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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Consumer Reports Unfair to this Vehicle - 2005 Volvo V50
By Lenny - April 27 - 3:03 amSporty, comfortable ride; Steering luxurious w/short radius; good gas mileage combined with highly responsive engine; excellent dealer service in both New Orleans and Houston (love the loaner cars); seemingly inexhaustible cargo capacity for a compact wagon (three adults, three small dogs, lots of luggage and mother-in-laws personal possessions while evacuating from Katrina to Houston, then evacuating from Rita to Lake Charles and then to fort Smith - tight, but workable); generally far more reliable than CR predicted. Negatives: slightly cramped side-to-side knee room for male driver; imperfect rear vision; bind in driver seatbelt; windshield fluid tank failed (fixed after wait for part).
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MIGHTY MITE V50 - 2007 Volvo V50
By signal67 - April 19 - 1:53 pmSuperbly designed vehicle that is an absolute blast to drive. Mine is the "Full Monty" T5 AWD with buttery-smooth 6 speed manual. Seems like every design and engineering detail was painstakingly tested and mulled over to best benefit the driver. Gives me 85% of the performance I expect from my 85 Porsche 911. I can haul my ever-growing toddler son in his Recaro sport seat and my two 90 lb. Weimaraners (very tall, large dogs). A great-looking vehicle as well that really grabs on-lookers attention. Most people think of AWD for icy, snowy environments, but here in L.A., I like it for added performance - goodbye torque steer, understeer, oversteer, etc. A total beast.
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Sports car with space - 2006 Volvo V50
By Mike - January 8 - 10:43 pmI 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.
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The 2005 Volvo V50 is a Fin Car - 2005 Volvo V50
By dan anderson - November 7 - 11:13 pmI 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.
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So Excited! - 2008 Volvo V50
By rcdg - November 5 - 3:20 amJust 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!
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We love it. - 2005 Volvo V50
By dmhsg - October 22 - 8:10 pmOverall, 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.
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This is a car that is fun to drive - 2006 Volvo V50
By naa1946 - October 16 - 12:46 pmI 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.
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Fun, Perfect compact size, Great look - 2005 Volvo V50
By M. Burgoyne - October 5 - 12:36 pmGreat 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.
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Luv My Car - 2005 Volvo V50
By LvnMycar - June 2 - 4:20 amI am enjoying my car. My last car was a new convertable (too small) then before it a SUV. This car gives me lots of room and sporty so it does not feel like a "Mom wagon." I have the upgrade sound system which I love and the sports package! It has a smooth drive and comfortable on long trips.
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V50 Fun Sportswagon - 2005 Volvo V50
By gdsommlier - November 23 - 1:16 amGreat sportswagon with attitude. People think Volvos can not be fun to drive only safe cars instead. If that what you think, I recommend that you try this vehicle with the T5 and AWD. Get it out on a highway and a curvy country road and you will agree. gdsommlier
