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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  Factory delivery is the best! - 2011 Volvo V50
  By barbarao - December 26 - 11:28 pm

  Irecently picked up my car at the factory in Gothenburg, Sweden, and cannot say enough for the quality of that experience alone. Volvo goes all out to take care of every detail. This is my second time signing for the car in Sweden. My 2nd experience was as flawless as the 1st. Now to the car..WOW! A beautifully built car, wonderful to drive even on the snowy streets and freeways of Europe in a major snowstorm. I kept up with the best of the experienced drivers on the "fast" Autobahn in Hamburg, Germany. I bought the R design and it is stunning, inside and out. Try the overseas program Volvo offers, it truly is the best in the world. Now, about the local dealership in Monterey, CA.. The best!

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  My Little Pocket Rocket - 2007 Volvo V50
  By Allen - October 2 - 1:03 pm

  I get raves from a lot of other drivers and what a blast to drive this V50 is. Fort Knox on wheels too as Volvo is famous for safety. The Japanese made tranny matched to the 218 ponies makes it a dream to drive. Easy to be at 80+ mph and feels like 40. Quick on acceleration, shoots from the gate and leaves a lot of other cars in the dust! I say Volvo finally got it right in styling, interior, safety, guts, all there! I upgraded wheels to 17", tinted all windows and this baby stands out on the road.

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  Electrical System not Reliable - 2006 Volvo V50
  By CEB - September 13 - 5:16 pm

  Imagine driving the highway at speed and experiencing a complete electrical system failure. After two years and multiple dealer "remedies" including replacement of major electrical components, these problems continue and overshadow an otherwise decent vehicle. Often the car simply will not start, but when you get it to the dealer they cannot duplicate your issue and appear to be unable to troubleshoot. For the money, the Audi A4, Volkswagen Passat or the C-class MB wagon (no longer sold) are better options.

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  At 3000 Miles - 2005 Volvo V50
  By wmsey - September 9 - 10:46 pm

  Versatile vehicle with great acceleration and handling with optional DTSC. With nearly 3000 miles overall MPG is 26 with long haul highway MPG at 70 MPH of 33+. T-tech fabric is the best non-leather seating material Ive used. Bi-Xenons are worth every cent. Its my first Volvo and has not disappointed in any way.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Volvo V50
  By jimmysworking - August 28 - 3:50 am

  Love the car. I have had it for a little over a week and enjoy it each time I slide into the drivers seat. The seat is one of the most comfortable I have ever been in. The fit and finish is excellent. Even though it is a smaller car, I feel safer in this than many larger cars I have been in. I like the feeling of having all of that Volvo Safety engineering around me and my family. All of this and it still feels very sporty.

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  Truly European spirit - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Sergey - August 27 - 10:50 am

  I have 2.4i auto with sport package and premium audio. It is an amazing fun to drive it. More over, exterior looks very fresh and attracts much attention, especially with my rare color - safari. On the dynamic side it is OK. Somewhat excessive spin-off at start on wet roads and less than expected acceletation uphill somewhat diminish the fun. Switching from manual transmission I notice annoying transmission lag during sudden change from braking to acceleration. Interior is very well-thought. It is asthetic, versatile and the most unique ive seen so far. Some extra head room and better road visibility would help a lot. Otherwise enough space everywhere.

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  Love my car... but. - 2008 Volvo V50
  By SueZQ - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my V50 over 2 years now. No repairs, no problems, some minor issues (buzz in a speaker, vibration here & there) but for the most part, amazing reliability. Tires totally worn at 45,000 miles. Great fuel economy (over 32 mpg on long drives below 70 mph with a/c off). Cargo space limited for a wagon, but fits a lot of stuff. My problem is the seats. No lumbar support, and headrest tilts forward forcing me to push my head forward. Long drives leave me with hip and lower back pain, and now neck pain and headaches. I am having to give up my wonderful car because no amount of padding or support has fixed this. So be very sure the seat supports you fully before you buy.

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  Reasonable Mid-life Crisis - 2008 Volvo V50
  By Mark - July 6 - 3:00 pm

  Fun to drive. Nice test drive around Horsetooth Res. Have driven to numerous Frontrange ski areas in bad weather, car was great. Stability control saved car at I-70 and Dumont. I have Gecko green with Sparticus wheels. Exterior is sharp. Interior comfortable

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  V50 T5 AWD - 2005 Volvo V50
  By KW - June 27 - 8:30 am

  Have had my V50 for about 8 months now. I still love to drive home from work each day. The engine is responsive, the handling great and feel is solid. Test drove many other makes (Audi, BMW and VW) and with thier lease options couldnt even come close to the value of the Volvo. I have most all the options except for the sport package and navigation. Recommend the upgraded stereo, sounds fantastic. So far, no complaints just that their is not that much room for storing things. Best of all I feel like I am driving a bank vault!!

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  V50 - Outstanding Car - 2006 Volvo V50
  By SR - June 25 - 6:10 am

  Get the sport package and you will not believe the handling...better than 325i.