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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  Follow up - 2007 Volvo V50
  By ChrisM - December 1 - 2:16 pm

  Had the car for just under a year and 16000 kms (10,000 miles). No mechanical problems at all, I have only done two scheduled maintenances on the car. My longest trip has been about 500 kms (300 mi) and the car performed very well. In town mileage has been around 24 mpg (US) and highway mileage in the mid 30s. Service at the dealership has been very good. The factory Continental tires were replaced at 36000 kms and replaced with Nokians. The factory tires never seem to last too long. Still very much enjoying my first Volvo.

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  Fabulous, fun, fantastic!!! - 2005 Volvo V50
  By Ann Marie - November 22 - 8:53 am

  You are missing out if you dont drive the new Volvo V50--its pickup is great, the upgraded Bose sound-system is a must-have for any driver. Its also very easy to park, and has excellent dimensions for trips to Home Depot and picking up bigger items.

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  Safety That Looks Good - 2005 Volvo V50
  By 11eastwood - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car last week and love it more every day...It is comfortable, safe and practical. I looked at everything available, both wagons and SUVs. This was a great choice. I was driving a Mercedes SLK 320. I havent compromised speed or handling. This is a solid, well made vehicle, with lots of thought put into safety. I went with the base model and it has every feature I wanted, with a price tag not much different than Japanese wagons I looked at.

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  Awesome Sport Wagon - 2006 Volvo V50
  By Eric - October 29 - 5:20 am

  After a trip to the vet with the dog, cat and kid in my Mustang, I realized that I needed a sport wagon. Looked at fully loaded versions of the V50, BMW 3 Wagon, Audi A3. The V50 won out based on both HP and Torque as well as price. The ride/handling, build quality and gas mileage are all great. Navigation system, controlled by steering wheel controls is awesome.

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  V50 T5 AWD has been great so far - 2005 Volvo V50
  By BJTerp - October 17 - 4:36 pm

  I traded in my Jeep Liberty for a new V50 T5 AWD because I wanted something fun to drive. The Volvo has not disappointed. The performance and handling are great for a car in this class, and the car feels very solid. Compared to the BMW 330xi and Audi A4 2.8 Avant, the V50 gives you a lot of bang for the buck, and better styling. The interior is beautiful, and very comfortable. The upgraded stereo sounds fantastic, and the 17" wheels give the car an aggressive look.

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  V50 Review - 2005 Volvo V50
  By pd23 - October 11 - 2:16 pm

  Bought the 2005 Volvo V50 T5 for its modern, sleek center panel, awesome upgraded stereo, and excellent low-end torque (i.e. great peppiness when driving). The AWD, Volvo safety, and beautiful outward appearance of the car are great. I chose this car over the the 2005 Subaru Outback (suboptimal stereo), Mazda 6 (only FWD), and Nissan Murano.

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  The Worst Car of My Life - 2005 Volvo V50
  By bob - August 12 - 9:23 am

  This car has 44,000 miles.since Feb06, it has been on a flatbed 3x because it wouldnt start.Two of those times, I was on vacation 500 and 350 miles from home.They "fixed" it once.This car is a nightmare. Two sets of tire by 45000 @ $200/tire. Cd player has been replaced.Fuel line has been replaced.Rear wiper has fallen off.Should I expect more for a car in the $30+K range.Volvo customer care is a joke.They do not care."On Call" operators never told me about trip interruption insurance (Ive talked to about 6 of them). I received the info form a dealer.If this is any indication of Volvo quality-forget it. I cannot wait to rid myself of this car. This is the worst car purchase of my life.

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  Good Value - 2006 Volvo V50
  By LA Commuter - August 5 - 3:16 pm

  Traded in my Jag XJ8 VDP for a silver station wagon and so far has little regrets. Better gas mileage (23 MPG average) compensates for luxury features, and the V50 is a very fine looking car from almost all angles. What surprised me is how well the car handles. The downside is ride quality (can feel lots of LA street bumps), and how A/C can draw down gas mileage significantly. The space behind center controls looks neat, but not very functional. Overall, a happy owner. The silver color also means fewer car washes because it doesnt look dirty, as long as you Windex the windows.

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  Correction of husbands review - 2009 Volvo V50
  By sally34 - August 4 - 11:32 am

  I have just become aware that on 4-14-10, "Tom" offered a review of our 2009 Volvo V50 T5 Awd R design 4dr wagon. We have previously owned 5 Volvo wagons since l971, each of which was "my" car,and our adult children have had six Volvos. Toms criticism of my V50 was a little harsh, and unfair to compare it to our larger, more substantial wagons, the last of which was traded in on the V50 simply to reduce the turning circle from 43+ to 35+. The keyless entry has caused hassle and extra expense. Volvo recently changed the cap for drivers door..... lets hope it works!!

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  V50 Problems - 2007 Volvo V50
  By jroberts - July 8 - 9:13 pm

  I have driven Volvo for twenty years. I traded my 1994 940 in 2007 for the V50, Big Mistake! Within the first 45 days problems began.I was told that the computer didnt find any problems. After monthly visits and 1.5 years the dealership took me seriously & VOLVO created a download to correct the car computer,things seemed better. Then 6 months later the horn began to honk for periods of 5 miles. Once again I was told that the computer didnt show a problem. Unable to deal with the monthly trips to the dealership I traded for a Mercedes. I feel like a traitor, but apparently there are problems that exist that the computer doesnt show.