Volvo V50 road tests and consumer car reviews

Volvo V50 1.6D S 2008

A superb car, which has so far given 33,000 trouble-free miles. As a compact estate the V50 is really quite roomy though there’s a distinct lack of cubby space for nick-nacks. A joy to drive once I fitted it with Uniroyal Rainsport 2’s. It goes where you point it and with very little lean in corners. I’m averaging 56 mpg over a tank of fuel on a mix of motorway, A and B roads and when I compare it to my previous car (Smart Forfour 1.5TDi Passion) which averaged 49mpg, I am well please with the Volvo. I had 4.5yrs of trouble-free motoring with the Smart and it looks as if the V50 is heading the same way. Like the Smart, the V50 is none-too-common on our streets and it often draws admiring looks and comments. People who complain about the size or flexibility of this car ought to have noticed this when they test-drove it so it seems odd that they now find it too small for their needs. Personally, I carry passengers occasionally, but mostly it’s just me and my labrador and the car is easily big enough. I like the level of kit that comes on this ’basic’ car though I may opt for cruise-control next time. But I knew it didn’t have this when I bought it and the car is definitely fun to drive and has excellent fuel economy. I love it!

Responses to this review

V50 2.0 diesel: not overly impressed with the car after a month of ownership. Traded in a 318i and the quality of the fittings and fixtures was much better in the BMW. Likewise the handling, road-holding and general noise suppression was better in the BMW. I accept that the V50 is a Focus in a party dress and having had a Focus before I was happy to see the Volvo in that light. Diesel engine has great grunt and easily spins the wheels pulling out of junctions and in wet conditions. The heated leather memory seats are fantastic and so is the high performance sound system; my daughter hates the Stone Roses at full belt. First week had the car running up to Belfast perfectly and later was filled with child fallout (old toys) for a run to the tip. All has gone well with the car but I am not sure I will buy another V50, a 520i touring will have to be first choice - Jim Beale from Ireland

Volvo V50 DS 2007

I bought this tin of rubbish and I am now totally regretting it. It has done 80K and has had: a new starter motor, new manual transmission assembly, crankshaft oil seals, new turbo and intercooler, new DMF, clutch and slave cylinder at 75K and now needs another new one. I had an old 340, which went on for 17 years and was always reliable, but this V50 is a total load of rubbish and a disgrace to what was a good marque. It has to be the noisiest car I have ever driven, which can be very annoying on long runs; anything over 30mph and it drowns out the sound system.

Volvo V50 SE Lux Stop Start 2011

First a challenge: To all with more than 1 star for this car, please quote your mpg! I got this car in April 2011 for its economy; at 25,000 miles/year it should be a big saving. How wrong!!! My previous BMW 320D Tourer 170 bhp was fun to drive but only 51 mpg average over the 60k miles I had it, (similar with Passat before that). So the V50 115bhp with 8k on the clock is averaging 52mpg and to get this I am driving like there is an egg shell between my foot and the pedal, with the air-con off most of the time. The car is currently with Volvo (5 days and counting) to solve: 1) Poor fuel consumption 2) Severe "clunk" in the gearbox when changing gear 3) "Reduced engine performance" alarm; this has happened on two occasions so far. In addition it’s already had the dual mass flywheel changed to try and sort out the gearbox clunk. Also, the steering wheel radio and cruise control switches get hot. I totally agree with other posts concerning Volvo claims, which are bordering on lies for the claimed mpg, which were the only reason I went for this car. My advice to anyone is if you are a Volvo nut then OK, but go in with open eyes (and a clunking gearbox), otherwise the BMW or Passat offer more honest claims on achieveable mpg figures and are more fun to drive.

Responses to this review

I have had my 61 plate SE LUX for nearly three months now and have covered 5k miles already. As I had a Ford Mondeo 2.0 estate previously I was looking forward to increased fuel economy, Mondeo averaged 42- 46 mpg over 83k miles loaded/unloaded. Chose the Volvo for tax and fuel reasons. Now I know the mpg figures claimed are for comparison only between manufacturers as the laboratory set up bears no relation to actual driving but I am averaging 48 mpg driving very carefully. Over time maybe an increase, but nowhere near the claimed. The whole ’green’ claims by manufacturers to entice people to buy is lies. 74 mpg for combined claim Volvo. Also worrying is I also have the ’Clunk’ from the gear change. If you have not looked into how the offical figures are obtained, it’s worth a read. Looks like a visit to Volvo? - Keith Pilborough from Buckinghamshire

Volvo V50 2008

I’ve just bought a 3 year old Volvo V50, less than 2 months ago. Last week it lost power to the point of almost breaking down and when I took it to be looked at I was told the particle filter was in a terrible state. The shocking thing is this was bought from a Volvo dealer (Nurnberg) and they must have sold it knowing the particle filter was about to go (either that or they didn’t bother checking it.) We had paid much more than a private deal in order to feel reassured that it was thoroughly checked by the dealer. The particle filter is apparently not covered by the warranty. Who would guess that Volvo are a bunch of cowboys? I’m a very unsatisfied customer who will never buy another Volvo.

