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2005
Volvo V50

Starts at:
$25,660
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New 2005 Volvo V50
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2.4L Auto w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $25,660
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.4L Auto
    Starts at
    $25,660
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.4L Auto
    Starts at
    $25,990
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.4L Auto w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $25,990
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo Manual
    Starts at
    $27,260
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo Auto w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $27,260
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo Manual w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $27,260
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo Auto
    Starts at
    $27,260
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo Auto w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $27,610
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo Auto
    Starts at
    $27,610
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo Manual
    Starts at
    $27,610
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo Manual w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $27,610
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo AWD Auto w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $28,910
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo AWD Manual
    Starts at
    $28,910
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo AWD Auto
    Starts at
    $28,910
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo AWD Manual w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $28,910
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo AWD Manual
    Starts at
    $29,385
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas I5
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo AWD Auto w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $29,385
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas I5
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo AWD Auto
    Starts at
    $29,385
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas I5
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5L Turbo AWD Manual w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $29,385
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas I5
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Notable features

Choice of two five-cylinder engines
Adaptive five-speed automatic
Optional AWD

The good & the bad

The good

Performance potential of T5 model
Moderate dimensions
Increased interior volume

The bad

Pending further review

Expert 2005 Volvo V50 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Kristin Varela
Full article
our expert's take


My first thought about the 2005 Volvo V50 was, “Oh boy, another station wagon (yawn).” After driving it for two weeks I had a VOLVOlation: I really like sports wagons. Sure, they’re descendants of our mom’s station wagon that used to bring us home from soccer practice in time to partake in a lovely crockpot or fondue dinner. But the station wagon has evolved over the years into a new species that is stylish and functional enough to meet our generation’s high standards.

The sports wagon is not just for women. As a matter of fact, I was stopped by a man who wanted to know all about the V50. He proceeded to tell me that he loves the way the Volvo V50 looks (all this coming from someone driving a honking-big SUV). Here’s another unbelievable testimonial. My teenage brother and his college roommate (home for the holidays) “oohed” and “aahhed” over it. Of course, it doesn’t take a lot to impress some dirt-poor college kids living on ramen noodles.

The best attribute of the V50 is its attention to safety. Volvo actually invented the three-point seatbelt and is still at the forefront of industry safety standards today. All the airbags in the V50, including side impact and side curtain, are standard. Volvo’s whiplash protection system recently outperformed numerous cars in a recent test done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. I am particularly impressed with Volvo’s development of the world’s first official computer model of a full-term pregnant crash dummy. It is used to test the effect of seatbelts and airbags on an unborn fetus and its mother.

Like the Volvo S40 that I recently tested, the V50’s storage compartments are lacking. I mainly noticed the absence of rear in-door storage. I know there are women out there like myself who use these religiously for all the trash that accumulates when they’re driving kids around. However, my children were fascinated by the fold-down armrest in the back. It has two cupholders and a “treasure chest,” or a thin storage compartment just big enough for a small pad of paper and some crayons.

The seating surface of the V50 is dynamic T-Tech, something that’s texture is similar to a neoprene wetsuit. The pro to this type of fabric is that it keeps passengers, as well as child seats, from sliding around. The con, I discovered, is that its porous surface soaks up leaks before you can wipe them up.

I had the pleasure of driving this sports wagon in icy conditions. The AWD version that I drove seemingly stuck to the road like glue. I didn’t have any issues slipping or sliding. The heated seat (provided as part of the $625 climate package) was quite efficient. It heats not only the bottom of the seat, but the back as well, within a matter of seconds.

I have to say that my favorite thing about the 2005 Volvo V50 has nothing to do with the car itself, but rather the “Manual in Motion” provided by the manufacturer. I know there are women out there who don’t have the time or inclination to read their new car’s operating manual cover to cover. The Manual in Motion is a CD-ROM that I popped into my computer and had each function of the car (from the door locks to the sports mode and radio controls) smartly explained and clearly demonstrated.

