Volvo V50 Review

2009 Volvo V50 2.4i Station Wagon

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, responding with uninspiring tepidness.

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 debuted for the 2005 model year. Compact in dimensions, it shares a platform with the S40 sedan and C30 hatchback. V50 buyers have their choice of two trim levels. The base 2.4i delivers 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a CD player and full power accessories. The T5's additions include automatic climate control and a power driver seat. Volvo gives buyers lots of ways to make the V50 personalized and more luxurious, with an options list that includes a moonroof, 17-inch wheels, a premium surround-sound audio system, a sport package and a navigation system.

The V50's base inline five-cylinder (the standard engine on the 2.4i trim level) provides 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. This engine provides adequate but uninspiring performance. The solution to this problem lies with the turbocharged, 2.5-liter inline-5 that's standard on T5 models. This engine cranks out a healthy 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. All models come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission.

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 results in, well, a somewhat minimal number of storage areas within its cabin.

If you're looking for a used Volvo V50, there are a few items to note. The T5's power output was originally 218 hp; it got boosted for 2008. There was also an available six-speed manual transmission for the T5 that was finally discontinued in '08. Other changes include standard stability control on all V50s for '07, and upgraded audio components and the optional blind-spot monitor for '08.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.