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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Volvo S40

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Overview

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2011 Volvo S40 Review

By KBB.com Editors

There are plenty of compact sport sedans on the market. Some try to win over customers by offering high-end features at a bargain price. Others entice buyers with a combination of European styling, handling and craftsmanship. One car that manages to do both is the 2011 Volvo S40. The 2011 Volvo S40 boasts a 227-horsepower turbocharged engine and long list of standard and available features. While not as polished as an Audi A3 or Lexus IS 250, the Volvo S40 is a viable competitor with either car, thanks to its balance of performance, economy and affordability.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a premium compact sedan loaded with features at a very modest price, spend some time behind the wheel of a 2011 Volvo S40. With its Whiplash Protection System and other safety features, the Volvo S40 will appeal to your need for security, as well.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need all-wheel drive, a backseat large enough to fit two adults or the hands-on driving experience that can only be had with a manual transmission, the 2011 Volvo S40 probably won't make your top 10 list.

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2011, Volvo has discontinued the base S40 2.4i model and dropped the manual transmission and all-wheel-drive option. The T5 becomes the entry-level S40 while the R-Design remains the top-of-the-line offering.

Driving the S40

Driving Impressions Despite being quiet and refined, the 2011 Volvo S40 T5 is a lively performer. While we found the smooth-shifting five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission adeptly handled the engine's power, the manual...

shift mode is not as quick or as fun to drive as a manual transmission. The Volvo S40 T5 is as at home dashing through mountain curves as it is darting in and out of city traffic. The Volvo S40 T5's steering yields sharp, reasonably quick responses and the suspension strikes a comfortable blend of sporty and smooth. Those seeking a more-spirited driving experience should opt for the Volvo S40 R-Design, which has a stiffer suspension and a more-aggressive wheel and tire package.

Favorite Features

Multimedia Package
Volvo's premium audio system sounds and looks fantastic. From the floating center console that houses the radio controls, to the hidden navigation screen that rises up from the dash, the Volvo S40's Multimedia package is well worth the $2,000 asking price.

Dynamic Sport Suspension
The Volvo S40's R-Design's sport suspension boosts handling capabilities without extracting a significant penalty in ride comfort.

2011 Volvo S40 Details

Interior

True to the long-established school of Scandinavian design, the 2011 Volvo S40's interior is modern yet minimalistic. It includes Volvo's signature ultra-slim waterfall center stack, which is attractive but prohibits the installation of an aftermarket audio system. Volvo's ergonomically designed front seats provide plenty of comfort and support on long drives, but the rear seat is cramped for two adults, especially if the front seats are in their rear-most positions. T-Tec fabric seating is standard on the base Volvo S40 T5. The Volvo S40 R-Design's vividly contrasting white and black seats are striking. An all-black leather package is optional. We like the Volvo S40's easy-to-read gauges, but some of the smaller controls on the floating console are difficult to operate.

Exterior

Once heralded as the new face of Volvo, the aging S40 design now looks a bit conservative, especially when compared to the newest members of the Volvo family, the sleek S60 Sedan and XC60 Crossover. Still, the 2011 Volvo S40 is a handsome vehicle. It's fitted with Volvo's signature grille design, V-shaped hood, and body-contouring tail lights. The S40's body follows what Volvo calls Intelligent Vehicle Architecture, which includes "extremely rigid" cross members for better side-impact protection.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Both the base 2011 Volvo S40 T5 and Volvo S40 R-Design feature a 227-horsepower, 2.5-liter, turbocharged, five-cylinder engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. Other standards include fog lamps, eight-way power driver's seat, keyless remote entry, heated power mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels. The audio system includes HD Radio, a single CD changer, a USB/iPod interface and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. Upgrading to the Volvo S40 R-Design adds a body and trim kit, sport suspension, leather seating surfaces, a power passenger seat and a power moonroof.

Optional Equipment

Popular options are mostly bundled into packages. The Climate Package provides heated seats, headlamp washers, an air filtration system, automatic climate control and rain-sensing wipers. The Multimedia Package adds a 650-watt Dynaudio 10-speaker Surround Sound system, HDD Navigation, Real Time Traffic and two map updates. A power moonroof, power passenger seat, and leather seating surfaces are part of the Preferred Package. The Blind Spot Information System and rear park assist are stand-alone options.