The 2005 Volvo V50 T5 AWD is a great example of EVEolution (a term coined by trend forecaster Faith Popcorn to describe a business that evolves to “reach women on a woman’s wavelength”). The most important thing to me as a mom is the safety of my children, and Volvo understands and caters to this instinctively.

* For more information on the 2005 Volvo V50 and its safety features visit Cars.com.

Senior Editor
Kristin Varela

Former Senior Family Editor Kristin Varela blends work and family life by driving her three tween-teen girls every which way in test cars.

2005 Volvo V50 review: Our expert's take
By Kristin Varela


My first thought about the 2005 Volvo V50 was, “Oh boy, another station wagon (yawn).” After driving it for two weeks I had a VOLVOlation: I really like sports wagons. Sure, they’re descendants of our mom’s station wagon that used to bring us home from soccer practice in time to partake in a lovely crockpot or fondue dinner. But the station wagon has evolved over the years into a new species that is stylish and functional enough to meet our generation’s high standards.

The sports wagon is not just for women. As a matter of fact, I was stopped by a man who wanted to know all about the V50. He proceeded to tell me that he loves the way the Volvo V50 looks (all this coming from someone driving a honking-big SUV). Here’s another unbelievable testimonial. My teenage brother and his college roommate (home for the holidays) “oohed” and “aahhed” over it. Of course, it doesn’t take a lot to impress some dirt-poor college kids living on ramen noodles.

The best attribute of the V50 is its attention to safety. Volvo actually invented the three-point seatbelt and is still at the forefront of industry safety standards today. All the airbags in the V50, including side impact and side curtain, are standard. Volvo’s whiplash protection system recently outperformed numerous cars in a recent test done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. I am particularly impressed with Volvo’s development of the world’s first official computer model of a full-term pregnant crash dummy. It is used to test the effect of seatbelts and airbags on an unborn fetus and its mother.

Like the Volvo S40 that I recently tested, the V50’s storage compartments are lacking. I mainly noticed the absence of rear in-door storage. I know there are women out there like myself who use these religiously for all the trash that accumulates when they’re driving kids around. However, my children were fascinated by the fold-down armrest in the back. It has two cupholders and a “treasure chest,” or a thin storage compartment just big enough for a small pad of paper and some crayons.

The seating surface of the V50 is dynamic T-Tech, something that’s texture is similar to a neoprene wetsuit. The pro to this type of fabric is that it keeps passengers, as well as child seats, from sliding around. The con, I discovered, is that its porous surface soaks up leaks before you can wipe them up.

I had the pleasure of driving this sports wagon in icy conditions. The AWD version that I drove seemingly stuck to the road like glue. I didn’t have any issues slipping or sliding. The heated seat (provided as part of the $625 climate package) was quite efficient. It heats not only the bottom of the seat, but the back as well, within a matter of seconds.

I have to say that my favorite thing about the 2005 Volvo V50 has nothing to do with the car itself, but rather the “Manual in Motion” provided by the manufacturer. I know there are women out there who don’t have the time or inclination to read their new car’s operating manual cover to cover. The Manual in Motion is a CD-ROM that I popped into my computer and had each function of the car (from the door locks to the sports mode and radio controls) smartly explained and clearly demonstrated.

The 2005 Volvo V50 T5 AWD is a great example of EVEolution (a term coined by trend forecaster Faith Popcorn to describe a business that evolves to “reach women on a woman’s wavelength”). The most important thing to me as a mom is the safety of my children, and Volvo understands and caters to this instinctively.

* For more information on the 2005 Volvo V50 and its safety features visit Cars.com.

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 5 years / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
5 years / unlimited miles , upgradeable up to 10 years
Dealer certification
170- plus point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.7
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • Awesome Vehicle!!!

