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:
Showing 1 through 10 of 153.00-
Lemon: very poor - 2005 Volvo V50
By Volvo_trouble - August 17 - 2:40 amCheck Engine light: related to fuel pressure. Fuel tank does not accept gas more than a gallon at a time Cruise control: Does not work properly. Car speeds up and slows down suddenly with jerks. Fault in module. Overall very disappointed
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Massive Mistake - 2007 Volvo V50
By krgrimes - December 16 - 5:36 pmI begged my husband to trade in my 99 4Runner for a more stable vehicle on the highway so he got me an 07 Volvo V50. Took it on the highway and it was amazing, but then I started to notice little noises you wouldnt expect to hear in a "luxury" vehicle. Had the tires and rear brakes replaced and it got quieter but there is still noise. It is starting to get really hot in NC so Im using my A/C frequently, that is of course when the compressor wants to work. Today I put my key in the ignition and the car "immobilized" because it thought I was trying to steal my own car. On top of the grinding noise in my front wheel bearings I now have electrical problems! Do not buy one!
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The Worst Car of My Life - 2005 Volvo V50
By bob - August 12 - 9:23 amThis car has 44,000 miles.since Feb06, it has been on a flatbed 3x because it wouldnt start.Two of those times, I was on vacation 500 and 350 miles from home.They "fixed" it once.This car is a nightmare. Two sets of tire by 45000 @ $200/tire. Cd player has been replaced.Fuel line has been replaced.Rear wiper has fallen off.Should I expect more for a car in the $30+K range.Volvo customer care is a joke.They do not care."On Call" operators never told me about trip interruption insurance (Ive talked to about 6 of them). I received the info form a dealer.If this is any indication of Volvo quality-forget it. I cannot wait to rid myself of this car. This is the worst car purchase of my life.
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Electronics on this car is a nightmare! - 2005 Volvo V50
By V 50 is a haeadache - April 1 - 1:46 amWe are soccer parents so are on the road almost every weekend shuttling kids from event to another. We need a spacious and reliable car. The first 2 years were ok. The last 2 years have been a headache. The car is in the shop every month! The electronic system is always failing, with all kinds all scary warning signs: Engine Failure, Break Failure, Transmissions failure! This week was the worst. The immobilizer warning comes on and the key is stuck at position 1. Had to get it towed to the shop. Volvo has not been able to fix the problem after so many software upgrades. If you do not want to find yourself stranded 200 miles away from home, do not buy this car
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Poor quality control Not very relieble - 2006 Volvo V50
By swedejunk - April 1 - 3:20 pmThis 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.
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I wish I could love this car - 2006 Volvo V50
By Mon - December 30 - 7:20 pmI 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!
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Electronic Problems, costly maintenance - 2005 Volvo V50
By sue - August 23 - 12:50 pmI like driving the V50. The problem with it is the electronices. Had to have the air worked on twice under warranty thank God. The home link, the air conditioning, radio and the cruise control have all needed computer updates. Im afraid of what will happen when it goes off warranty. Less than 5,000 miles left. I was also told that Volvo doesnt offer extended warranties. I would have to buy one of the after market warranties. The cost of regular maintenance is high. The maintenance today costs me over $500. That was an oil change, cabin filter change, coolant flush and front brake pads.
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Sadly were mostly disappointed - 2011 Volvo V50
By darkknight1999 - April 29 - 12:48 pmWell in a little over a year and Im done with this car. The quality is just not there for the money. Things break inside and out. Examples: The plastic cap on the e-brake pops off and is now floating around the car; the rear tow hook bumper plug broke and fell out, so thats now missing; the front seat covers on the back that are roll under and clipped in pop off and are lose. The engine is loud... almost sounds broken. The brakes give off sooooo much dust if you dont wash the wheels twice a week in a month theyll be black. The tires that came stock, out of a list of 30 different tires are number 27... almost the worst you can get. Not exactly Safe+Sound!!! Snow tire are a must!!!
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Nuisance problems !! - 2009 Volvo V50
By Tom - February 23 - 6:00 amThe "no key system" has a small cap for drivers door lock. This has fallen off on its own 3 times. $90.00 each time to order, have painted,etc. The front airfoil/dam is too low, rubs on curbs, and is frequently scratched/damaged. $650.00+ to replace. The rear roof tapers down so much that load capacity is severely limited, and this includes large dogs who bump their heads on entry. Mileage is about 20. The manual supports use of 87 Octane and up. We have owned 5 previous Volvo wagons going back to 1971. This vehicle doesnt compete !! Worried for the future of Volvo!!
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Repeated Electronic problem - 2006 Volvo V50
By marc - November 13 - 10:40 amI have been having repeated problem with the check engine, engine shutting down on the hwy and ignition key that cannot be removed from the ignition I bought a volvo for safety and reliability. I never had an accident therefore cannot comment on safety. On the reliability side it have been very expensive to maintain and very unreliable 1) Day 1 engine light 2) 2 month in ignition key stuck 4) 50K replace all tires alignment not properly done by Volvo dealer 5) 85kRigh rear bearing 6) 100k Engine light and engine shutting down while driving, many trip to the dealer problem disappeared on its own after 125K 7) 145K more problem with ignition key Im now look at selling it
