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2008 Volvo V50 Full Review
Date Published: 7/19/08
Also in the 2008 Volvo V50 Review:
5.
6.
Volvo V50 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Volvo V50 Review
The 2008 Volvo V50 gets freshened exterior and interior styling. This is Volvo's entry-level wagon. A sedan version of this car is available as the S40 (see separate report), and both body styles share some elements of their basic design with the Mazda 3. All have a 5-cylinder engine. The 2.4i has 168 hp; T5s are turbocharged and have 227 hp. All are available with front-wheel drive, and the T5 can be equipped with all-wheel drive. Automatic transmission is standard. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A blind-sport monitoring system is newly optional. AWD T5s include a firmer sport suspension that's available for other models. Also available are a navigation system with pop-up dashboard screen, leather upholstery, heated seats, and sunroof.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.
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2008 Volvo V50 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride/handling | Acceleration (2.4i) |
| Quietness | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Only V50 T5 models have been made available for us to test so far. They're quite peppy in any situation and have little irksome turbo lag. The automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Only V50 T5 models have been made available for us to test so far. They're quite peppy in any situation and have little irksome turbo lag. The automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD V50 averaged 25.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. V50 uses regular-grade gas.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD V50 averaged 25.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. V50 uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
All models are firm, but the base suspension is reasonably compliant on most surfaces. The tauter sport suspension, included with AWD models and optional with the Sport Package, reacts sharply to bumps. It makes for an uncomfortably stiff ride in concert with the low-profile 17-inch tires.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 5.5 |
All models are firm, but the base suspension is reasonably compliant on most surfaces. The tauter sport suspension, included with AWD models and optional with the Sport Package, reacts sharply to bumps. It makes for an uncomfortably stiff ride in concert with the low-profile 17-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Assured and predictable, but not quite sport-sedan agile. The steering is accurate and has good feedback. Some testers find it too light for best highway-speed control. The brakes ease speed quickly with fine stability and moderate nosedive.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7.3 |
Assured and predictable, but not quite sport-sedan agile. The steering is accurate and has good feedback. Some testers find it too light for best highway-speed control. The brakes ease speed quickly with fine stability and moderate nosedive.
Quietness
These 5-cylinder engines lack 6-cylinder smoothness, suffer intrusive high-rpm thrum, but are okay otherwise. Wind noise is modest. There's little road ruckus from the 16-inch tires except on very coarse pavement; 17s rumble on all but the smoothest surfaces. One test AWD model had an annoying drumming resonance from the cargo area at highway speeds.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
These 5-cylinder engines lack 6-cylinder smoothness, suffer intrusive high-rpm thrum, but are okay otherwise. Wind noise is modest. There's little road ruckus from the 16-inch tires except on very coarse pavement; 17s rumble on all but the smoothest surfaces. One test AWD model had an annoying drumming resonance from the cargo area at highway speeds.
Controls
Mostly user friendly. Volvo's ultrathin center stack houses audio and climate buttons that some testers say take time to sort. The windshield-wiper stalk impedes accessing the dashboard-mounted ignition switch.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Mostly user friendly. Volvo's ultrathin center stack houses audio and climate buttons that some testers say take time to sort. The windshield-wiper stalk impedes accessing the dashboard-mounted ignition switch.
Details
The cabin has a minimalist design but includes high-quality materials. Workmanship has been solid on most models tested, though one V50 had a persistent squeak in its driver seat.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
The cabin has a minimalist design but includes high-quality materials. Workmanship has been solid on most models tested, though one V50 had a persistent squeak in its driver seat.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
The interior is not that wide, but it furnishes adult-size headroom and legroom on supportive, well-shaped seats. A standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel and available power seat let most drivers get comfortable. Visibility is good in all directions.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
The interior is not that wide, but it furnishes adult-size headroom and legroom on supportive, well-shaped seats. A standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel and available power seat let most drivers get comfortable. Visibility is good in all directions.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Two adults get decent headroom and elbowroom, but three will feel pinched. Knee space is tight if the front seats are set far back, but foot space is generous. The seat is short on thigh support. Narrow door thresholds impede entry and exit.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Two adults get decent headroom and elbowroom, but three will feel pinched. Knee space is tight if the front seats are set far back, but foot space is generous. The seat is short on thigh support. Narrow door thresholds impede entry and exit.
