2008 Volvo V50

The 2008 Volvo V50, Volvo's entry-level offering, is a smaller wagon with a smaller engine than its big brother the Volvo V70 (*est. $30,045 to $40,940). Reviewers like the V50, but not as much as the V70 -- and usually not enough to rank it ahead of its midpriced competitors, the roomier but less luxurious Dodge Magnum (*est. $23,420 to $37,905) and sportier Subaru Outback (*est. $21,995 to $32,195). The Volvo V50 is also recommended less often than Audi's entry-level A3 (*est. $25,930 to $34,915). Testers say the Audi A3 wagon is more fun to drive than the Volvo V50, but experts say the Volvo V50 wagon is a safe, quiet car with more cargo room than other small wagons, including the Audi A3. Testers find it rides and handles well, and several reviewers praise its unique Scandinavian styling. At 23 mpg in mixed driving, the Volvo V50 station wagon gets better gas mileage than other wagons its size, but reviewers don't like that you have to use premium fuel.

A useful review at Edmunds.com compares the midpriced Volvo V50 station wagon with more expensive premium wagons. U.S. News & World Report compares the Volvo V50 with the Dodge Magnum and Subaru Outback -- cars that are more in the V50's price range, rather than its luxury level. ConsumerGuide.com, KBB.com and Car and Driver offer in-depth road tests of the Volvo V50, although it doesn't make any of those sites' "Best Wagons" lists.