Volvo S40 first generation

Photo: Dinkun Chen / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Volvo S40 first generation (2000–2004): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 5 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: P1

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,470–4,520 mm RDW	–	4,470–4,521 mm
Width	1,720–1,770 mm RDW	–	1,717–1,720 mm
Height	1,420–1,450 mm RDW	–	1,410–1,426 mm
Wheelbase	2,550–2,640 mm RDW	–	2,550–2,557 mm
Front track	1,472–1,548 mm ASTRA	–	–
Rear track	1,474–1,544 mm ASTRA	–	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,230–1,343 kg RDW	–	1,220–1,414 kg
Mass in running order	1,330–1,443 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	1,750–1,930 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	1,200–1,500 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	500–700 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	5 RDW	–	–
Doors	4 RDW	–	–
Luggage space (EPA)	–	368–453 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	–	2,492–2,605 L EPA	–
Performance
Top speed	195–220 km/h RDW	–	–
Torque	145–320 Nm ASTRA	–	–

Tyre sizes (most common first): 185/65R15, 195/60R15, 205/55R15, 205/55R16

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	61.9% (60.9–62.9)	69.2%	9,249

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Brakes	48.4%	36.4%
Suspension	44.1%	41.6%
Lights and electrics	37.6%	28.8%
Tyres	32.7%	31.2%
Body, chassis and structure	22.8%	18.6%
Noise, emissions and leaks	15.0%	17.1%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

301 complaints for model years 2000–2004. 32 crashes · 7 fires · 14 injuries

Brakes 67
Speed control 31
Electrical system 31
Engine 21

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 5 versions of the Volvo S40 first generation

United States 4 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2001–2004CLKUP	1.9 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	22–23 MPG (10.2–10.7 L/100 km) EPA	240–251 g/km
20042MODE CLKUP	2.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA	251 g/km
20042MODE CLKUP	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA	240 g/km
20002MODE CLKUP	1.9 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA	263 g/km

Canada 1 version

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2001–2004Compact	1.9 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	10.2–10.7 L/100 km 5-cycle	235–246 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.