2008 Volvo V50 Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
in Affordable Full Size Wagons
Based on analysis of 32 V50 reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Volvo V50 effectively breaks away from the company's reputation for ugly, boxy styling, and secures a slot among the best-looking wagons in the class. The Detroit News says, "We gave the Belgium-built V50 sterling marks for its snub-nosed, eye-catching exterior."
"The words, Volvo wagon, normally bring to mind a very safe vehicle with all the sexy styling of a shoebox. The new V50 indeed is loaded with Volvo's signature safety features, but it's certainly no shoebox. It's downright stylish," says the Sacramento Bee, and most reviewers second the take.
Since 2005, Edmunds says the V50 has remained "one of the sharpest-looking wagons on the road." Still a relatively new model, Kelley Blue Book notes, "Certain design characteristics are borrowed from classic Volvos, including the sporty 1800ES of the 1960s." The V50's appearance has been slightly revised for 2008. According to Edmunds, "Although the original design was always attractive, the changes made to the grille surround and rear bumper are handsome and look more upscale." The Arizona Republic sums up the view of most critics, saying the V50 is "[d]istinctive and good-looking."
