2006 Volvo V50 Review
2006 Volvo V50 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sharper handling than you would expect from a Volvo, cutting-edge style inside and out, straightforward controls, long list of safety features, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Mediocre performance from the non-turbo engine, ride quality can be too firm on the highway, stability control isn't standard.
What’s new
For 2006, Volvo has rearranged some of the V50's option packages and revised the cupholders. Steering wheel-mounted satellite audio controls are now standard on the 2.4i trim, and the six-speed manual transmission on T5 models gains a pushdown function to engage reverse. There are also new 16- and 17-inch wheel designs and a new optional interior air filtration system for the T5 that Volvo says goes beyond traditional carbon filters in helping to reduce occupant exposure to carbon monoxide.
Edmunds says
With its appealing mix of Volvo safety and Scandinavian style, the 2006 Volvo V50 deserves to be on your test-drive list if you're in the market for a small wagon with a premium feel.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Volvo V50 2.4i 4dr Wagon (2.4L 5cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.17 per gallon for regular unleaded in Arkansas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Arkansas
$175/mo for V50 2.4i
V50 2.4i
vs
$161/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Introduced in mid-2004, the Volvo V50 wagon is the successor to the V40, which launched in the U.S. in 1999. Unlike the V40, a bland wagon with middling performance and poor packaging, the Volvo V50 is a sport wagon similar in spirit to its S40 platform mate. It's stylish inside and out, and offers crisp handling and multiple drivetrain options while maintaining Volvo's legendary commitment to safety. Competitive pricing makes it an appealing alternative to the more expensive compact wagons from Audi and Mercedes.
Beneath the skin, the new Volvo V50 has much in common with the Mazda 3 and the European-market Ford Focus, as it shares a platform with these vehicles. Don't worry about this new blood taking Volvo downmarket, though. The V50 builds on its borrowed underpinnings to deliver everything we've come to expect from a Volvo car and more. Get behind the wheel and the Volvo V50 offers a distinctly different feel than the Mazda 3. At the same time, the S40 and V50 have a more youthful look than anything Volvo has ever produced.
Inside, the V50 wagon offers a simple, stylish layout. Just when you thought the typical car dashboard couldn't be improved upon, Volvo comes up with the coolest-looking center stack this side of Stockholm. The thin, flowing center piece is reminiscent of the plasma-screen televisions and really sets the interior apart from the competition. If you like shopping at IKEA, you'll appreciate the aesthetic behind this most Scandinavian of interiors. In keeping with its Volvo heritage, the V50 offers a host of safety features. Front-seat side-impact and full-length side curtain airbags are standard, as is a whiplash-protection seating system. Two trims are available: the 168-horsepower base 2.4i, and the 218-hp T5. The T5 may also be had in an all-wheel-drive version. The 2.4i's acceleration is mediocre for this class, but the T5 stacks up well against the Audi A3 and A4 2.0T and Mercedes C-Class.
If you're looking for a premium wagon that doesn't venture too far from the $30,000 mark when properly equipped, the 2006 Volvo V50 is worth considering. We think this Volvo car would be an especially good fit for young parents who want safety and style at a reasonable price.
Performance & mpg
Engines are specific to each V50 model. The base 2.4i gets a 168-horsepower, normally aspirated 2.4-liter five-cylinder, while the T5 upgrades to a turbocharged, 2.5-liter five-cylinder that generates 218 hp. A five-speed shiftable automatic transmission is standard on the 2.4i. The T5 features a standard six-speed manual tranny as standard, with the five-speed automatic offered as an option. T5 models are also available with all-wheel drive.
Safety
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes and traction control are standard on all V50s. Volvo's DTSC stability control system is optional. All models include both front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length head curtain airbags, along with whiplash-reducing seats and seatbelt pre-tensioners in all outboard positions. Built-in child booster seats are optional. The NHTSA has not crash tested the Volvo V50, but its crashworthiness should be similar to the S40 sedan, which earned perfect five-star ratings in side-impact tests, along with four stars for driver protection and five stars for the front passenger in frontal-impact tests. In IIHS frontal-offset testing, the S40 earned a top rating of "Good"; in IIHS side-impact testing, the car rated "Acceptable."
Driving
Handling is crisp and entertaining, though the standard tires are taxed by more aggressive cornering. An unfortunate downside to the V50's sharp reflexes is that cruising comfort suffers a bit, particularly with the optional sport suspension. The 2.4i model offers adequate if uninspiring acceleration, so weekend enthusiasts should head straight for the spirited T5 model. The optional all-wheel-drive system is a good bet for buyers seeking a relatively affordable, premium-brand wagon that can brave the winter snows.
