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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Volvo V50

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2011 Volvo V50

Overview

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2009 Volvo V50 Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2009 Volvo V50 is a compact premium wagon derived from the same chassis as the sporty S40 sedan. Although not large enough to provide a third-row seat, the V50's enclosed cargo area offers easy access when loading or retrieving items, as well as additional roof space on which to stow gear. With the rear seats folded down, the V50 can carry a fair bit of cargo or make room for the family dog. The V50 is far more fun to drive than a compact SUV, offers the added traction and stability provided by available all-wheel drive and is loaded with the latest Volvo safety and security technologies.

You'll Like This Car If...

If passenger safety is a top priority, the V50's side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags and Whiplash Protection System should hold strong appeal. In addition to the cargo-hauling capabilities of a wagon and appealing gas-mileage estimates, Volvo promises a healthy dose of performance with the turbocharged T5.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need room for four adults plus luggage, the V50's cramped rear seat will prompt a move to the larger (and more expensive) V70. Unlike wagons from Subaru, the V50's all-wheel-drive option can be ordered only with the pricey, top-of-the-line trim.

What's New for 2009

The V50 2.4i receives more standard equipment, while the front-wheel drive T5 model has been discontinued. The all-wheel drive T5 receives R-Design styling enhancements (unique grille, body cladding and leather interior), as well as more standard equipment.

Driving the V50

Driving Impressions Although the basic driving experience differs little from Volvo's S40 sedan, the V50 feels more serious and solid. Both are civilized, quiet and spirited compacts, especially with the more potent...

turbocharged engine. On snow-packed and icy surfaces the all-wheel-drive V50 clings with confidence. Despite the V50's refinement, the ride in the all-wheel-drive T5 can get rough on harsher surfaces, and even rolling over moderate imperfections may feel a little jittery, particularly to people who value plush comfort over crisp handling. Nimble in urban settings and stable on the road, the V50 T5 reacts quickly to the steering wheel, perhaps more quickly than less-enthusiastic drivers might find comfortable.

Favorite Features

All-Wheel Drive
Anyone in the snow belt or who drives frequently on wet or slippery surfaces should appreciate the merits of all-wheel drive. Too bad it isn't available in the non-turbocharged 2.4i model.

Turbocharged Engine in T5
Like the all-wheel-drive system, Volvo's turbocharged engine does its job eagerly and effortlessly, without attracting undue attention to itself. It also runs quite happily on regular octane fuel.

2009 Volvo V50 Details

Interior

Basic in nature, the V50's interior reflects the spartan themes popular in Scandinavian automobiles. The ultra-slim center console is claimed to be the first of its kind and is available with optional aluminum facing. One drawback to the design is the limitations it places on installing an aftermarket audio unit. Volvo promotes "ergonomically designed" seating, including 60/40-split folding rear seats. Some controls on the console aren't quite as logical as they first appear. Though roomy enough up front, the V50 conveys a cozy sensation. Cargo space totals 37.4 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 62.9 cubic feet with the seat folded.

Exterior

Built in Belgium rather than Sweden, the V50 closely resembles other, larger Volvo models. Up front it's a virtual twin to the S40 sedan. Both Volvos are related to the European Ford Focus and the MAZDA3. The V50 is an evolution of the sportswagon "design language" that began with the larger V70 family wagon, but brandishes some "aggressive lines." Certain design characteristics are borrowed from classic Volvos, including the sporty 1800ES of the 1960s. Intelligent Design Architecture includes eight "exceptionally rigid" cross members for enhanced side-impact protection.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In basic 2.4i form the V50 has a five-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, alarm, immobilizer, remote keyless entry, power moonroof, power driver's seat, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, rear wiper/washer, front and rear fog lamps, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and a high-performance audio system with six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack. Side-impact and curtain-style airbags are standard. In addition to a turbocharged engine, the T5 adds driver's seat memory, aluminum roof rails, leather seating surfaces, automatic climate control and heated front seats. Alloy wheels hold standard 17-inch tires and the V50's anti-lock braking (ABS) incorporates electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist for more effective panic stops.

