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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Great Car - 2005 Volvo V50
By J Patent - August 20 - 8:03 pmWe have put just over 1500 miles on the car and it is great! We got all the options except the DSC (in hindsight, I would have purchased this) and navigation system. Used to have an Audi A4 and this car is much better. The seats are more comfortable, the stereo is better and easier to use, and it performs just as well if not better.
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First Impressions - 2007 Volvo V50
By ChrisM - July 23 - 11:06 pmIve had the car for only two weeks but here are my thoughts so far. Love the looks both inside and out, the appearance is what sold me on the V50. Excellent seats, smooth shifting automatic trans, reasonable performance from the 2.4i engine. I havent owned a Volvo before so the long term reliability is a bit of a concern. Early versions of this model seemed to suffer from electrical problems but my research on the 07 models seemed to show they have been worked out. I will post a follow up report after Ive put more mileage on it.
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I love my Volvo - 2005 Volvo V50
By oukieguy77 - July 19 - 10:00 amI love my Volvo V50. What more can I say? Its safe, fun to drive, and a great buy.
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A good move - 2008 Volvo V50
By Dusko - June 7 - 6:00 pmAfter 5 E-class Mercedes this was a big step but Im not disappointed. For 50% of the price I have as much fun driving this car and I dont have to fear being stranded because of quality problems with electronics. The ride is firm but not harsh, a lot like a 3 series BMW. Ergonomics are a bit quirky and I could use more storage space up front. Fuel economy is better than my E500, but not that much! I miss the Bluetooth for the phone. Overall, no regrets
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Great Car ! - 2007 Volvo V50
By Frank - May 28 - 1:46 pmHad the car for almost a year now and I love it more now than when I bought it. It has the ride of a Town Car and the fuel mileage is great (26-31). I bought the premium sound system and several upgrades and havent been disapointed one bit. Its a solid car and gives a lot of bang for the buck!
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Rust Proofing - 2007 Volvo V50
By Kathy - February 27 - 3:36 amMy Second Volvo New , My Forth New Car ! Insurance Rep , Claims Safe , Safe, Safe That says It all ! Easy to get into and out of Traffic !
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Quality Assurance Inspector 18 Yrs. - 2007 Volvo V50
By Dan - February 20 - 8:46 pmThe Is My Seventh Volvo, Most of My Volvo were Used , But always got Good Resale and Trade In. I bought My First One as a College Student on Easter Break in Fla. 122S Cream White with Red and White Interior 4 Sp ,144 , 244 , 245, 242 GL 4 sp-elec. OD - New ,Big Brakes 2001 V40 New , K&N , Cool Stat ,Drilled Rotors Speical Pads, NGK Iridiums 2007 V50 New, K&N, Still Breakin In Motor ! Seems Like It is Rally Sport Set Up ! The Aero-Dynmaics Could be a little Better - Didnt - get that Opt. Package 6 Spd is a Blast,Makes Smiles per Mile ! I Wish Volvo Would do Better Aero under Trunk Rear Aera , allowing a Spot Spoiler Lower Air Exit. All in all The Volvo is Great. Danny
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Nice Ride - 2005 Volvo V50
By sean & patti - February 20 - 1:13 pmMy wife and I have been driving our new V50 for a little over a month now and have put on 1200 miles. Its definitely a fun car to drive. The cockpit is designed well with all knobs and buttons in easy reach. We ordered the 17" wheels and love the look they add to the car. It surprises our friends when we stomp on the gas. There is definitely enough power coming out of the engine to satisfy. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a small wagon.
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Happy after 4 years/70K miles - 2007 Volvo V50
By sheltonsheltie - February 10 - 2:50 amThis car has been fantastic! Its a lease and Im seriously considering keeping it. Have had NO problems with this car. Its been great in snow (AWD T5 Automatic is the version I have). It is sturdy, solid, and still has decent pick-up considering. The MPG is as stated. I drive in a lot of bumper to bumper / slow highway commuting traffic and get about 20 MPG.
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Too many problems. - 2005 Volvo V50
By Sally - January 26 - 11:23 pmOur V50 has been in the shop a lot. Problems with the radio, the auto rear view mirror, the alignment, the radio, the outside temp indicator, engine cutting out. Cant remember how many computer upgrades have been done. The electronics on this car are terrible. Just got it out of the shop again--engine light on and the engine would cut out. Cost me over $500 to repair--this time it was the fuel pressure sensor which surprise needed to have another computer upgrade. Expensive to repair.
