The Good
The 2002 Volvo V40 offers a comfortable ride and a practical wagon body style. It's relatively reliable, especially with proper maintenance. Its design is understated yet stylish, appealing to those who appreciate a classic Scandinavian aesthetic. Economical fuel consumption and a reasonable price point make it a good value. The Volvo name evokes a sense of safety and dependability, which appeals to emotional buyers.
The Bad
Common issues on the 2002 Volvo V40 include potential problems with the electronic throttle module (ETM), leading to erratic engine behavior. Suspension components, particularly bushings and struts, may require replacement due to age. Some owners have reported issues with the climate control system. Rust can also be a concern, especially in areas with harsh winters. Regular maintenance is crucial to mitigate these potential problems.
2002 Volvo V40: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 1.9L turbocharged inline-4 cylinder
- Horsepower: Approximately 160 hp
- Fuel Economy: Around 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (estimated)
- 0-60 Times: Estimated between 8.0 and 9.0 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or very limited; consult owner's manual
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: Standard features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and front airbags.
- Higher Trims (if applicable, based on regional availability): Could include features such as leather upholstery, sunroof, upgraded audio system, cruise control, alloy wheels, and side airbags. These features varied depending on the specific package and regional market.
Note: Specific features and options could vary based on the market and original vehicle configuration. It's recommended to inspect individual vehicles for exact specifications.
2002 Volvo V40 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2002 |
| Make | Volvo |
| Model | V40 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 1.9-T |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Small Station Wagon |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Netherlands |
| Manufacturing City | BORN |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 2822 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | B4204T3 |
| Engine Size | 1.9L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $24,900 |
| Invoice Price | $23,406 |
| Delivery Charges | $625 |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2002 Volvo V40 Have?
While specific recalls for the 2002 model year should be checked with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) database, common recalls for vehicles of this era often related to airbag systems or fuel system components. Long-term reliability is generally good if the vehicle receives consistent maintenance, but neglect can lead to a cascade of problems due to the age of rubber components, wiring, and sensors.
How long will the 2002 Volvo V40 last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Built-in tech was relatively basic, focusing on essential functions rather than advanced features. Information displays were usually limited to basic trip information and system warnings. Optional features like cruise control were available on some trims.
Crash-test ratings from institutions like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) or NHTSA should be consulted for specific performance data. Volvo has a strong reputation for safety, and the V40 was designed with occupant protection in mind. However, safety standards have evolved significantly since 2002, so it's important to consider this in the context of modern vehicles.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2002 Volvo V40 Prices and Market Value
2002 Volvo V40 Cost of Ownership
2002 Volvo V40 Fuel Efficiency
2002 Volvo V40 Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2002 Volvo V40 Recalls & Defects
Equipment:other:labels
2002 Volvo V40 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2002 Volvo V40 Compare to Other Sedan?
Reliability is a mixed bag; while Volvos have a reputation for longevity, the V40's ETM issues can be a significant concern. The Toyota and Subaru offerings generally had better reliability records. Price-wise, the used V40 is typically affordable now, similar to its rivals.
Alternatives to consider include the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe (joint venture) for superior reliability and the Subaru Impreza Wagon for all-wheel drive capability. The VW Golf/Jetta Wagon offers a similar European driving experience. The V40's appeal lies in its Volvo heritage and unique styling, but practical buyers might prioritize reliability with a Japanese alternative.
Ranks #79 Wagon
| 1 | 2015 Toyota Venza | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2009 Honda Odyssey | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2024 Subaru Impreza | (5.0★) |
| 4 | 2009 Mazda CX-7 | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon | (0.0★) |
| 6 | 2023 Audi A6 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2021 Ram ProMaster City | (0.0★) |
| 8 | 2019 Volvo V60 | (4.0★) |
| 9 | 2015 Scion xB | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2008 Pontiac Vibe | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2006 Land Rover Range Rover | (0.0★) |
| 79 | 2002 Volvo V40 | (4.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2002 Volvo V40 a Good Sedan?