Responses to this review

Other than the state of the particle filter this review appears to contain nothing about the V50. This review is a (perhaps justifiable) critical report on a very poor dealership. Rather than never again buying another Volvo, it would be totally understandable if this lady chose never again to buy a car from this dealership. However, as a review of the Volvo V50, this is a very poor review and the star rating (which obviously applies to the dealership rather than the car) should be ignored - C J from Lanarkshire

Volvo V50 2.0 D 2006

A lovely car to drive, but shocking reliability and eye-wateringly expensive to fix. Just out of warranty the dual-mass flywheel failed. Volvo UK’s inclination to help was going to depend, incredibly, on the number of Volvos we’d previously owned. Two, which in their view, was insufficient to incline them to be helpful. The full whack? £1760. Hot on the heels of this, a complete electrical failure; random error messages; lights , windows, wipers doing their own thing - like driving a clown’s car; immobiliser kicking in now and then for a laugh! We paid for the dealer to pull all the wires apart and join them together again. They had no idea what the problem was and we fully expect it to happen again. The air con gave up at roughly the same time as the flywheel. After looking at other peoples’ stories re the V50’s air con system, I’m not even going to bother trying, I’ll live with it and save the £1000+ for something nicer. Never again.

Volvo V50 2.0 SE D 2005

Disaster area; this car has done 90K miles, nearly all on motorway so it hasn’t had a hard life, and has been properly serviced. A never-ending series of expensive failures: three wheel bearings; nearside electrics wiring loom; dashboard out for three days to replace faulty air-con component; blocked sunroof drains which trashed the carpets; faulty DPF sensors causing random power loss; cd autochanger packed up; driver’s seat that rocks from side to side. This is what happens when you buy cars built by people who don’t care, using cra**y components from Ford’s spares bins. Wish I’d bought the Mazda 6.

Volvo V50 2.0d sport 2007

Is a nice car to drive, but its not put together very well, ours had to have a new starter immediately (was 2 years old) then the aircon never worked and it had a new condenser (£550 fitted at an indy, but went DIY on it and was £200), it has a very noisey turbo which is going to need replacing soon, if you turn on the rear heated screen the radio reception fails. Had to have a new clutch and DMF £1100 and now something feels a little odd when driving in a straight line on changing camber roads. That’s the first year of ownership! oh and it averages 41MPG driven by my wife who is not the most aggresive driver in the world. All that said it’s nice to drive and my wife for some reason loves it, so it could be the car for you!

Volvo V50 Drive 1-6 Auto Stop Start 2010

Great allround car will cruise all day at 70 mph, nice to have a normal hand brake, much better than the one fitted to our V70. However ride and road noise on our unkept rural roads can be a bit over bearing, a change of tyres may help this. Also whilst we return around 54 mpg no matter what we do short of pushing it with the engine turned of we cannot get near Volvo’s claimed figures of 70 mpg, even if nursed along. Noise and ride apart the car is very relaxing to drive even at 6ft and not very thin. I would not hesitate to suggest it to any one else.

Volvo V50 Diesel Sport 2007

Very disappointed with the quality of this car. Bought a Volvo because of their reputation for solid and reliable build. Six months out of warranty the air conditioning system started condensing into the rear passenger footwell which filled up with water. Dealer could not find a fault and wanted the car for two days whilst they stripped the inside out to find the fault at my expense and Vovlo UK were not interested. Now I’ve had to have the dual mass fly wheel and clutch changed because the flywheel has failed. Flywheel has potential to seriously damage the engine if it fails whilst being driven, it can snap the driveshaft. Am writing to Volvo to complain but on previous experience, they are not too concerned about their reputation. This is not a quality car and I will not buy another Volvo.

Volvo V50 SE Lux Drive 2010

We are very disappointed in the misleading claims made about the green credentials of this car. We used the VCA fuel consumption figures to make a relative decision when choosing our new car. We wanted the most fuel efficient estate available and compared the Volvo V50 figures to other estates and also our car at the time, a BMW 330D Sport. With the latter we averaged 45mpg against the published combined figure of 42.2mpg, with the new V50 we purchased we are now getting 50mpg against a published combined figure of 72.3mpg. Despite continued attempts to get Volvo to address the issue they have been dismissive and arrogant and worryingly for a company purporting to sell ’green’ cars, they seem disinterested in the problem. We know the figures are to compare cars and that is what we did. But Volvo will not even look at our car and the dealer has said there is nothing wrong with it (in fact they even said that we are lucky with the consumption we are getting because their V50s achieve less!). The VCA fuel consumption tests are intended to allow customers to make informed choices between different cars. That is their function. However, our car was supposed to be the most fuel efficient estate car (by some degree) but it is certainly not, and we are convinced that whichever car went through the tests, it was not the same as the car sold to us.

