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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Tuuuuurrrrbbbooooo - 2006 Volvo V50
By A H - April 6 - 10:03 pmThe T5 is a must. I test drove the 2.4 and the T5, the T5 blows the other away. The car has excellent pick up that will dust even the most agressive cab drivers. Sleek inside and outside styling. The car feels sturdy and sporty. It aint your fathers Volvo. Fremont Volvo in Fremont, CA made us a fabulous lease deal.
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volvo dependibility for the small wagon - 2005 Volvo V50
By rob rix - February 12 - 11:36 amSharp looking. good value. easy handling.
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2 1/2 years with my V50 - 2005 Volvo V50
By fluffy - February 10 - 2:53 amI bought my V50 as soon as they came out in 2004. I thought the novelty of this beauty would wear off, but now almost 3 years later, we are still in love with this car. It drives superbly, handles excellently, gas mileage is great, comfortable and elegant. We are a family of 4 (all slim though) and fit very well, the kid seats in the back are a huge plus with no ruining of leather. Have traveled all over Europe and the US in it so far and havent had any problems whatsoever with mechanics. Never had anything broken in it, unlike the 2005 S40 T5 my husband owns, which has had a few problems too many for my comfort. I recommend this car to all, as it is a super deal for your money!
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1st 3 days with the V50...Enjoyable! - 2005 Volvo V50
By CarJunky - December 28 - 10:00 amNow that our kids are 5 and 7 years old, it is FINALLY time to move out of the mini van and get my wife into something a little more enjoyable to drive. We looked at several SUVs and "sport wagons" but hadnt found much that met our requirements of being safe & sporty, and that could fit 2 kids and the family dog comfortably (and that was in our price range!). After doing lots of research, we stumbled upon the V50 in the wagon section of Edmunds.com and decided to head to the local Volvo dealer.
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Fabulous, fun, fantastic!!! - 2005 Volvo V50
By Ann Marie - November 22 - 8:53 amYou are missing out if you dont drive the new Volvo V50--its pickup is great, the upgraded Bose sound-system is a must-have for any driver. Its also very easy to park, and has excellent dimensions for trips to Home Depot and picking up bigger items.
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Safety That Looks Good - 2005 Volvo V50
By 11eastwood - November 10 - 10:00 amI just got this car last week and love it more every day...It is comfortable, safe and practical. I looked at everything available, both wagons and SUVs. This was a great choice. I was driving a Mercedes SLK 320. I havent compromised speed or handling. This is a solid, well made vehicle, with lots of thought put into safety. I went with the base model and it has every feature I wanted, with a price tag not much different than Japanese wagons I looked at.
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Awesome Sport Wagon - 2006 Volvo V50
By Eric - October 29 - 5:20 amAfter a trip to the vet with the dog, cat and kid in my Mustang, I realized that I needed a sport wagon. Looked at fully loaded versions of the V50, BMW 3 Wagon, Audi A3. The V50 won out based on both HP and Torque as well as price. The ride/handling, build quality and gas mileage are all great. Navigation system, controlled by steering wheel controls is awesome.
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V50 T5 AWD has been great so far - 2005 Volvo V50
By BJTerp - October 17 - 4:36 pmI traded in my Jeep Liberty for a new V50 T5 AWD because I wanted something fun to drive. The Volvo has not disappointed. The performance and handling are great for a car in this class, and the car feels very solid. Compared to the BMW 330xi and Audi A4 2.8 Avant, the V50 gives you a lot of bang for the buck, and better styling. The interior is beautiful, and very comfortable. The upgraded stereo sounds fantastic, and the 17" wheels give the car an aggressive look.
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V50 Review - 2005 Volvo V50
By pd23 - October 11 - 2:16 pmBought the 2005 Volvo V50 T5 for its modern, sleek center panel, awesome upgraded stereo, and excellent low-end torque (i.e. great peppiness when driving). The AWD, Volvo safety, and beautiful outward appearance of the car are great. I chose this car over the the 2005 Subaru Outback (suboptimal stereo), Mazda 6 (only FWD), and Nissan Murano.
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Correction of husbands review - 2009 Volvo V50
By sally34 - August 4 - 11:32 amI have just become aware that on 4-14-10, "Tom" offered a review of our 2009 Volvo V50 T5 Awd R design 4dr wagon. We have previously owned 5 Volvo wagons since l971, each of which was "my" car,and our adult children have had six Volvos. Toms criticism of my V50 was a little harsh, and unfair to compare it to our larger, more substantial wagons, the last of which was traded in on the V50 simply to reduce the turning circle from 43+ to 35+. The keyless entry has caused hassle and extra expense. Volvo recently changed the cap for drivers door..... lets hope it works!!
