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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  Fun to drive family car - 2005 Volvo V50
  By kermit - May 24 - 11:13 am

  We bought our V50 wagon because we had a baby on the way. It was by far the best looking in it class. Weve had some minor issues. The visor mirror lights stopped working, but the dealership fixed it without complaint. My biggest gripe has been that it goes through breaks and tires fast. The brakes needed replaced at 25k and the tires will need replaced before 40k. The car also has a tendency to look the saved seat settings. It can take or day or two to get it right again. Overall, the car has been great though. I would definitely buy one again.

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  awesome car - 2006 Volvo V50
  By John - May 23 - 11:06 am

  this car is awesome, interior and exterior are excellent. fun to drive, fast and has power. i love everything about this car.

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  Why is this car so uncommon? - 2007 Volvo V50
  By Barbarella - December 21 - 8:56 am

  Simply put, I love this car. I live in the mountains of colorado, and this car is tons of fun to drive on twisty mountain roads. I am of the belief that you do not need a SUV just to live in the mountains (unlike everyone that lives around me). The AWD is all you need to survive up here. The interior design is simple and intuitive, the performance is great, the mileage is decent (considering the way I like to zoom around), the cargo space is great, and it looks awesome. I seriously dont understand why this car isnt more popular, but then again, I dont understand why everyone around me drives these monstrous SUVs. Arent they driving on the same roads I am?

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  A good car, but could be better - 2011 Volvo V50
  By teagardin - December 13 - 7:21 pm

  Owned v50 for over a year. Styling is excellent. After a year, still like looking at the car. The interior is unequaled in this class, high-end minimalism, nothing annoying visually. Power is not one horsepower more or less than average. Wish it had 5 more horses at least, but not bad. Disappointing mileage--18-19 city, and maybe 22 highway. Should be better! The handling is so-so. The suspension takes bumps fairly hard, and feels rough on dips and larger bumps or road imperfections. Just stable enough. Feels European, in a good, but not great way. Good utility. Good space. Visibility is compromised by FAT pillars. Overall, recommend this car. But... dont love it really.

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  Great!... but not THAT Great! - 2007 Volvo V50
  By ralf - November 15 - 5:00 pm

  Ive driven for over 2 years, lease is up in a few months. The negatives are always easier so... Visibility: Ironically, the safety features detract from visibility. I removed the huge rear seat head supports in order to see the small rear window. The front columns are so thick they create a blind spot. Eats up power steering fluid (typical European?)- Have to replenish in less than 1 year. Wind Noise as stated elsewhere. I avoid bumps. It DOES NOT ride like a Town Car. Maybe its the stock Contis? Theyre terrible in the snow. Pros: Adequate acceleration, I dont need 0- 60 in 5 secs. Very responsive handling, just dont run out of the expensive PS fluid. Great Looks.

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  Review of Volvo V50 T5 AWD automatic - 2005 Volvo V50
  By firsttimevolvoowner - October 2 - 8:40 am

  Overall, I am pleased with this car and would recommend it to others. However, there are both pros and cons. Let me list them and you can decide for yourself. 1) The sports-tuned suspension on the T5 AWD is a bit harsh/jarring over bumps. I test drove the FWD version and did not notice this. 2) mild vibration from passenger side seat over bumps. Not noticed when someone is sitting in the seat. 3) narrow/deep glove box and small door pockets.

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  a good performance wagon - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Peter - September 22 - 12:26 am

  I have to replace a Volvo 240DL wagon and BMW328i. V50 has a nice combination of the virtues of both. It is big enough as a family wagon and is sporty enough to be fun to drive (the 240DL drives like a truck). It has all the electronic and computer gadgets of my 1999 328i, although its acceleration and handling are not as good. I have always driven a manual transmission so I was a bit skeptical about the Geartronics. It turns out to be quite acceptable. I can use it to slow down the car. When going up to Lake Tahoe I can down-shift to gain more power. The mileage after 6K miles is a decent 25 mpg, better than the BMW. I will be quite happy if it turns out to be more reliable than the BMW.

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  Loved this car, but it was a lemon - 2005 Volvo V50
  By jtroop - September 19 - 2:00 am

  got this car as a Certified Pre-Owned, so I had a bumper-to-bumper warranty, which I used extensively. First to go was the ignition, which went out again later. Next went the radio, which went out again later. Next went the entire electrical system....the entire electrical system!!!! Next was some strange issue with the lug-nuts???? Then the headliner detached from the roof. Then the right side door lock messed up and required a new locking mechanism. Then the alarm started to go off intermittently for no reason. Finally some sensors started to fail and I got rid of it. None of this cost anything to me, but I had to take it into the dealership over and over. Great car but poor quality.

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  so glad i got rid of my toyota ! - 2006 Volvo V50
  By jj - September 7 - 11:00 am

  got rid of a 4runner 2005 the best day of my life. toyotas have great reputation on the engine reliability but someone forgot style and comfort. the v50 is amazing i want to drive. i want to take a hard turn and the geartronic is so much fun to drive. the back seat might be a little small for big passengers, but oh well that is the only bad thing and not really a problem.

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  So far..so great! - 2007 Volvo V50
  By RJBME - August 24 - 9:53 am

  Have had this car a month & have been able to do commuting and a 1500 mi road trip with it. Great car that isnt more than what you need (SUV) or too little (5-dr hatch). The p/t is fantastic: smooth, powerful & quick and the 6-spd manual makes the car all that much more fun to drive. The seats & options (ours is loaded) make the car a dream to drive. I highly recommend the NAV system as it performed flawlessly on our trip. The gas milage is coming in a bit lower (~24.3 combo according to computer) that I had hoped for in a 5cyl+manual but its better than an SUV considering the V50 has AWD+ 218 hp/236 ft-lbs & all functionality w/ lots of cargo space. Best car Ive owned thus far.