Which Volvos Have a Manual Transmission?

Volvo doesn’t manufacture manual models anymore, but these used manuals are great options: S40, S80 II T5 Momentum, 2004 S60, XC40, and V50.
Written by Sarah Williams
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
While Volvo is no longer manufacturing manual models, they have a good selection of used options to choose from. These include the S40, S80 II T5 Momentum, 2004 S60, XC40, and V50. 
Despite manual transmissions’ popularity amongst car enthusiasts, many manufacturers have stopped producing them. In 2019, an estimated 99% of all new cars in the US were automatics. 
If you’re looking for your next manual Volvo,
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In this article, we will take a closer look at the various manual models offered by Volvo: the S40, S80 II T5 Momentum, 2004 S60, XC40, and V50.  
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Does Volvo still make a manual? 

Unfortunately, Volvo no longer manufactures cars with manual transmissions. However, there are 5 older models to choose from if you are open to buying used. 
MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car

S40

Starting price: $31,150
The Volvo S40 is both stylish and comfortable, but it’s on the expensive side in comparison with other similar sedans. 
Riding the line between regular and luxury, the S40 offers a balance for those who are looking for prestige without the luxury price tag. 
This front-wheel-drive features a 5-speed Manual gearbox and a naturally-aspirated Inline 4-cylinder engine. It has a maximum speed of 115mph and can go from zero to 60 in 11.9 seconds. 
While it’s no race car, it's a sprightly little car with all the appeals of modern design. 

S80 II T5 Momentum

Starting price: $44,500
While it isn’t as stylish as the S40, the S80 II T5 Momentum boasts stronger acceleration and speed. 
Powered by a turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder engine, the S80 can go from zero to 60 in 7.5 seconds with a maximum speed of 152 mph. It is also a front-wheel-drive and runs on a 6-speed manual transmission.
This stoic sedan is a conservative drive offering consistency and safety. 

S60 (2004) 

Starting price: $47,650
The Volvo S60 2004 offers the best of both worlds: speed and style. And, of course, being a Volvo we can’t forget the final “s”: safety. 
Volvo invested a lot of money into the S60 to make it what it is today, hence the price increase. Powered by a turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder engine, this baby can get from zero to 60 in 7.7 seconds with a maximum top speed of 146 mph. 
Once again, not a race car, but this sports sedan is will get you where you need to go—and look good doing it. 

XC40

Starting price: $35,100
The Volvo XC40 is a youthful car with playful styling. Like its other Volvo counterparts, the XC40 is recognized for its safety and comes equipped with driver-assistance technology.  
On the slower side, the XC40 is powered by a turbocharged Inline 3-cylinder engine with a maximum speed of 112 mph. It will take you from zero to 60 in 10.9 seconds and features a 6-speed manual transmission. 
The Volvo XC40 mpg is 45 mpg, the highest of the manual Volvo options. In other words, it has good fuel economy, getting an average of 45 mpg
This is a car that comes with everything you need while supplying its special charm. 

V50 T5 

Used price: $4,461
The V50 T5 is one of the older manual models available, so it comes at a very reasonable used price
It is known as the wagon equivalent of the S40, rounding off the edges for a more stylish aesthetic. 
The V50 T5 is powered by a turbocharged Inline 5-cylinder engine and can go zero to 60 in an impressive 6.9 seconds. It features a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. 
Targeted by Volvo at people with a “large capacity for life” the V50 T5 is a sporty wagon with great features, power, and style. 

Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission

Everybody seems to have an opinion about which is better—manual or automatic. The reality is, they both have their pros and cons. Here are a few positives to consider when it comes to manual transmissions:
  • Cost: Manuals tend to be less expensive than automatics. 
  • Safety: It’s hard to steal a car you don’t know how to drive and between 44% and 84% of drivers in the US don’t know how to drive a manual. 
  • Repairs: Manual transmissions are cheaper to repair than automatic transmissions. 
  • Fun: The truth is, driving stick is fun! 
It wouldn’t be fair just to list the positives, so let's take a look at some of the disadvantages of manuals:
  • Effort: In stop-and-go traffic, you may find three-pedal driving to be a lot of work.  
  • Difficulty: With fewer people who know how to drive stick, not only is it hard to find a teacher, it is also harder to learn. 
  • Fuel Economy: Unfortunately, most manual transmissions have lower fuel economy than their automatic counterparts. 
Key Takeaway While it’s no easy task to find and learn how to drive a manual, they are more affordable and fun to drive. 
MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars

How to find affordable Volvo insurance

Now that we know about the variety of manual Volvo’s available—and the pros and cons of owning one—it’s time to talk insurance. 
If you want to save money insuring your manual Volvo, the
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FAQ

Ultimately it comes down to what is important to you. Take into account enjoyment—do you enjoy driving stick or automatic more? Another consideration is cost—manuals tend to be cheaper, but also more difficult to learn and harder to find. Lastly, an automatic will have the better fuel economy.
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