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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  Love my V50 T5 AWD - 2005 Volvo V50
  By KD - February 13 - 2:30 am

  I test drove several small wagons, small SUVs and this car was head & shoulders above the rest. Love the heated seats. Easily load skis! Now Ive had the car for just over 6 months and I STILL LOVE IT! Now have about 8000 miles on it. Would buy this car again.

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  Volvo Sport Wagon - 2005 Volvo V50
  By s reich - January 27 - 8:03 pm

  I love this car-- it is fun to drive and is very nimble in traffic. The sound system, control panel and most of all the ergonomics of the seating are precisely right for my needs and comfort. I am a small person, and this is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. Even my husband-- a designer-- has come to enjoy driving it, and I like the fact that although it feels very safe and solid, I dont feel like it is a "mom" wagon (nothing against moms-- I am one (!) but am beyond the car seat stage). I do not understand why this car is not being promoted more visibly by Volvo, as it is unusual and perhaps appealing to a different female market than the typical Volvo consumer.

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  Fabulous car - 2006 Volvo V50
  By amo - December 12 - 1:06 am

  I was torn between the BMW X3 and this car. However, after I drove the Volvo V50 there was no more competition--you have to drive this car to believe how great it is! The seats are extremely comfortable, it comes with a whiplash protection system, the storage capacity is huge (you wouldnt believe how much stuff this car holds), and the back sets have a lot more leg-room than the BMW 3 series wagons.

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  Fun wagon! - 2006 Volvo V50
  By CO Yogi - November 28 - 10:23 pm

  This is am awesome car! It is a great combination of power, fun & economy. Passes even better than my old Olds jetstar with a 425! Cruises at 90 across S. Colorado & N. New Mexico & gets 27.5 mpg while doing it. If I keep it at the speed limit on the highway I get 31 & around town 25. Carries my 2 dogs or lots of gear easily. Perfect size for my wife & I. I love this car!

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  bought used 2007 w/17k miles... - 2007 Volvo V50
  By volvo v50 T5 FWD - September 30 - 1:56 am

  My wife has the 2.0 pasat turbo wagon. fantastic car with about 5-10% more room than the v50. I love my under stated top drawer small hatchback wagon. Back seats go flat. Sound system is excellent. sport package makes for a tight efficient ride. interior is simple elegance. 80mph on fwy the car glides. Bought a 2007 fwd turbo T5 with only 17,500 miles on it for 22k fully loaded all the extras. I feel lucky right place right time and I drove it and said yes, this is mine....I also have a big chevy truck when I need it. I get about 30+ on fwy maybe even 32 if I am not heavy on the pedal. Very good car...

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  Done with minivans - 2007 Volvo V50
  By Empty Nesters - September 24 - 12:00 am

  We sent the last of three kids off to college this year and were so happy to be done with the big, automatic transmission minivans. Had noticed the aerodynamic design of the v50 on the road--more appealing than many other sport cars-- and also the added flexibility of a small wagon for storage. Bought the v50 t5 awd with a standard transmission. What a great car! great acceleration, handling, and responsiveness. No problem in snowy or icy conditions. The seats are the best- - even for long trips. Mixed driving in the mid twenties/gallon. Highway on cruise control is over 30. Any negatives? the trim on the inside door handle is a little soft and has couple of dings from my ring.

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  Best companion for 9 and a half years - 2005 Volvo V50
  By kostasg - September 23 - 12:13 pm

  Mine is a 1.8lt, 125HP Momentum model, 9 and a half years old. It has already 220.100km. It is a seriously reliable car. Only few minor problems not worth mentioning at all! Always enjoyable, comfortable, premium-feel, and safe ride, even at high speeds (160-180 km/h). I feel very lucky to own this car. Would definitely buy new Volvo, although, I quite like its plain aesthetic compared to the newer models. I intend to keep it in the best possible condition for as many years as possible, cause I like it, honestly!! Also, all people that happen to ride in the car, always comment highly positively about its GOOD feel, from the first day till now. Honestly, ALL.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Seattle-ite - September 15 - 12:20 am

  Bought my V-50 three months ago, and I have really enjoyed this car. I replaced a PT Cruiser that was not working out. The V-50 has more cargo room, handles much better, gets better mileage, is much peppier on the road and is just put together so much better that I cant believe I waited this long to make the change. This is the best car I have owned in 30 years of buying cars. It is big enough to haul cargo, and small enough to park easily. It has that great Volvo turning radius (why doesnt every car maker copy this?) and just feels solid on the road. Visibility is excellent, which was a HUGE problem on the PT. All in all, Im a happy new Volvo owner!

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  R VOLVO - 2005 Volvo V50
  By jo & sue - August 25 - 12:23 am

  WE always wanted a Volvo and now we have the 2005 V50T5 sports wagon. We are enjoying the ride and comfort. We live in Germany and with the snow on the roads it is nice to have "W" for road conditions. The only thing we dont like is the front cup holders.

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  I like it - 2009 Volvo V50
  By eugene - August 12 - 11:36 am

  The car drives wonderfully. Its my first new car, and I am quite happy with my decision. So far, no problems; but then again, Ive only got 2000 miles on the car. Back seat is a little tight, if youve got tall folks in the front seat. Having cargo room is great, and the size of the vehicle is perfect for New York City. Sometimes I look out the window at my car parked outside, and watch pedestrians admiring the car as they walk past. The car is definitely a head-turner. The BMWs and Audis are way too common here.