Overview

The 2000 Volvo S40 represents the first generation of the Swedish manufacturer’s entry into the compact executive segment. Developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi, the S40 shared its platform and production facility in Born, Netherlands, with the Mitsubishi Carisma. This partnership allowed Volvo to expand its reach into a more accessible price point while maintaining the brand’s core focus on safety and structural integrity.

In the North American market, the S40 was positioned as a premium alternative to established Japanese and domestic compact sedans. It featured a distinct design language that echoed the larger S80, characterized by a rounded, aerodynamic silhouette and the signature Volvo vertical taillights. The 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine provided a balance of efficiency and urban drivability, catering to professionals and small families who desired European engineering without the higher cost of the mid-size S70 or V70 models.

Engineering priorities for the S40 focused on occupant protection, featuring side-impact airbags and a reinforced safety cage as standard equipment. While the interior utilized high-quality materials and ergonomic seating, the vehicle was noted for its firm ride and straightforward dashboard layout. As a precursor to the more modern design directions Volvo would take in the following decade, the S40 remains a significant example of the brand’s effort to diversify its lineup during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Vehicle Overview
Brand Volvo
Model S40 FWD
Model Year 2000
Generation 1st Generation
Trim Base
Body Style 4-door Sedan
Vehicle Segment Compact Executive
Vehicle Class Compact Cars
Market USA
Platform Volvo P1 / Mitsubishi P1
Assembly Plant Born, Netherlands
Country of Origin Netherlands
Production Start 1995
Production End 2004
VIN Identifier YV1
Base MSRP $22,900
Destination Charge $575
Total MSRP $23,475
Powertrain
Powertrain Type Internal Combustion
Engine Family Volvo Modular Engine
Engine Name B4194T2
Engine Code
Engine Configuration Inline-4
Displacement 1.9 Liters
Bore x Stroke 83.0 x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Aspiration Turbocharged
Fuel Delivery Multi-point fuel injection
Valve Train DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity 5.8 qt
Oil Specification / Viscosity 5W-30
Horsepower 160 hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque 170 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Redline 6000 rpm
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission Automatic 4-spd
Final Drive Ratio
Axle Ratio
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type Premium Gasoline
Recommended Octane 91
EPA City MPG 19
EPA Highway MPG 26
EPA Combined MPG 22
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) 15.8
Estimated Driving Range 347 miles
Annual Fuel Cost
CO₂ Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Score
Smog Rating
Performance
0-30 mph
0-60 mph 8.5 seconds
0-100 mph
Quarter Mile 16.5 seconds
Top Speed 130 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph) 135 ft
Lateral Acceleration 0.78g
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in) 176.4
Width (Without Mirrors) (in) 67.7
Width (With Mirrors) (in)
Height (in) 55.7
Wheelbase (in) 100.8
Front Track (in) 57.5
Rear Track (in) 57.5
Ground Clearance (in) 5.5
Curb Weight (lbs) 2950
GVWR (lbs)
Towing Capacity (lbs)
Payload Capacity (lbs)
Passenger Volume (cu ft) 90
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) 13.0
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)
Turning Circle 34.8 ft
Approach Angle
Departure Angle
Breakover Angle
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating
NHTSA Frontal Crash
NHTSA Side Crash
NHTSA Rollover
IIHS Award
Small Overlap Front
Moderate Overlap Front
Side Impact Good
Headlights Rating
Front Crash Prevention
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display None
Instrument Cluster Analog
Apple CarPlay No
Android Auto No
Navigation System Optional
Audio System AM/FM/Cassette/CD
Speaker Count 6
Wireless Charging No
Wi-Fi Hotspot No
OTA Updates No
Digital Key No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty 4 yr / 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty 4 yr / 50,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty 8 yr / unlimited
Roadside Assistance 4 yr / 50,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant Skovde, Sweden
Transmission Supplier Aisin-Warner
Gear Ratios
Differential Type Open
Cooling System Capacity
Roof Load Capacity (lbs) 165
Safety Recall Count
Production Volume
Units Sold in USA

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2000 Volvo S40 is recognized in the used car market as an affordable entry point into European luxury, though it requires diligent maintenance to remain reliable. Owners frequently report issues related to the electronic throttle module (ETM), cooling system components, and suspension bushings, which are common wear items for this chassis. While the turbocharged engine provides respectable power, it demands strict adherence to oil change intervals to prevent sludge buildup and turbocharger failure. Today, the S40 appeals to enthusiasts looking for a compact, safety-conscious daily driver with a distinct aesthetic, provided they are prepared for the higher cost of specialized parts compared to mainstream Japanese compacts of the same era.

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