Volvo V40 (96-04) - Review Review by Parkers on 01 January 1996 Volvo's efforts to build a convincing medium car have brought us the modern V40/S40 series, a huge improvement over the uninspired, stodgy old 440/460 series. Compared with the class-leading Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, Volvo still has some way to go, but the S40/V40 is far from ordinary and has safety and solidity on its side. The turbo engines, particularly the T4, have attracted a new wave of younger, fashion-conscious buyers, though Volvo is still not as trendy as its compatriot, Saab. Some early cars were not quite up to scratch in terms of build quality, but improvements were soon made and the range is now a sensible buy, new or secondhand. 3 out of 5 Other Volvo reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 3 out of 5 Summary Tweet New price range: £14,998 - £25,955 Used price range: £325 - £4,574 View all used prices Get a Volvo V40 (96-04) information pack Next steps Volvo V40 cars for sale Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 42 models like this for sale, starting at £795. Find used Volvo V40s for sale Still looks good, well built, reliable Not quite enough boot space, old Volvo's efforts to build a convincing medium car have brought us the modern V40/S40 series, a huge improvement over the uninspired, stodgy old 440/460 series. Compared with the class-leading Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, Volvo still has some way to go, but the S40/V40 is far from ordinary and has safety and solidity on its side. The turbo engines, particularly the T4, have attracted a new wave of younger, fashion-conscious buyers, though Volvo is still not as trendy as its compatriot, Saab. Some early cars were not quite up to scratch in terms of build quality, but improvements were soon made and the range is now a sensible buy, new or secondhand. Driving & Performance Performance 3.5 out of 5"With just 109 bhp on offer, the 1.6 can feel underpowered and it feels strained, especially when..." Handling 3 out of 5"The standard V40 models are well suited to refined cruising; they offer a reassuring driving..." Comfort Comfort 3.5 out of 5"V40 has supportive and comfortable seats - like so many other Volvos. There should be few complaints..." Practicality 3 out of 5"V40 manages to mix style and substance - in the shape of a useable load area. It's just the job for..." Equipment 4 out of 5"The range has a comprehensive equipment list which includes electrically-adjustable and heated door..." Behind the wheel 3 out of 5"V40 is a good place to be on long motorway trips, thanks to supportive seats and a logically..." Costs Running costs 3 out of 5"Smallest Volvo has the smallest running costs in the range, but still not cheap to own. Resale..." Green credentials 2.5 out of 5"V40 performs reasonably on the eco front. With an average of 187 g/km CO2 across the model line-up,..." Safety & Reliability Safety 3 out of 5"A four-star Euro NCAP rating is very good for a car of this age. All cars have ABS, seat belt..." Reliability 3 out of 5"Some build quality niggles on 1996-97 cars but overall a big improvement on the old 400 series;..." Buying & Selling Buying new 0 out of 5 Buying used 3 out of 5"Used prices are easing, particularly for first generation 1996-00 cars; there are lots of fairly low..." Selling 3.5 out of 5"Lower-spec models don't sell well. Buyers of newer S40/V40 models tend to want air conditioning and..." Gallery View full gallery Owners' reviews Used Volvo V40 (96-04) 2.0T Sport 5d 2 out of 5 “ Size of the boot. Nothing else that couldn't be found of a simlar type of car in it' class. ” James Heather Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Volvo V40 cars for sale We have 42 models like this for sale. Find Volvo V40 cars for sale Next: Facts & Figures
Used Volvo V40 (96-04) 2.0T Sport 5d 2 out of 5 “ Size of the boot. Nothing else that couldn't be found of a simlar type of car in it' class. ” James Heather