Experienced Buyer on July 7, 2014
Excellent car for college studentAs a former leasing and sales consultant in the car business, I was looking for an ideal vehicle for my son to use over the summer and then off to college. The Volvo V40 is an ideal mix of space, utility, style and function. As with most Volvos, the interior space is very efficient, especially for a small wagon. Fuel economy is excellent and performance is more than adequate with the 1.9 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. Fit and finish are still very good considering the age of the car( 2002 ). We purchased the base model which does not have all the bells and whistles, just as well for a college student who may add what he decides down the road. We did replace the factory stereo with a CD stereo with bluetooth for safer driving. Depending on mileage, just need to make sure all major operating systems are up to date including timing belt, brake rotors and struts. Only minor complaint: the Volvo requires premium gas. Otherwise, an excellent vehicle and value.
Enjoy the Ride on September 18, 2009
Safe, Reliable, Good Looking and AccommodatingI purchased my 2002 V40 used in 2006 with 87,000kms on it. I am now around 150,000kms and have been very happy. My wife and I were planning on having children and were looking for a car that was safe, reliable and accommodating to our large loads such as a stroller, drums, tools etc. (obviously not all at once) and we found it. The V40 is very spacious in the cargo area and if needed, all the seats fold completely down. It feels very smooth on the road especially at highway speeds, can someone say Turbo! The only issues I have is that I wish the V40 had less hood and a bit more interior leg space, especially in the back seats. Also, I'm not a big fan of the hand turn dial to move the seat back up and down. A lever or electric would be much more comfortable. Other than that as long as you keep up the maintenance the V40 should last a long time and be just as safe and reliable when you're done as it was when you bought it. Happy Trails
Experienced Buyer on July 7, 2014
Excellent car for college studentAs a former leasing and sales consultant in the car business, I was looking for an ideal vehicle for my son to use over the summer and then off to college. The Volvo V40 is an ideal mix of space, utility, style and function. As with most Volvos, the interior space is very efficient, especially for a small wagon. Fuel economy is excellent and performance is more than adequate with the 1.9 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. Fit and finish are still very good considering the age of the car( 2002 ). We purchased the base model which does not have all the bells and whistles, just as well for a college student who may add what he decides down the road. We did replace the factory stereo with a CD stereo with bluetooth for safer driving. Depending on mileage, just need to make sure all major operating systems are up to date including timing belt, brake rotors and struts. Only minor complaint: the Volvo requires premium gas. Otherwise, an excellent vehicle and value.
Enjoy the Ride on September 18, 2009
Safe, Reliable, Good Looking and AccommodatingI purchased my 2002 V40 used in 2006 with 87,000kms on it. I am now around 150,000kms and have been very happy. My wife and I were planning on having children and were looking for a car that was safe, reliable and accommodating to our large loads such as a stroller, drums, tools etc. (obviously not all at once) and we found it. The V40 is very spacious in the cargo area and if needed, all the seats fold completely down. It feels very smooth on the road especially at highway speeds, can someone say Turbo! The only issues I have is that I wish the V40 had less hood and a bit more interior leg space, especially in the back seats. Also, I'm not a big fan of the hand turn dial to move the seat back up and down. A lever or electric would be much more comfortable. Other than that as long as you keep up the maintenance the V40 should last a long time and be just as safe and reliable when you're done as it was when you bought it. Happy Trails
Experienced Buyer on July 7, 2014
Excellent car for college studentAs a former leasing and sales consultant in the car business, I was looking for an ideal vehicle for my son to use over the summer and then off to college. The Volvo V40 is an ideal mix of space, utility, style and function. As with most Volvos, the interior space is very efficient, especially for a small wagon. Fuel economy is excellent and performance is more than adequate with the 1.9 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. Fit and finish are still very good considering the age of the car( 2002 ). We purchased the base model which does not have all the bells and whistles, just as well for a college student who may add what he decides down the road. We did replace the factory stereo with a CD stereo with bluetooth for safer driving. Depending on mileage, just need to make sure all major operating systems are up to date including timing belt, brake rotors and struts. Only minor complaint: the Volvo requires premium gas. Otherwise, an excellent vehicle and value.