Interior
Scandinavian to the core, the interior of the 2006 Volvo V50 is a study in spartan elegance. Especially eye-catching is the slim center stack, which replaces the typical centerpiece clutter with spare lines and a "less is more" aesthetic that gives the Volvo car a thoroughly modern feel while opening up valuable storage space. The ergonomically designed seats are available in different upholstery types, and adults will find adequate legroom in both the front and rear. A 60/40-split-folding rear seat adds versatility, should you need to haul very long items. Overall cargo capacity (62.9 cubic feet) is comparable to what you'd get in an Audi A4.
2006 Volvo V50 models
Two trims of the compact Volvo V50 wagon are available: base 2.4i and the sporty T5. Standard items on the 2.4i include 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, manual climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with telescope adjustment, and a six-speaker, single-CD sound system. Step up to the T5 and you get an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, automatic climate control, a cargo-area 12-volt power outlet, aluminum trim and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Options include 17-inch wheels, firmer suspension calibrations, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 12-speaker Dolby sound system, HID headlights, de-icing wipers, a moonroof and an upgraded interior air filtration system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Volvo V50.
5 star(59%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
37 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Good overall
Jeff, 06/01/2017
2006 Volvo V50 2.4i 4dr Wagon (2.4L 5cyl 5A)
I got the 2.4 (non-turbo) V50 at carmax years ago for a very low price (great deal- esp compared to other european carmakers, i.e., BMW, Audi). It has been outstanding in terms of reliability- with one exception, the A/C compressor had to be replaced - around $700; otherwise, great - engine transmission, electronics etc, all solid. The front seats are very comfortable for a smaller … wagon. Mine is not leather - wish it was - the cloth seats show stains too easily (mine are a light grey color). I added a bluetooth unit which works great (but that was an aftermarket addition). Love the cargo in the back with the seats down- excellent space. The ride is very comfortable and relatively quiet for an inexpensive Volvo wagon. I wish I had a bigger wagon by Volvo bc i'm sure it would be even more comfortable and have an even better ride. Handling is just okay-but it's a wagon, not a sports car anyway. Acceleration is adequate even in the non-turbo 2.4 - again, it's not a sports car but it has enough power to motor past grandma if needbe. fuel economy is not great for a wagon that's not AWD. It is FWD just in case you didn't know - some torque steer but it's tolerable to me. And I don't need AWD here in southern CA. Can't recall what i paid or date of purchase
4.38 out of 5 stars
Good Value
LA Commuter, 07/23/2006
2006 Volvo V50 2.4i 4dr Wagon (2.4L 5cyl 5A)
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 doesn't look dirty, as long as you Windex the windows.
5 out of 5 stars
Fun to Drive
Seattle-ite, 08/30/2006
2006 Volvo V50 2.4i 4dr Wagon (2.4L 5cyl 5A)
Bought my V-50 three months ago, and I have really enjoyed this car. I replaced a PT Cruiser that was not working out. The V-50 has more cargo room, handles much better, gets better mileage, is much peppier on the road and is just put together so much better that I can't believe I waited this long to make the change. This is the best car I have owned in 30 years of buying cars. It is … big enough to haul cargo, and small enough to park easily. It has that great Volvo turning radius (why doesn't every car maker copy this?) and just feels solid on the road. Visibility is excellent, which was a HUGE problem on the PT. All in all, I'm a happy new Volvo owner!
3.88 out of 5 stars
4 Years of Monthly Warranty Repairs
Renee, 10/06/2009
2006 Volvo V50 T5 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
I have owned this vehicle just under 4 yrs. Beginning around 10k miles started having issues. Door locks worked intermittently, small stones would get caught in the rotors,making an awful metal on metal sound, the battery died/car needed towed to dealer at 25k miles, door locks worked sometimes, other times got locked in and had to crawl across passenger seat to get out, a piece of the … roof rack would fall off during car washes, and the gas gasket went. Many of things were unable to be fixed and needed multiple service appts. This was my first and probably last Volvo. I just traded this in for a new Honda, mostly due to the reliability. But I'll miss driving this. It was a blast to drive.
2006 V50 Highlights
2.4i
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,490 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $175/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 27.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the V50 include:
- Alarm
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