2008 Volvo V50 Review

What the reviewers like:
The Volvo V50 offers more cargo space than other small station wagons, according to reviews. Critics find it a refined choice – safe, quiet and well-styled, with a smooth ride and handling and good fuel economy.

What the reviewers don't like:
Acceleration is a little sluggish on the Volvo V50, testers say, and the back seat is too cramped for three adults. Reliability has been a problem for this model in the past, which has some reviewers cautious to recommend it before the newly refreshed model has a chance to prove itself. Overall, the more expensive Volvo V70 wagon gets better reviews.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 17 to 20 mpg city, 25 to 28 mpg highway, depending on engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive

2008 Volvo V50 review highlights

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.

Also see full report: Station Wagons

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Edmunds.com
2008 Volvo V50 review
Editors of Edmunds.com

The Volvo V50 compares very closely with the more expensive Audi A4 Avant and Saab 9-3 SportCombi wagons, say reviewers at Edmunds.com – it just depends which car's style you like best. For those in the market for a small wagon with a premium feel, the Volvo V50 "deserves to be on your test-drive list," this review concludes.

2. Consumer Guide.com
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2008 Volvo V50 Full Review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Jan. 22, 2008

The Volvo V50 is a particularly quiet car, ConsumerGuide.com road-testers note. They also like its ride, handling and build quality. But it gets below-average scores for acceleration compared with other station wagons in its class.

3. KBB.com
2008 Volvo V50 2.4i
Editors of KBB.com

If passenger safety is your top priority, the Volvo V50 station wagon is a good choice, say testers at KBB.com, the online home of Kelley Blue Book. The Volvo V50 also promises good gas mileage, the review says, but its backseat can be cramped for adults.

4. Car and Driver
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2008 Volvo V50 Review
Editors of Car and Driver

Car and Driver gives the Volvo V50 wagon an "enthusiast rating" of 3 out of 10, saying it drives more like a safe car than a fun car. The Volvo V50 scores better on "consumer appeal" (practical considerations), with a rating of 6 out of 10. Neither of those ratings takes price into account, however, and Car and Driver notes the Volvo V50 is pricey for its size.

5. U.S. News & World Report
2008 Volvo V50 Review
Editors of USNews.com

U.S. News & World Report draws upon other publications' reviews to award the Volvo V50 wagon a third-place ranking in Best Affordable Full-Size Wagons, behind the Dodge Magnum and Subaru Outback.

Also see full report: Station Wagons