2006 Volvo V50 Published 08/25/2005

Have you filled up with gasoline lately?
Of course you have, and the price shocked you.

In fact, you are not the only one looking at sport utility vehicles with a new and cautious eye. For all of the reasons people buy sport utility vehicles, the 2006 Volvo V50 looks more attractive each day. Economy, safety, visibility, storage utility and all-wheel drive security can be found in the compact size Volvo sport wagon.

A taller SUV may give the illusion of safety, but in fact, taller vehicles are more difficult to handle in panic situations. 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 2006 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 available. 325 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. Front seats were power adjustable in 8 directions with lumbar support. Even the steering wheel was both tilt and telescopic for optimum comfort.

Proving that the term Volvo styling is not an oxymoron, there is nothing bland or boring about this young new Volvo sports wagon. Design features are unmistakably Volvo with a muscular stance. The raked side glass of the wagon as well as the sloping hood provides 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.

When considering the 2006 Volvo V50, it's important to note that this is a vehicle priced squarely in the mid to upper $20,000 range. For this price range, there is an abundance of features that have traditionally defined Volvo.

If in the market for a compact sport utility vehicle, it would be wise to look at the Volvo V50. All of the reasons people buy sport utility vehicles, including economy, safety, visibility, storage utility and all-wheel drive security can be found right here. Even the 218 horsepower, turbo-charged, all-wheel drive version is rated at 19 miles to the gallon in city driving.

2006 V50 T5 AWD
All Wheel Drive Sports Wagon

218 hp Turbo charged 2.4 Liter, 5-cylinder engine
5 speed computer controlled Automatic with "Auto Stick"

EPA MPG 19/26

$32,355 MSRP as tested

Additional Web only Information and Resources

For Additional Reviews: