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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  Freds Volvo V50 - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Fred Torres - October 27 - 8:43 pm

  I bought this car from Power Volvo Irvine. Picked up the car in Gothenborg, Sweden. Drove it for 4,800 miles in Northern Europe (Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, France) for five weeks. Its Autobahn certified. Lots of fun. This car is as good as claimed. Lots of get-up-and-go, extremely brisk. The car is now garaged here at our home in California and it has become a precious and memorable souvenir.

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  V50 2.4i 4dr Wagon (2.4L 5 cyl 5A) - 2007 Volvo V50
  By david - October 24 - 8:40 am

  Just bought our V50 yesterday and had an above average experience at the local dealer. Not pushy at all. Gave us a fair value on our trade in (93 Mazda 626). Car cost $30,000 + tax/tags. We also got 2.9% financing for 4 years. Car was loaded with following packages; Black Paint, Black Leather, Climate, Select, Trim Package, Body Styling package, Sirius Sat Radio. Very good looking wagon. I believe this was a fair price considering the added packages it came with and financing package (in lieu of incentives). Still need to drive it more for a review on handling but for a small family it appears to be a great alternative to a gas guzzling SUV.

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  bigger and better - 2011 Volvo V50
  By v50 - June 30 - 7:47 pm

  I have an 04 V40 with 70K miles and have had exactly 1 mechanical (one of the tumblers on the ignition lock failed). The V40 was a Mitsubishi joint venture and that car feels more Japanese than the V50. The V50 is bigger, heavier, roomier, safer, more powerful and gets about the same mpgs. Both cars have an elegant simplicity to them. The V50 is understated and easy to live with. If I drive slow I average 25 mpg with a mix of highway and around town. If you need power its there. The 5 cylinder turbo has been in production for years and should be reliable. 5 years 60K mile bumper to bumper warranty and free maintenance is unmatched. Like all Volvos = many safety features.

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  Expensive Repairs - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Dominicvail - June 25 - 8:16 am

  We thought we loved the car but it has been one repair after another. The kicker was that at 2 years old and with 25,000 the clutch burned out. This repair was not covered by Volvo for warrantee. My wife and I have always driven manual cars and this is the first clutch issue ever. It was $2,500 to fix. We will get rid of the car due to the dissatisfaction we have had with this experience. We have owned three other Volvos (V-70R AWD and XC-70 AWD) but this one has soured us. Say good bye to this one.

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  Love this Wagon - 2007 Volvo V50
  By hollydnc - June 20 - 2:40 am

  This is my first wagon and I love the style and functionality of this car. I have had a couple of stain issues with the neoprene seats, but so far they have cleaned up pretty well with upholstery cleaner. I mainly purchased this vehicle to tote around my two dogs, but I also feel stylish driving around town. A bit of a premium price, but after two years, I am a happy volvo owner. We will see if it holds up as well as my Honda after 7 years, but doing great so far.

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  My experience with the v50 2.4i - 2005 Volvo V50
  By dave - March 16 - 12:30 pm

  I owned a 240 for 16 years. Liked it, but, not driving in snow. The v50 has the features Im interested in: safety, comfortable seats, easy to drive in traffic, easy to park. The front wheel drive with snow tires have been excellent. I dont feel that AWD is necessary. I have been concerned about reliability, but, so far the only problem has been squeaky brakes when backing up. Problem has been intermittent and dealer has been very supportive. Problem not totally gone, but, only happens on rare occassions now. The car has been reliable and it is fun to drive. I like the car and I intend to keep it.

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  2010 Volvo v50 - 2010 Volvo V50
  By Jay - March 11 - 1:00 pm

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  Driving in Mouseland - 2005 Volvo V50
  By floridacar - February 23 - 4:50 am

  After six months of good experiences with an S40, I bought the V50 as a second car. I wanted something with enough space for the occasional trip to Home Depot, but no ridiculous SUV. The V50 provides a good combination of style, performance, and room. I have owned BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis, and the Volvo compares favorably to all. I opted for the Premium, Sport, and Convenience packages, and the very good auto/manual transmission. After 1000 miles, mileage is at 27 highway. The ride is as expected: European firm, but not harsh. There is no noticeable turbo-lag and acceleration is good, but there is some "rubber-banding", requiring a little practice for a smooth lift-off.

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  Be Careful - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Unhappy - February 21 - 10:26 am

  I have owned my V50 for 1 1/2 years and I have been unhappy almost since the day I purchased it. We had to be towed off the highway on the six day of ownership when the turbo went out. Weve had it in for repairs for a faulty radio, faulty cargo compartment and just recently the fuel hoses went out.

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  So Close... - 2006 Volvo V50
  By David J Hayden - February 15 - 7:53 am

  So close on design execution. Beautiful lines on the outside, and for the most part elegant design inside. Power is surprisingly good, and the handling not bad, though not as tight as my VW; it doesnt feel quite as "glued" to the road, at faster speeds gives the impression that it might leap off the payment. Some minor build quality issues though nothing major. Falls down a little on ergonomics -- the center console is all digital and impossible to operate (radio, climate control) with your eyes on the road -- no tactile feedback. The bigger issue is the spacing of the pedals -- my size 11 feet get jammed between the accelerator and the brake! Overall though a great car.