2008 Volvo V50 [ 2007 ]
in Affordable Full Size Wagons
Based on analysis of 32 V50 reviews and test drives.
Volvo V50 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Volvo V50 ranks 4 out of 6 Affordable Full Size Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo V50, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 V50 is fun to drive and has modern Scandinavian styling, even if passenger and cargo room is a little tight.
Despite being best known for stodgy-but-safe station wagons with little driver appeal, Volvo has created an attractive, sporty and functional wagon in the 2008 V50. Automobile Magazine says, "The V50 is the latest evidence that Volvo no longer stumbles upon coolness by accident."
The V50 was introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. Several changes have been introduced for 2008, including freshened exterior and interior lines, additional storage space, and nine additional horses for the T5's turbocharged engine. The V50 shares a platform and many other components with the Volvo S40 sedan. In fact, the two cars are virtually identical from the nose to the second-row seat. Other platform-mates include the Mazda3 and the European Ford Focus, but most say not to think of the V50 as a rebadged Ford or Mazda.
Although the V50 has first-class looks and good performance, other wagons offer more passenger and cargo space. It's also debatable whether the V50 is a good value.
The V50 comes in two trim levels: the 2.4i, which uses a 2.4 liter inline five-cylinder engine, and the T5, which uses a turbocharged inline five-cylinder. All-wheel drive is available on the T5.
- "The new Volvo V50 combines style, versatility, safety, and performance." -- The Auto Channel
- "Volvo just kicked off its Birkenstocks and slipped into a pair of slingback pumps." -- Detroit Free Press
- "Put it all together -- maximum small-car safety, spirited performance, utility, excellent styling, all available at what now passes for an affordable price -- and you get a vehicle that easily moves to the front of the current compact wagon class." -- Washington Post
- "The terrific chassis is shared with the new Mazda3 and the C-Max, a European version of the 2005 Focus. Both of these are at least $10K cheaper than a comparably equipped V50. Know what? Even though the other two are terrific automobiles, the V50 looks, feels and drives like it's worth the extra coin." -- About.com
- "The Volvo V50 isn't quite as sporty as the BMW 3 Series Wagon, but it's nimble, stylish, safe, and considerably cheaper." -- Forbes
V50 Performance - 7.1 (Good)
Reviewers, on balance, like the V50's sporty performance. "In both loaded and unloaded modes, the little wagon ran fast, braked decisively and handled with aplomb in some pretty dicey situations along the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 95," writes a test driver for the Washington Post. The V50 ranks in the middle of its class for its performance attributes. Continue with our full Performance Review to read about the V50's impressive all-wheel drive system. continue
V50 Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
Critics are pleased with the V50's exterior styling, especially since it looks a whole lot sleeker than the box-shaped cars Volvo's known for producing. "Styling Distinctive and good-looking," writes the Arizona Republic - later adding, "The result is aggressively sporty without being too in-your-face about it." Subsequently, the V50 ranks in the top half of its class for its body design. Continue with our full Exterior Review to read about the updates its exterior received in 2008, or check out our photo gallery. continue
V50 Interior - 7.7 (Good)
The V50's cabin might be a tight fit, but ranks near the top of its class for its hip, modern and well-built design. With seating for up to five, the Arizona Republic reports that the V50 is "very comfortable with a handsome new dashboard, including a unique and attractive 'slim-line' console that was trimmed in aluminum." Continue with our full Interior Review to learn how well the V50's cargo hold compares to its competitors, or go to the 2008 V50 Photo Gallery to see pictures of its cabin for yourself. continue
V50 Safety - NA
The Volvo V50 has yet to be crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry. However, it does feature a wide array of active and passive safety equipment - including Dynamic Stability Control and side curtain air bags. Continue with our full Safety Review to read how well the sedan version of the V50, the S40, performed in government crash tests. continue
V50 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Volvo V50 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The V50 comes equipped with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about the V50's corrosion protection warranty. continue
