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When Alex Alexakis of rock band Everclear sings that "I used to be a bad girl, but now I am a Volvo Driving Soccer Mom," he repeats a metaphor for "blond, bland, middle class housewives." What the song doesn't say is that some of us find Volvo driving soccer moms kind of sexy. Just as I find the all new 2005 Volvo V50 a sexy little wagon for the mom too smart and too cool to purchase a lumbering, gas guzzling truck-wagon. Let's face it, most people purchase sport utility vehicles because of the illusions of safety, practicality and sport seldom found in most SUV's. This 2005 Volvo V50 combines a high degree of safety, practicality and fun into a reasonably priced sport wagon. Most people are shocked to find that a turbo charged All-Wheel Drive Volvo could be had for less than $30,000. You simply can't drive the sexy little Volvo V50 and think that it is bland or boring. Carmakers from Sweden have a culture of safety and corporate responsibility resulting in the reputation as the safest vehicles on the road. While some automakers still view safety features such as anti-lock brakes as extra cost options, Volvo has historically made safety standard equipment. Side impact air bags for both driver and passenger are supplemented by Inflatable Side Curtains at no extra cost. Whiplash Protection Seating Systems with large effective head restraints are design elements that represent Volvo's dedication to lead the way in safety innovation. Five cylinders turbocharged to produce 218 horsepower provided exciting performance to my all-wheel drive test vehicle. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control was a welcome addition to the famed Haldex all-wheel-drive system. I found that all systems worked together providing outstanding performance and control. The 2005 Volvo V50 is available with a standard 2.4 Liter in-line 5 cylinder motor producing 168 horsepower but the extra 50 horsepower kick from the turbo charged engine provided true performance excitement. Behind the wheel of the Volvo V50, I found the interior a pleasing environment of modern art. The ultra-slim center stack was unique and functional containing one of the finest sound systems I have ever experienced. 445 Watt Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound Stereo provided true concert hall quality. Separate graphic equalizers for rear and front make this premium option well worth the price. Automatic Climate Controls were conveniently located in the center stack. Seats were very comfortable fitted in a unique T-Tec fabric that was very attractive and promises to outperform traditional fabric. Proving that the term Volvo styling is not an oxymoron, there is nothing bland or boring about this young new Volvo sportswagon. Design features are unmistakably Volvo with a muscular stance. The raked side glass of the wagon as well as the sloping hood provide a modern sporty profile. Large taillights are attractive and provide increased safety design. This is a sexy little sport wagon and bears little resemblance to other vehicles built on the remarkably adaptable the Ford C1 platform including the Mazda 3 and the European Ford Focus. Which brings me to the trademark question of Volvo displaying the universal symbol of male gender, a circle with an arrow pointing up and right on all of their cars. Is this why "soccer moms" are attracted to Volvos? The circle and arrow pointing 45 degrees is also the planetary symbol for Mars as well as the traditional symbol for Iron ore. Begging the question of why they didn't use a Swedish term; the word Volvo is Latin for "I roll." Combined with the symbol for Iron the Volvo name and symbol represents "rolling strength." I still believe it's a symbol for sex because what could be sexier than a Swedish soccer mom driving a Volvo V50?
2005 Volvo V50 T5 AWD
Base MSRP $28,910
EPA MPG 19/26 Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2003 - Stan Risener