Optional Equipment

Many of the V50's most desirable options are bundled into packages. The base 2.4i, for example, offers a Climate Package with heated seats, headlamp washers and rain-sensing wipers. Stand-alone options include leather seating, rear booster cushions and the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and active bi-xenon headlamps. The T5 offers an HDD navigation system with real-time traffic updates, the Dynaudio package that adds a 650-watt sound system with Dolby II Surround Sound and 12 speakers and Keyless Drive remote start.

Under the Hood

The V50's 2.4-liter in-line five-cylinder engine provides solid, if unspectacular performance. The sports-minded T5 is equipped with a turbocharged version of the same engine, offering 59 additional horsepower and, more importantly, better torque for quicker acceleration.

2.4-liter in-line 5
168 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
170 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28

2.5-liter in-line 5 Turbocharged
227 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
236 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1500-4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Volvo V50 vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Volvo V50 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 78 Ratings for the 2005 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.4/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.0/10

Best car I have ever had.

By Beach Belle on Tuesday, February 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 147,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Do the maintenance and it is hassle free."

Cons: "No seat warmers. No reading for miles left in tank"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car is comfortable, stylish and fits me to a T. The leather seats are awesome and the cargo area is amazing."

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love my car!

By vovo on Monday, November 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 137,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "reliable, fun to drive, gets lots of compliments"

Cons: "not all wheel drive, needs more leg room in back."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Love my car, this is my second Volvo and I've only had minor repairs as well as the normal maintenance. I've been fortunate to have a wonderful and honest service writer,and back up garage to take it to. The car is less than 5 years old with almost 150,000miles on it but still handles like new. I plan to put at least another 150,000 miles on it."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Bad to own

By Matt (MD) on Thursday, October 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"I have had problem with this car since begining: Ingnition switch at 40,000. Lower control arm at 55,000. amd many more. Volvo of North america says is normal. Never again Volvo."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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This is really the best car I've ever owned

By benito (NY) on Sunday, September 09, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun driving, economical, reliable"

Cons: "discontinued"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Turbo, 6speed manual, corners tight, no slipping/sliding in NEast winters & camping; The car also hauls camping gear & Costco shopping. Great in city & highway mileage. I love this car. Volvo discontinued it because... i have no idea. Every other maker is coming out w/ small wagons/SUV's (Mini's countryman, Tiguan, BMW x1...etc.), gas prices going up & Volvo is going with big guzzlers or sedans only."

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good decision

By luv2drivv (TX) on Thursday, July 26, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Solid in a crash. I would purchase it again if Volvo still made the V50. Turbo fun; wagon practical. I can zip around all over the place."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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6th and Last

By Volvo Lifer (FL) on Wednesday, July 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 137,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great car for the first 70,000 miles"

Cons: "A mechanical disaster after 70,000 miles"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I've owned 6 volvos since 1982, each purchased new. By far this has been my absolute favorite model...until it passed 75,000 miles. I don't know if the slump in the economy just had the dealers suddenly taking advantage of a woman, but every six months I was spending $2,000 on repairs. Discoverd one dealer whom I had purchased three other volvos from removing tire lock key from glove box and then telling me he couldn't get a replacement key so I could only get my tires from him. Next dealer tried to sell me the same rear axle job the first dealer sold me. When I told the third dealer I had already had a 80,000 mile service, he told me I was mistaken and charged me $400. When I went home and went through all my bills throughly I discovered it had been done and he refunded my money. Switched to non dealer mechanic and things have been fine for an additional 25,000 miles but now both the transmission and rear end are a mess. This for a car that went into the dealers for EVERY service. Too bad, loved the car, but it is just a mechnical mess. Looks like Volvo has lost a lifetime customer."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 78 reviews