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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  My thoughts on Volvos V50 - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Mike R. - January 8 - 7:56 am

  We really like this car. Its small enough to get around town, yet large enough to haul most anything we want. The folks at Volvo know what comfort is and this car is no exception. It has style, and the interior is quite comfortable. Plenty of leg room and head room.

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  Dont judge a book by it cover - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Dave B - December 31 - 10:00 am

  The car looks great and is fun to drive, but I was spoiled by our Volkswagen Jetta in the reliability department. The Volvo V 50 has required work since we bought it- wiring harness issues, sun roof leak that we learned will cannot be fully rectified, gas cap issues-would not pass inspection, battery issues, anti- theft-immobilizer issues. The inconvenience is one thing, but now that it is out of warranty, I worry it is going to cost us a great deal to keep it on the road. This will be the first and last Volvo for us.

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  Massive Mistake - 2007 Volvo V50
  By krgrimes - December 16 - 5:36 pm

  I begged my husband to trade in my 99 4Runner for a more stable vehicle on the highway so he got me an 07 Volvo V50. Took it on the highway and it was amazing, but then I started to notice little noises you wouldnt expect to hear in a "luxury" vehicle. Had the tires and rear brakes replaced and it got quieter but there is still noise. It is starting to get really hot in NC so Im using my A/C frequently, that is of course when the compressor wants to work. Today I put my key in the ignition and the car "immobilized" because it thought I was trying to steal my own car. On top of the grinding noise in my front wheel bearings I now have electrical problems! Do not buy one!

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  Worth the price - 2006 Volvo V50
  By J.Smeriglio - November 17 - 11:50 am

  The 2006 V-50 is an excellent every day driver. I put 150-200 miles per day on this vehicle and have not had any major complaints other than the complete battery failure at 51,000 miles (a $200 replacement at volvo). I have noticed 26-28 mpg consistently at 70 mph cruising speed. Excellent steering response, excellent brakes, and very comfortable driver seating. I would absolutely purchase this car again.

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  My first volvo, but not the last - 2006 Volvo V50
  By ALFREDO - October 13 - 4:53 am

  My wife didn´t like the wagons. She wants a suv (x3) but now she is impressedand very happy. Me, i´m glad with my car.

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  Great Fun to Drive and looks good too! - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Brian d - September 26 - 1:03 pm

  I have owned my V50 since May 06. Have already done a few good road trips with it and am not disappointed. 15,000 km so far. Had mine special ordered due to wanting the base model (no sunroof, no traction control etc). Was worth the wait. 5spd shifts like butta and although a high speed pass on a 2 lane hwy may need a downshift, its a small price to pay. The ONLY beefs I have are a small wind leak in the drivers door, a squeaky clutch pedal, poor drivers side blind spot and useless door pockets (cant even fit a map in there). Great car for the money (better than others in that price range), awesome resale value and a really nice ride. Go try one... youll like it.

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  Great Car..BUT - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Al - September 18 - 11:10 pm

  Great car to look at and drive, a stylish interior is always a pleasure to sit in.Got the car fully loaded with sport package and body kit. Practical with lots of cargo space. Gas mileage is around 25 mainly in city driving A cautionary note - I had a problem with road noise/ front suspension , Dealer could not fix it, went to Lemon Law,the car was inspected 4/11/06 by Volvo to confirm the noise was still present after their 4 repair attempts. Four months later I still have not had a refund or replacement and am applying to the State for Arbitration.

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  Utterly unique in a sea of sameness - 2008 Volvo V50
  By mitch - September 6 - 3:50 pm

  This cars smart! Not generic Japanese, nor flashy BMW. Distinctive, so few on the road. Why? Designers have done super-sculptural job w/sheet metal around wheels, hood, roofline. Handsome! Perfectly scaled, hauls stuff but still comfy compact footprint. Fab interior for a 63"guy, though leaves back seats cramped. Settling into front is like puttting on fine gloves, famous Volvo seats coddle. Easy, high quality controls arent over-baked. Zippy turbo rocks. Nice throaty engine. You feel all the road bumps, suspension tight. A little oversteer. Not a big issue. I just love the Volvo ethos, low key class, a bit quirky, solid, albeit at a price.

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  Dont Buy this Car - 2006 Volvo V50
  By L. Taylor - August 7 - 4:03 pm

  I sold a car with 165,000 miles on it because I was tired of taking it into the shop each month. Since buying my V50, I have had to take it into the shop almost every month. It has had repeated electrical problems that dont end. The same problems keeps coming back.

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  A great next generation Volvo wagon - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Peter Tang - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Have it for less than 3 weeks and put 800km on it already. Very stable on highway and could be real fast in cornering. Handling is good too. Solid doors and B-pillars (certainly with lots of safety features too) make you feel safe and confident while driving. A modern and roomy interior with ergonomics in mind. Exterior dimension is just right for city driving and tight parking space.