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:

• 

  Joys of the 6-Speed - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Gin - June 19 - 6:13 pm

  I researched the car for about 9 months but had to wait to get the manual transmission. So far it has been a good experience, but it doesnt get as good mileage as my husbands BMW X3 2.5L, and the alternator went at approx. 7K miles. Highs are the great (stiff) road feel, peppiness, high-quality interior, awesome sound system, and ample back storage. Lows are the mileage and minimal front storage. I live in New England and find that the climate package is well worth the added cash.

• 

  Little room for improvement - 2006 Volvo V50
  By grochef - June 12 - 9:10 pm

  I took delivery of this beauty in Sweden. The price was reduced and lodging was a bargain. Do it if you have the time. I have 13,000 miles on my V50 and I still look forward to driving to work or just driving. Its got lots of pep and it handles like a sports sedan. A couple of upgrades to the firmware took care of some radio and climate control quirks.

• 

  Great Car - 2009 Volvo V50
  By fred - June 5 - 4:10 pm

  Traded a Subaru for new Volvo, big difference in quality of materials, features and comfort. Feels solid and handles well all at a very competitive price.

• 

  Tuuuuurrrrbbbooooo - 2006 Volvo V50
  By A H - April 6 - 10:03 pm

  The T5 is a must. I test drove the 2.4 and the T5, the T5 blows the other away. The car has excellent pick up that will dust even the most agressive cab drivers. Sleek inside and outside styling. The car feels sturdy and sporty. It aint your fathers Volvo. Fremont Volvo in Fremont, CA made us a fabulous lease deal.

• 

  Good Car - 2007 Volvo V50
  By mattypv50 - March 21 - 4:08 am

  Mine has 156,000KM on it. Bought it as a demo with 22,000KM (Canada). Its been good. Here is a list of things that needed repair: 1. Ambient temperature gauge wouldnt work causing the A/C to malfunction. This required 3 trips to the dear to fix it 2. A/C Air Compressor died around 130,000km 3. Both wheel bearings needed to be replaced 4. Both front shocks needed to be replaced 5. One day while driving the car just full on shut down. Had it towed and it was a fuel line sensor I think thats about it. So only left me stranded once. Overall, a pretty good car.

• 

  Review - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Beachyy - February 19 - 10:40 pm

  We had trouble with the car starting. It would say invalid key and left us stranded twice. They replaced to started and it was fixed under warranty. We also had trouble with fuses blowing and sometimes the windows not going up or down. They replaced the whole electrical system for us under warranty.

• 

  volvo dependibility for the small wagon - 2005 Volvo V50
  By rob rix - February 12 - 11:36 am

  Sharp looking. good value. easy handling.

• 

  2 1/2 years with my V50 - 2005 Volvo V50
  By fluffy - February 10 - 2:53 am

  I bought my V50 as soon as they came out in 2004. I thought the novelty of this beauty would wear off, but now almost 3 years later, we are still in love with this car. It drives superbly, handles excellently, gas mileage is great, comfortable and elegant. We are a family of 4 (all slim though) and fit very well, the kid seats in the back are a huge plus with no ruining of leather. Have traveled all over Europe and the US in it so far and havent had any problems whatsoever with mechanics. Never had anything broken in it, unlike the 2005 S40 T5 my husband owns, which has had a few problems too many for my comfort. I recommend this car to all, as it is a super deal for your money!

• 

  Fun to drive but SMALL! - 2005 Volvo V50
  By papalo - February 7 - 1:30 pm

  OK, we knew that this was a small wagon going into our purchase, but, man, is it cramped! If you need more cargo space than a sedan but not as much as an SUV, this would be a fun (and functonal) vehicle to drive. But, with two toddlers (and all the stuff that goes with them), it is just smaller than we were thinking it would be. Plus, maintenance and repair on this vehicle is astronomical. ($200 to replace ONE tire!) Weve had some reliability issues with the electrical system as well. Were already looking to trade it in for something else...

• 

  1st 3 days with the V50...Enjoyable! - 2005 Volvo V50
  By CarJunky - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Now that our kids are 5 and 7 years old, it is FINALLY time to move out of the mini van and get my wife into something a little more enjoyable to drive. We looked at several SUVs and "sport wagons" but hadnt found much that met our requirements of being safe & sporty, and that could fit 2 kids and the family dog comfortably (and that was in our price range!). After doing lots of research, we stumbled upon the V50 in the wagon section of Edmunds.com and decided to head to the local Volvo dealer.