2006 Volvo V50 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.32/5 Average
36 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2006, Volvo has rearranged some of the V50's option packages and revised the cupholders. Steering wheel-mounted satellite audio controls are now standard on the 2.4i trim, and the six-speed manual transmission on T5 models gains a pushdown function to engage reverse. There are also new 16- and 17-inch wheel designs and a new optional interior air filtration system for the T5 that Volvo says goes beyond traditional carbon filters in helping to reduce occupant exposure to carbon monoxide.

Pros:
  • Sharper handling than you would expect from a Volvo, cutting-edge style inside and out, straightforward controls, long list of safety features, available all-wheel drive.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 36.00
  • Awesome Sport Wagon - 2006 Volvo V50
    By -

    After 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.

  • Good Value - 2006 Volvo V50
    By -

    Traded in my Jag XJ8 VDP for a silver station wagon and so far has little regrets. Better gas mileage (23 MPG average) compensates for luxury features, and the V50 is a very fine looking car from almost all angles. What surprised me is how well the car handles. The downside is ride quality (can feel lots of LA street bumps), and how A/C can draw down gas mileage significantly. The space behind center controls looks neat, but not very functional. Overall, a happy owner. The silver color also means fewer car washes because it doesnt look dirty, as long as you Windex the windows.

  • Beautiful Car...Improve Reliability - 2006 Volvo V50
    By -

    I have had the car about 1 year. It is a beautiful car in Passion Red and well equipped. It is fun to drive with plenty of power, excellent handling, comfortable ride and is quiet. The biggest issue is an intermittent electrical problem. It has been in for repair over 4 times for more than 20 days with issues with the airbag sensor, door locks, windows, A/C, etc. We have another Volvo (2006 S40 T5) that has been problem free. Weve also owned a Volvo XC90 (2004) that was very reliable. We will continue to own Volvos as we like the cars but this particular car (V50)has been a little disappointing. I will say, however, that the dealer has been very diligent in trying to find the problem.

  • Best Sport Wagon - 2006 Volvo V50
    By -

    Options: premium package with leather and roof. Im certainly not a wagon fan, and I hate SUVs even more, the big ones are the worst. This car is just plain sexy. It looks great, it drives great, and its so practical. Ride and handling is better than my C240 trade-in, and in acceleration theres no comparison. I like an upscale car, Volvo is one of the top-tier brands, and I was drawn to it for something with more utility than my sedan. I also have a 3-series convertible and its fantastic, but the 3-series wagon is pretty plain-jane, and so is the Mercedes wagons. Besides, the Volvo is at least 6 or 8 grand less with comparable equipment. Highly recommended.

  • Great looks, even better ride! - 2006 Volvo V50
    By -

    I love how solid this car feels on the road. There is very little play in the steering wheel. Weve had it for almost 17,000 miles and have had no mechanical problems with it. This is by far the best looking small wagon on the market. Volvo sales experience and service are great. Would recommend this car to anyone!

  • Poor quality control Not very relieble - 2006 Volvo V50
    By -

    This car is most expensive headache you will buy. It has a lot of electrical issues. I have premium audio which gives me trouble intermittently and no one at Volvo knows how to fix it. Also navigation system is too sophisticated for volvo to trouble shoot. Besides that the customer care people are insensitive even if you make one trip a month to the dealership for fixing something or the other. NOW NO LONGER do volvo cars get top ratings in safety either.

  • Great car...Terrible brakes - 2006 Volvo V50
    By -

    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.

  • Sports car with space - 2006 Volvo V50
    By -

    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 -

    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!

  • This is a car that is fun to drive - 2006 Volvo V50
    By -

    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.

Volvo V50 Reviews By Year:
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