanship

Well made. Sturdy.

Controls and instruments

Intuitive design for the most part. Everything is where you'd expect it.

Reliability & durability

In general the car is well built, durable, and for the most part reliable. However, The electrical/electronic system is over-engineered, prone to failure, and expensive to repair (alternator $800!).

Dealer practices

The service department at our local dealer is incompetent and over charges egregiously.

Ride smoothness

European handling is Sweedish for feeling the bumps

Fuel economy

For a car this size. the fuel economy should be better.

Rear seat room & comfort

back seat is tiny. No wonder they discontinued it for the v50

I wish I had found an independent Volvo mechanic sooner. If it weren't for bad experiences with the stealership. I'd probably be happier with the V40.