Overview & Reviews

In Volvo nomenclature, "V" stands for "versatile." Versatility is great, but as the departed V40 wagon proved, it says nothing about excitement -- not when the other elements in the mix are drab sheet metal and mediocre performance. The Volvo V50 was conceived to replace this less-than-memorable small wagon, and it improves on the formula by offering more style and the opportunity for greater performance.

The compact V50 has been dubbed a "sport wagon" by Volvo. With its bulging fenders and grooved hood, this Volvo looks, dare we say, ripped. And it lives up to the "sport" part through its sharp handling and sprightly acceleration -- as long as you opt for the turbocharged engine, that is. With that turbo under its hood, the Volvo V50 feels nimble and brisk. Alas, the V50's normally aspirated base engine is far less impressive.

Still, with either power plant, this upscale small wagon is enjoyable on the inside, offering a design that's as ergonomically correct as it is distinctive. There are also plenty of safety features, with a lineup that includes side-impact and head curtain airbags, active head restraints and optional built-in booster seats for children. Combine all this with the utility offered by the available all-wheel drive, and Volvo's V50 distinguishes itself as providing plenty of "V" without being boring to drive or own.

Current Volvo V50
The Volvo V50 compact sport wagon shares its basic platform with the S40 sedan and C30 hatchback. V50 buyers have their choice of two trim levels -- base T5 and sportier T5 R-Design. Both V50s boast a turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine that sends a healthy 227 horsepower to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic with manual-shift capability.

The T5's standard equipment includes alloy wheels, a power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a six-CD changer and an iPod interface. The T5 R-Design adds sporty exterior and interior styling cues, a sport-tuned suspension, a power sunroof, heated front seats and partial leather upholstery. The options list includes active bi-xenon headlights, a navigation system, heated seats and a blind-spot warning system.

Volvo's Scandinavian roots are elegantly reflected in the V50's cabin. The feel is open and clean, highlighted by an unusually thin center stack. In true Scandinavian fashion, function goes hand in hand with form -- for the most part. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat helps the car easily digest oversize items; cargo capacity is competitive with that of others in this class, and controls are easily navigable. Materials quality is also quite good. The one negative here is that the wagon's minimalist aesthetic also results in a minimal number of storage areas within its cabin.

Used Volvo V50 Models
The Volvo V50 debuted for the 2005 model year, and there have been just a few changes along the way. Initially, it was available in base 2.4i (168 hp) and turbocharged T5 (218 hp) trims. Both were front-wheel drive, with the T5 also available with all-wheel drive. The T5's power output was boosted to 227 hp for 2008. A six-speed manual transmission for the T5 was sporadically available, depending on model year and drive configuration.

Other changes include standard stability control on all V50s for 2007, and upgraded audio components and the optional blind-spot monitor for '08. Also, prior to 2009, V50s had considerably less standard equipment and commensurately lower base prices. For 2011, the base 2.4i was dropped, as were the availability of a manual transmission and all-wheel drive.

User Reviews:

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  2007 Volvo V50 T5 - 2007 Volvo V50
  By Frank C - April 21 - 9:06 am

  Volvo follows a distinct car philosophy which is not to everyones taste. If you like Volvos approach to design, handling, and safety the V50 is a great choice over any small SUV. We compared the V50 to station wagons from BMW, VW, Audi, and Subaru. The BMW 3 series and Audi A4, while nice, were quite a bit more expensive. The Passats drive train (2.0l 4 cylinder turbo) was uncompetitive. The Subaru felt tinny. In sum, the V50 offered the best compromise between performance and price.

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  Volvo V50 New Review - 2005 Volvo V50
  By BWB - March 14 - 10:56 pm

  We purchased this car after looking at a lot of competitive cars. We liked the minimalist design but full featured interior. After 1 extended trip of 1700 miles in a weekend, we found the car to be economical, comfortable and very stable. We are very happy purchasers of the car.

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  Great but flawed reliability - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Volblow - November 3 - 2:03 pm

  When this car works or isnt being repaired, it is delightful. I love the Scandinavian style, but hate the quality.

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  Great Car - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Rick - October 28 - 1:03 pm

  I also have a V40. I love the V50T. It drives great, gets good gas mileage. We are retirees, but we enjoy the spunk, reputation, and durability of the vehicle. The style is outstanding. We have a lot of people come up and admire the car.

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  Why Subaru copies VOLVO! - 2009 Volvo V50
  By The Bird - August 31 - 3:50 am

  This is the main reason Subaru is in existence...to offer a cheaply made alternative to people that cant quite afford a premium European brand. This car has it all! Its equipped with a Haldex AWD system years ahead of the Subaru technology. Lower noise than the subaru. "Safe and Sound" warranty 5 years of cost free ownership is unmatched in the industry! I will only need to pay for tires and gas for 5 years! It is above average in every respect.

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  Lemon: very poor - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Volvo_trouble - August 17 - 2:40 am

  Check Engine light: related to fuel pressure. Fuel tank does not accept gas more than a gallon at a time Cruise control: Does not work properly. Car speeds up and slows down suddenly with jerks. Fault in module. Overall very disappointed

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  Great little car - 2007 Volvo V50
  By piredon - April 21 - 12:23 am

  This car manages to be quick when you want it to be, cruise when you want it to, seems to work well in the snow, and holds more than enough stuff to fit our needs. Fuel mileage so far of around 25 mpg overall. Comfortable seats, great for long trips. Very progressive throttle tip in helps to drive smoothly. Engine can be a little buzzy at times, but packs plenty of punch when you want it to. Steering effort is way too light, but turn in is crisp, and its great for long highway trips, maybe not so much for back roads. Well-designed, intuitive interior with fantastic sound system. Only problem so far is a rattle in the dash, fixed under warranty.

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  The most beautiful SW on the Road - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Ozgur - March 29 - 8:00 pm

  I believe Volvo is the best value car on the market. If you compare features and prices with the other car companies (Like BMW and Mercedes Benz), Volvo V50 has more features, less price. AWD system is much better than BMWs and Mercedess AWD system. Heldex differential works very well. Interior design is awesome. Sleek center console is one-of-a-kind. Turbo engine runs smooth and you can feel the power any gear ranges.If you are looking for handsome, reliable and fun to drive family wagon, Volvo is gonna be the best choice.

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  Its good - 2005 Volvo V50
  By dennisoco - February 16 - 12:59 am

  I always read reviews befour I buy a vehicle except I bought this drove it for 9 years then read the reviews to see what people are complaining about.You will never get used to the complicated heating defroster buttons and lights and so forth,Should have kept it simple.But it is a realy good car.But to be real hnest the only real problem after 185 thousand K.M. is the or was the release for the open the tailgate,The repair only worked til warrenty ran out so I paid a mechanic to put in an actual hardwire with pushbutton to open the hatch.Cant trust the electronic key fob to open it and what good is a station wagan if the tailgate dont open.New axles are 700$ or 115$ shop around.cross border

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  First Time Luxury - 2007 Volvo V50
  By First Timer - January 12 - 12:43 am

  The Volvo V50 is my first time venturing into the high end car lines and it hasnt disappointed. The car is neat looking and has thus far performed very well. Didnt even notice the speed when we were cruising the 476 Blue Route at 75 mph. The ride is quiet and the feel is quite snug in this little wagon. We just became grandparents, and we wanted to be safe carting our new charge around. I think we made the right move.