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:

• 

  Great car...Terrible brakes - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Lucy - February 2 - 7:46 pm

  I dont know if it is just me, but I am dissapointed with Volvo. This is my second wagon in one year, the first was a lemon. The second one has been in the shop three times for new brakes and numerous problems with the air conditioning and electrical system. My suggestion, if you want a wagon with no hassle, dont go with a Volvo.

• 

  Needs Work - 2005 Volvo V50
  By CDF58 - January 9 - 5:33 pm

  My 2005 V50 lacks power, the S40 has more "pick-up" than this car. It has trouble with even a gradual incline and theres a delay when stepping on the gas to speed up. From the time I took delivery of the car, it had an acceleration issue after slowing down to go over speed bump or turning corners - very annoying. It would seem like it was going to stall when I reapplied pressure to the gas pedal. Service people didnt know how to fix it for the first 2+ years I owned it. The horn went out, my keys have fallen apart, and I hear a loud click/clunk when I back up while parallel parking. Visibility is poor - rear view and front-sides of windshield. Driver seatbelt seizes up regularly. Whew!

• 

  Sports car with space - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Mike - January 8 - 10:43 pm

  I love this car. Its the smallest of the three Volvos Ive owned (previous cars: 245DL wagon and an 850 sedan), but by far the most fun. I wanted a car with sports car-like handling and acceleration, but I also wanted space in the back to accommodate, for instance, a couple of bales of peat moss. I got it all. The car flies--merging onto the highway is really fun now--and its power is evident at low RPMs, too. I have the brushed aluminum interior and its very cool. Cons: Theres not a great deal of storage space up front, and the back seats are a little tight for normal-sized adults, but we have an SUV for long trips. A great drivers car.

• 

  I wish I could love this car - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Mon - December 30 - 7:20 pm

  I have a love/hate relationship with this car. Its the fourth Volvo Ive owned and I can tell quality has gone seriously downhill. Yes, the car is fun to drive WHEN its not at the shop getting repaired. Ive had the car for 2.5 years and it is in the shop with various problems about once every 6 weeks, most of the time with recurring problems that miraculously dont show up when its at the dealership. The car is comfortable, quite roomy and sporty. I love that its faster than it looks. I just really wish that the car was more reliable. This will be the last Volvo for me. Im getting rid of it as soon as the warrantys up as I dont think Ill be able to afford the constant repairs!

• 

  The 2005 Volvo V50 is a Fin Car - 2005 Volvo V50
  By dan anderson - November 7 - 11:13 pm

  I have a family of four plus two dogs. We are stationed in Germany and tour Europe frequently. So far, this car has been perfect. We can load the entire family into it and travel anywhere in comfort and with good gas milage. Gas costs around 1.50 Euro per liter and with 3.8 liters to the gallon you need good gas mileage. On the autobahn this car gets to 120 MPH with out a problem can go much faster!!!!! It makes my BMW 525i look stupid on the twists and the autobahn. It is a good car i would by and I would definitely buy another.

• 

  So Excited! - 2008 Volvo V50
  By rcdg - November 5 - 3:20 am

  Just picked it up. Love the car, feel safe while at the same time having fun. I drive approx. 2 hrs everyday to work and just love the car!

• 

  We love it. - 2005 Volvo V50
  By dmhsg - October 22 - 8:10 pm

  Overall, a great wagon. This was my mid-life-crisis-leave-the-Sequoia-at- home-car: fun to drive but still goes up the ski hill, holds a kayak and dogs in the back. We bought the T5 AWD, with most upgrades except stereo and DVD. More headroom than 325ix, performance on par with Audi/BMW wagons for considerably less money. Rides a bit choppy in city, which is OK (and were on 16 inch wheels), but tends to roll just slightly in spirited cornering unlike BMWs. Turbo thrust is even and strong. Performance on snow is fantastic. No problems. Go for the T5 AWD. In hindsight, Id get the stereo and DVD NAV. By George, this wagon is a winner for Volvo.

• 

  This is a car that is fun to drive - 2006 Volvo V50
  By naa1946 - October 16 - 12:46 pm

  I went from an XC70 AWD to this car because I wanted a more spirited car. I got what I wanted. It is terrific to drive, comfortable and gets good mileage. This is a great car if you find yourself commuting alone.

• 

  Fun, Perfect compact size, Great look - 2005 Volvo V50
  By M. Burgoyne - October 5 - 12:36 pm

  Great workmanship inside and out,sharp european lines, solid feel driving and when you close the doors, love the hi-tech fabric on the seats - easy to wipe off and stands up to my two teenagers and the dogs extremely well ! Perfect small size that is wonderful handling around town and parking but,on the interior, it can get big when you put the back seats down. Volvo has been very good with updating software changes- my automatic had a timing problem shifting between 1st and 2nd gear in some limited situations and when I took it in, they already had a software update - downloaded it and runs perfectly now. Never had any other problems.

• 

  Electronic Problems, costly maintenance - 2005 Volvo V50
  By sue - August 23 - 12:50 pm

  I like driving the V50. The problem with it is the electronices. Had to have the air worked on twice under warranty thank God. The home link, the air conditioning, radio and the cruise control have all needed computer updates. Im afraid of what will happen when it goes off warranty. Less than 5,000 miles left. I was also told that Volvo doesnt offer extended warranties. I would have to buy one of the after market warranties. The cost of regular maintenance is high. The maintenance today costs me over $500. That was an oil change, cabin filter change, coolant flush and front brake pads.