EDMUNDS.COM 2004 VOLVO V40
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 VOLVO V40 new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Though loaded with safety equipment, the V40 is hampered by its small size and aging underpinnings.
Pros
Strong complement of safety features, affordable base price, smooth turbo engine, usable cargo space.
Cons
No manual transmission offered, lacks sporting intentions, pricing can quickly escalate with optional equipment installed.
What''s New for 2004
The V40 remains largely unchanged for the 2004 model year although an upscale LSE trim version is added. There are also minor revisions to the front fascia, and the audio system now comes prewired for a CD changer, whereas last year''s version required an owner to purchase that option.
Overview
Introduction:
Volvo introduced its 40 series lineup to the U.S. in 2000; it has been on sale in Europe since 1996. Volvo hopes to attract a younger clientele who have never owned a Volvo because they couldn''t afford it, or were previously put off by its staid image.The V40 wagon (and its platform mate, the S40 sedan) is Volvo''s smallest and most affordable wagon. It does offer impressive levels of safety equipment; if you are in the market for an upscale compact wagon, this attribute might appeal to you. But we certainly suggest shopping around. Many choices in this price range are newer in design, offer more features and more power and are more enjoyable to own.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
A base V40 is affordable, but its standard features list isn''t all that impressive. Besides the basics, you get features such as automatic climate control, a ski pass-through and a CD player. As for optional equipment, there are individual features like power seats and leather trim. A climate package includes stability control and heated front seats. Premium and Sport Packages are also available, and they set you up with leather and 16-inch wheels. New for the 2004 model year is an LSE trim that adds about $4,000 to the price. Rather than order individual options a customer can opt for the S40 LSE and get such standard features as alloy wheels, leather, a sunroof, a trip computer, a power driver seat and chrome trim inside and out.
Powertrains and Performance:
All V40s are equipped with a turbocharged 170-horsepower 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine. Although a maximum horsepower figure of 170 doesn''t sound too impressive, the engine''s broad torque band pulls the compact wagon around with authority. The only transmission choice is a five-speed automatic, which delivers power to the front wheels.
Safety:
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the V40 offers a respectable level of luxury for a wagon. Comfortable, supportive front seats have that Swedish feel we''ve come to expect from Volvo''s high-end cars, and the interior materials are of high quality for a sub-$30,000 vehicle. Volvo''s V40 scores with a usable and comfortable setup that combines an upright seating position with easy-to-read gauges and a logical control system. Legroom is plentiful and the thick steering wheel falls readily in your hand. An innovative ratcheting center armrest means drivers of different heights are assured adequate support. Rear seating is comfortable, though three adults will find it more cramped than the backseats of similarly priced wagons, like the Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Passat.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Volvo has tuned the V40 for a fairly taut ride, though comfort ultimately takes precedence over performance. If you are looking for performance, Audi''s A4 or BMW''s 3 Series are better choices. But if a combination of mild sport and luxury (plus Volvo''s reputation for safety) is what you''re looking for, the V40 delivers.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ VOLVO Information Index ] [ WAGON Information Index ]
|