    Found this well maintained single owner 2005 V50 Sport two months ago at a great price and I love it. Ive been searching for a car that fit my lifestyle that was safe, comfortable, economical and with all the extras still working like a sunroof and power accessories. This car meets and exceeds the demands for a pre-owned Volvo through a dealership but was purchased from the original owner. I bought it to replace my 2004 XC70 after it was rear ended by a driver texting and will be used mainly for quick errand trips around town and short weekend trips to the mountains. What I like about this car is it's a compact wagon that has almost as much room as the XC70 and does not sacrifice style, comfort or features for it's size. The V50 gets a little better gas mileage than the XC70 with an average 23 street and 33 highway. A fill up of a little over 15 gallons of gas gives me an expected 400 miles to the tank. I love the floating console with a little cubby behind it that's a great place to store your phone while driving. The interior layout, dash, doors and leather seats are the exact same as my Son's 2006 S40 T5. This model is FWD and handles corners great with a smooth ride over bumps. Just because it's small and compact doesn't mean it lacks in delivery of other areas. The V50 still has all the attention to detail you can expect from Volvo like a working directional compass in the rearview mirror. It's roomy enough for lots of groceries or for a quick weekend getaway for two along with luggage, medium size cooler and the dog in the backseat. I like the cargo area grocery sack holders and pull over tonneau cover that shields and hides my packages from the sun along with the extra room from a fold down backseat. Also, there's a seperate backseat charging port with a mini console that opens from the backside of the seat with cup holders where a car seat could be secured in the middle. I am short at 5'4" and it's easy for me to get in and out of the front after hip surgery last year. This car fits my small statue perfectly and accommodates my Husband's tall 6'4" frame comfortably in the driver's or passenger side as well. The cost for tags taxes and insurance are really affordable on this age Volvo. My car has no prior accidents, was well maintained and came with the original window sticker and Owners Manual. Window sticker cost was $29,993.00. I feel like I stole it for less than one tenth of it's original price with 162k miles on it. The only things I don't like about it is the front seat cup holders are not deep enough to secure a larger sized bottle of water from flipping and there is no Bluetooth.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable, clean n very dependable.

    Car has numerous new parts. It is roomy with good electronic n sound system. Affords one with an opportunity for pleasurable and easygoing driving. Affords real fun, reliable n satisfying driving in most circumstances.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Second Volvo and will not get anything else

    The car lasted me 13 years, and the first ten were effortless. I didn't have any excessive maintenance or repairs, and the car never gave me trouble. Extremely reliable. Just wish I had more features inside but that was based on the trim, rather than the car's design.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable car

    This car is extremely safe and fun to drive . It's a reliable car . 12 years old and still looks and drive like new .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The perfect college car

    The Volvo V50 offers an extremely competitive blend of comfort, safety, and practicality. Based on the Ford Focus, it also has a world reknown chassis and great composure.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The wait was worth it...SUPER SOLID!!!

    I have been looking and following these kinda hard to find models for over a year. I was hoping to get an AWD model but this low mile 2005 came along at a reasonable price. Feels super solid and handles like a dream. I had a 99' V70 Cross Country a few years back and this is slightly smaller. Since then the V70 has become more of an SUV. This will get better MPG (26+) since its just FWD, although it is a turbo version and really can GO if u need to...leather and sunroof are nice as well. Need to get blutooth
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Don't know about reliability yet.

    My only complaint is the Yokahama YK580 tires, which do terrible in snow, even worse in slush and, to top it all off, in dry weather the sidewalls tend to roll on fast corners. I will replace them as soon as I recover from the car's purchase price.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Volvo V50

    I am an owner of a V50 in the Southeast. I drive approximately 20,000 miles a year delivering medical supplies to facilities throughout the area. I bought a V50 in 2006 and love it. It is fun to drive and economical to own. Basic maintenance is all it needs. I would recommend this car to anyone I know.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Car!

    I have been very pleased with this car. It handles wonderfully and has plenty of power. Lots of luxury features in a reasonably priced vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Volvo V50?

The 2005 Volvo V50 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (20 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Volvo V50?

The 2005 Volvo V50 offers up to 22 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2005 Volvo V50 reliable?

The 2005 Volvo V50 has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Volvo V50 owners.

Is the 2005 Volvo V50 a good Wagon?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Volvo V50. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.6
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