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.