Cargo Room
A nice little hauler. V50's liftgate lacks opening glass and doesn't rise high enough to clear a six-footer's head. Interior storage is subpar.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 4.3 |
A nice little hauler. V50's liftgate lacks opening glass and doesn't rise high enough to clear a six-footer's head. Interior storage is subpar.
Value within Class
Avoid the rough-riding sport suspension/17-inch tire combination, and V50 emerges as a solid, capable small wagon. A full compliment of safety features are standard. All-wheel drive is a nice safety net, but it can only be had with the sport suspension. Prices are competitive against most premium-compact wagons, though most rivals also offer 6-cylinder engines that are smoother and more powerful than the V50's 5-cylinder engines.
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
Avoid the rough-riding sport suspension/17-inch tire combination, and V50 emerges as a solid, capable small wagon. A full compliment of safety features are standard. All-wheel drive is a nice safety net, but it can only be had with the sport suspension. Prices are competitive against most premium-compact wagons, though most rivals also offer 6-cylinder engines that are smoother and more powerful than the V50's 5-cylinder engines.
Total Score
| T5 | AWD T5 | Class Average |
| 67 | 65 | 65.4 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 59 | |
| Average Score | 65 | |
| High Score | 72 |
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2008 Volvo V50 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/11/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| V50 2.4i 4-door wagon | $26,815 | $25,206 | $745 |
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| V50 T5 4-door wagon | $29,715 | $27,932 | $745 |
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| AWD V50 T5 4-door wagon | $31,565 | $29,671 | $745 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
|||
| V50 | 5.9% financing. | Customer | 09/30/08 |
|
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| V50 | $750-$1500 dealer incentive. | Dealer | 09/30/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.4i
Powertrain
2.4-liter 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear fog light, 205/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.
T5 adds to 2.4i:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, 8-way power driver seat, aluminum interior trim, trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Front fog lights, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
T5
|
$4,350
|
$3,742
|
|
Power sunroof, leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, driver-seat memory, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, roof rails, 205/50R17 tires.
|
||
|
Select Pkg.
|
||
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2.4i
|
$4,990
|
$4,294
|
|
Power sunroof, 8-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, upgraded sound system, trip computer, wood or aluminum interior trim, roof rails, front fog lights.
|
||
|
Dynamic Trim Pkg.
|
||
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FWD T5
|
$2,075
|
$1,785
|
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AWD T5
|
$1,800
|
$1,548
|
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FWD T5 w/chrome alloy wheels
|
$2,690
|
$2,314
|
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AWD T5 w/chrome alloy wheels
|
$2,590
|
$2,228
|
|
Sport steering wheel, body cladding, rear spoiler, sport suspension (FWD), 205/50VR17 tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Climate Pkg.
|
||
|
2.4i, T5
|
$1,025
|
$882
|
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T5 w/bi-xenon
|
$762
|
$655
|
|
Heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, headlight washers.
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Dynaudio Pkg.
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T5
|
$1,675
|
$1,441
|
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system.
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Safety |
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Blind spot alert
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T5
|
$695
|
$598
|
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Includes power-folding mirrors.
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Integrated child seats
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2.4i, T5
|
$300
|
$258
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Navigation system
|
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T5
|
$2,205
|
$1,896
|
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Leather upholstery
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2.4i
|
$1,200
|
$1,032
|
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Keyless access and starting
|
||
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T5
|
$450
|
$387
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Bi-xenon headlights
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T5
|
$800
|
$688
|
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Includes headlight washers.
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Special paint
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2.4i, T5
|
$475
|
$409
|
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Chrome alloy wheels
|
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T5
|
$1,350
|
$1,161
|
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Includes 205/50VR17 tires.
|
||
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Volvo V50 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Volvo V50 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3321 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 62.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I5 | Turbocharged dohc I5 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /149 | 2.5 /154 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 168 @ 6000 | 227 @ 5000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 170 @ 4400 | 236 @ 1500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed automatic | 20/28 | 19/27 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Volvo V50 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/7500 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Belgium
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Volvo V50 Review:
5.
6.
Volvo V50 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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