- 2010
2009 Volvo V50
- Used Volvo V50
Volvo V50 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Volvo V50 is stylishly modern and upscale, but its passenger and cargo space is a little cramped.
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 V50. Automobile Magazine says, "The V50 is the latest evidence that Volvo no longer stumbles upon coolness by accident." With its sleek exterior lines and Scandinavian minimalist interior design, the V50 is proof that safe can be sexy.
The V50 was introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. Several changes were made in 2008 including freshened exterior and interior lines, additional storage space, and nine additional horses for the T5's turbocharged engine. There are no changes for the 2009 model. 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. A high price means 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.
- "If you don't mind settling for the base engine, the 2009 Volvo V50 is a stylish and relatively affordable alternative to German sport wagons. However, the turbocharged model is expensive, and its performance pales in comparison to similarly priced competitors." -- Edmunds
- "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 - 7.4 (Good)
Though it won't be confused with a sports car, reviewers say the 2009 Volvo V50 may be enough to erase the image of old, slow and boxy Volvos from drivers' minds. "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 the Washington Post. Read More
V50 Exterior - 9.3 (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." Read More
V50 Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The V50's cabin might be a tight fit, but if you can overlook the somewhat cramped space, the interior has a hip and modern 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." Read More
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. Read More
V50 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 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. Read More