Under the Hood

The Volvo S40's turbocharged 2.5-liter engine pumps out 227 horsepower, runs on regular gas and can go 30 miles on a single gallon of gasoline. The five-cylinder design transmits a bit of vibration and there is lack of low-end torque until the turbo kicks in. Enthusiasts will pine for more power, but they're unlikely to purchase a Volvo S40.

2.5-liter in-line 5 turbo
227 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
236 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1500-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Volvo S40 vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 Volvo S40 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 252 Ratings for the 2004 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.3/10

Worst car I have ever owned

By student (SD) on Friday, March 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 140,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Stylish exterior, good sound system"

Cons: "Every single thing else!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"This car is great to look at from the outside. Its sporty, stylish and elegant enough for a young lady like me. I bought this car 1 YEAR ago at a dealer for a reasonable price at 120k miles with just 2 owners prior. However, a week after I bought it the check engine light came on which started an entire mess of issues! In short I have replaced the battery, starter, start control module, ac compressor, water pump, oil pan, breather box and a bunch of other smaller things! Short after buying it the front struts shot, the fuel pressure sensor went bad and now it has a whole bunch of electrical problems like the windshield wipers don't stop, blinkers don't work, lights come on and off whenever, car does not lock and more! It sucks in the snow. This car is in the shop every friken month since I have bought it and let me tell you it is not cheap to fix! The interior is falling apart even though I take good car of it. Now I can't even sell it for half of what I paid(not inlcuding $2500 in repair costs). I love the look of this car but it has soooo many issues I am just going to trade it in even if I only get 2k for it or less! I will never again purchase another volvo. "Volvos last forever"...bull!"

1 person out of 4 found this review helpful

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Love this car!!

By onthego88 (AZ) on Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 61,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I am a young professional and I have had this car for a few years and love so many things about it. I purchased it after my 1.8T 2007 VW Jetta was having issues and was happy with the upgrade in power. I like when a car has some 'get up and go' to it and this car definitely does. Great passing power. I did have the unfortunate experience of driving a 2011 2.4L while mine was getting an oil change and HATED it. No power so I definitely would recommend getting the T5 if you can. When I first purchased the car the battery went dead but luckily I had just turned it off at that Volvo dealership for my oil change so it couldn't have happened at a better time and I was covered by the extended warranty. I've never had anything go wrong with car and its been a great car to own. I've had to change the break pads once but that's been it! In the VW I had to use Premium fuel and I appreciate that this Turbo doesn't require it. I have a pretty heavy foot (usually 10mph over) and my MPG avg over the last two years has been 26MPH. Pros: Great styling inside and out, superior sound system, comfortable, safe, nice finishes, reliable, the one touch blinker (I love this feature), lots of storage options, Xeon headlights that turn with cornering, unique on the road (there aren't too many out there compared to the BMW's) Cons: Small trunk, a little too loose handling around corners compared to the VW"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love this car, Very reliable and great on gas

By Jay (TX) on Thursday, December 20, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Good gas, Strong car, great price"

Cons: "Small car , no speed"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love my car, im very glad i got it, vlvo customers are loyal in which the case in me trading this car in in about 3 years, ill most likely get another volvo. The motto is "Volvo for life" and that is so true. Awesome cars, great on gas and they are the safest car in the world. Crash ratings are all good compaired to BMW, Audi etc. I feel safe, and i get where i need to go without any problems. I would definatly recommend this car especially for your teen."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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One of the best cars I have ever owned

By james (AZ) on Monday, December 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "MPG space smooth ride sports handling"

Cons: "needs more sound deading in cabin"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"First off I am a hugh chevy fan. This is the first car I have ever owned that wasnt a chevy. Wow I am impressed. super smooth handling, nice power. GREAT gas MPG. Got this as a gift for my wife she fell in love with it. I have had sevral back operations so it is hard to find a car or truck I can sit in for more than 15 miles till now. I drove it for over 200 miles and didnt have to stop once cause of my back and when we got home I didnt hurt. on the highway it is smooth but a little road noise. In town drop it in the manual shift mode and wow handles like a sports car like bmw m3 or better. will owe this car a long time and will buy another."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Most enjoyable vehicle ever!

By SweetBrownEyes (TN) on Thursday, November 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 74,679

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, good show off car and dependable."

Cons: "No AUX port."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car has gotten me through the snow,sleet, rain and hail. It is reliable, comfortable and very dependable. I would not trade this car for anything like it. The only thing I do not like is that is does not have a AUX port. But that compensates for the other features on it. This car will get up and go when put to the test. It holds its value."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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