Overview & Reviews

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.

• 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.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 36.00

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  Great but flawed reliability - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Volblow - November 3 - 2:03 pm

  When this car works or isnt being repaired, it is delightful. I love the Scandinavian style, but hate the quality.

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  Dont judge a book by it cover - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Dave B - December 31 - 10:00 am

  The car looks great and is fun to drive, but I was spoiled by our Volkswagen Jetta in the reliability department. The Volvo V 50 has required work since we bought it- wiring harness issues, sun roof leak that we learned will cannot be fully rectified, gas cap issues-would not pass inspection, battery issues, anti- theft-immobilizer issues. The inconvenience is one thing, but now that it is out of warranty, I worry it is going to cost us a great deal to keep it on the road. This will be the first and last Volvo for us.

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  Worth the price - 2006 Volvo V50
  By J.Smeriglio - November 17 - 11:50 am

  The 2006 V-50 is an excellent every day driver. I put 150-200 miles per day on this vehicle and have not had any major complaints other than the complete battery failure at 51,000 miles (a $200 replacement at volvo). I have noticed 26-28 mpg consistently at 70 mph cruising speed. Excellent steering response, excellent brakes, and very comfortable driver seating. I would absolutely purchase this car again.

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  Good Value - 2006 Volvo V50
  By LA Commuter - August 5 - 3:16 pm

  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.

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  Beautiful Car...Improve Reliability - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Beautiful Car - June 8 - 1:16 am

  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.

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  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.

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  2006 Volvo V-50 - 2006 Volvo V50
  By walrus17 - March 16 - 5:20 pm

  Other than rountine maintenance for a car with 149K, its been a reliable car. I did have a problem with an air/fuel sensor that was going bad and would not show up on the computer codes. Thought I had water in the fuel, but replaced the sensor for $397.00 and have had no further problems. My car is a turbo 5 cylinder with all wheel drive and it has no power issues. The car handles well in the snow and on wet roads. The vehicle is comfortalbe to drive and has heated leather seats. For a sport wagon with a sun roof, its a great family car, that I would recommend.

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  4 Years of Monthly Warranty Repairs - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Renee - March 8 - 3:50 am

  I have owned this vehicle just under 4 yrs. Beginning around 10k miles started having issues. Door locks worked intermittently, small stones would get caught in the rotors,making an awful metal on metal sound, the battery died/car needed towed to dealer at 25k miles, door locks worked sometimes, other times got locked in and had to crawl across passenger seat to get out, a piece of the roof rack would fall off during car washes, and the gas gasket went. Many of things were unable to be fixed and needed multiple service appts. This was my first and probably last Volvo. I just traded this in for a new Honda, mostly due to the reliability. But Ill miss driving this. It was a blast to drive.

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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.