Enjoy the Ride on September 18, 2009
Safe, Reliable, Good Looking and AccommodatingI purchased my 2002 V40 used in 2006 with 87,000kms on it. I am now around 150,000kms and have been very happy. My wife and I were planning on having children and were looking for a car that was safe, reliable and accommodating to our large loads such as a stroller, drums, tools etc. (obviously not all at once) and we found it. The V40 is very spacious in the cargo area and if needed, all the seats fold completely down. It feels very smooth on the road especially at highway speeds, can someone say Turbo! The only issues I have is that I wish the V40 had less hood and a bit more interior leg space, especially in the back seats. Also, I'm not a big fan of the hand turn dial to move the seat back up and down. A lever or electric would be much more comfortable. Other than that as long as you keep up the maintenance the V40 should last a long time and be just as safe and reliable when you're done as it was when you bought it. Happy Trails
Experienced Buyer on July 7, 2014
Excellent car for college studentAs a former leasing and sales consultant in the car business, I was looking for an ideal vehicle for my son to use over the summer and then off to college. The Volvo V40 is an ideal mix of space, utility, style and function. As with most Volvos, the interior space is very efficient, especially for a small wagon. Fuel economy is excellent and performance is more than adequate with the 1.9 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. Fit and finish are still very good considering the age of the car( 2002 ). We purchased the base model which does not have all the bells and whistles, just as well for a college student who may add what he decides down the road. We did replace the factory stereo with a CD stereo with bluetooth for safer driving. Depending on mileage, just need to make sure all major operating systems are up to date including timing belt, brake rotors and struts. Only minor complaint: the Volvo requires premium gas. Otherwise, an excellent vehicle and value.
Enjoy the Ride on September 18, 2009
Safe, Reliable, Good Looking and AccommodatingI purchased my 2002 V40 used in 2006 with 87,000kms on it. I am now around 150,000kms and have been very happy. My wife and I were planning on having children and were looking for a car that was safe, reliable and accommodating to our large loads such as a stroller, drums, tools etc. (obviously not all at once) and we found it. The V40 is very spacious in the cargo area and if needed, all the seats fold completely down. It feels very smooth on the road especially at highway speeds, can someone say Turbo! The only issues I have is that I wish the V40 had less hood and a bit more interior leg space, especially in the back seats. Also, I'm not a big fan of the hand turn dial to move the seat back up and down. A lever or electric would be much more comfortable. Other than that as long as you keep up the maintenance the V40 should last a long time and be just as safe and reliable when you're done as it was when you bought it. Happy Trails
Experienced Buyer on July 7, 2014
Excellent car for college studentAs a former leasing and sales consultant in the car business, I was looking for an ideal vehicle for my son to use over the summer and then off to college. The Volvo V40 is an ideal mix of space, utility, style and function. As with most Volvos, the interior space is very efficient, especially for a small wagon. Fuel economy is excellent and performance is more than adequate with the 1.9 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. Fit and finish are still very good considering the age of the car( 2002 ). We purchased the base model which does not have all the bells and whistles, just as well for a college student who may add what he decides down the road. We did replace the factory stereo with a CD stereo with bluetooth for safer driving. Depending on mileage, just need to make sure all major operating systems are up to date including timing belt, brake rotors and struts. Only minor complaint: the Volvo requires premium gas. Otherwise, an excellent vehicle and value.
Enjoy the Ride on September 18, 2009
Safe, Reliable, Good Looking and AccommodatingI purchased my 2002 V40 used in 2006 with 87,000kms on it. I am now around 150,000kms and have been very happy. My wife and I were planning on having children and were looking for a car that was safe, reliable and accommodating to our large loads such as a stroller, drums, tools etc. (obviously not all at once) and we found it. The V40 is very spacious in the cargo area and if needed, all the seats fold completely down. It feels very smooth on the road especially at highway speeds, can someone say Turbo! The only issues I have is that I wish the V40 had less hood and a bit more interior leg space, especially in the back seats. Also, I'm not a big fan of the hand turn dial to move the seat back up and down. A lever or electric would be much more comfortable. Other than that as long as you keep up the maintenance the V40 should last a long time and be just as safe and reliable when you're done as it was when you bought it. Happy Trails
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.