Responses to this review

I have read your review and have had the same experience. I was informed by the salesman that I would achieve an average of 60 mpg and am currently getting 49 mpg! I bought the car on the understanding that I would get the 60 mpg figure. Where do we go next in order to have Volvo answer this failure... I shall contact Which Consumer Association and take their advice! David Barker from Gloucestershire

I agree Samantha, think yourself lucky to be getting 50 mpg. Ive had mine since September and my 1.6 D manages to give me a whopping 38mpg. It’s a complete lie and I think seriously misrepresents the truth. First and last Volvo I will buy - David Green from Lancashire

I’ve had my V50 Drive S/S for three months now and it’s loosening up nicely. Never below 55mpg and that’s with mixed driving conditions throughout the Highlands. A recent trip from Inverness to Aberdeen on the infamous A96 saw 71.2mpg, that was with a busy road resulting in a journey 15 mins longer than usual. Once I get the cabin temp to my liking I also switch off the climate control, makes a difference. 90% of the time it’s only me in the car as well, all this impacts on mpg. This has got to be one of the best cars I’ve owned - does what it says on the tin with a bit of class and very comfortable. Having traded down from cars like X5s and Disco 3, I don’t have any complaints - Stewart Meikle from Inverness-shire

I am so glad I have found this page. I bought my 59-plate V50 in August thinking I would get to within 10-15% of reported figures. How very wrong I was. I mostly do motorway driving and get 45-52mpg at very best. Very very dissapointed to the extent that I wonder if the reported mpg figures are actually kmpg figures in disguise. Anyone want to contact Watchdog to investigate? Could Volvo be considered as being fraudulent? - Tim W from Cheshire

I’m glad I’m not the only one dissatisfied with the economy on a V50. I, like you, looked for an economical estate and having had a V70 a few years ago went for the V50 this time with the 1.6D engine which has a published combined mpg of 65.2. Having had it six months, I have ranged between 39 and 43. I have complained to Volvo, the garage have said there is nothing wrong, I emailed customer services and they quoted all the Government stuff and went on about driving styles and road conditions affecting consumption. I even wrote to the MD of Volvo UK and he couldn’t be bothered to answer my letter personally, preferring to get the lady that I had received emails from to repeat everything from her emails in letter form. They are not one bit interested. I am now waiting on the lease company to hopefully agree to take the vehicle back so I can go and get a German car - Tierney Mark from Devon

I’m so glad I found this site and read the reviews on the V50! I think the V50 is really nicely styled and looks good on the road but the reliability seems shockingly bad, I must admit that I was disappointed when I sat in one in the showroom and there is not an awful lot of legroom for the driver, I think though that the poor mpg that people seem to suffer from is not only an issue with Volvo but with all diesel cars fitted with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filters) as these are a honeycombe like cylindrical filter fitted close to the exhaust manifold to catch soot particles which are then burnt off using a term called ’regeneration’. This increases exhaust gases in excess of 500 oC, unfortunately it increases fuel consumption hence the low mpg. I had my DPF filter removed from my last car ’Ford Focus 1.6 DHTI and guess what - mpg rose from 42mpg to 53mpg. I am now looking at purchasing a Toyota Avensis 2.0 D4D with a 5 year guarantee, loads of leg room and the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in - Steve from England

Volvo V50 1.6 e drive 2010

I am very pleased with my car and love the sporty features in and out. However the 1.6 has 100+ bhp and sometimes I feel it a little lacking in power. Would recommend to anyone.

Volvo V50 2.4 d5 2005

Love the car definitely a serious contender for the BMW 3 series or the Audi A4. The interior is great with stylish features and the outside of the car looks sporty. Well done Volvo. Have had no problems with it and am very happy.

Volvo V50 2.0d 2007

Great car no faults. Love the modern interior centre console and the styling on the outside lights. Would reccomend to anybody if they want a practical, safe estate car.

Volvo V50 2.0 diesel se lux 2010

Great car very happy with the experience of owning it and loved the interior space and style. The ride is a bit firm with the run flat tyres but the seats make up for the sometimes firm ride. The safety features made this a great car for the family and we found the boot space okay and the little storage facilities were very useful.

Volvo V50 2.0 diesel se 2008

Great car. I admit its boot isn’t the biggest but compared with the price of an Audi or BMW it is good value. I have looked at the boot size compared to the Audi A4 and found that there is ony a 6cm difference in length and 4cm in depth. The interior is well equipped and I love the clean lines with the sporty brushed alluiminium trim. The interior style is modern with easily used buttons exactly were you would want them. I found the Volvo V50 price the best thing about this car and this makes it the best value car in its bracket.

Volvo V50 2.0L Tdi 2004

Considering the short while I owned my V50 I remember it with pleasure. The performance, road holding and economy were very good - 50mpg without nursing. The seating comfort was the best in any car I have owned and the safety features were excellent. The Dolby Pro Logic sound system was superb and the bi xenon headlamps were fantastic. The emission was very clean although the engine wasn’t the quietest Tdi I’ve ever owned. The semi low profile tyres were a nuisance - giving an uncomfortable ride and road noise. The rear tail gate, when open, meant you had to bend low to load anything in the small load area and when letting the back seats down on one occasion they fell forward tearing my watch off and injuring my arm - like dropping two paving slabs. The external body panels were thin and were prey to any careless mum opening a door in Tesco car park. 6th gear was an overdrive, no good for overtaking unless there was plenty of space. But after a long drive you arrived feeling comfortable and that is a pretty good test of a car in my opinion.

Volvo V50 Sport pack turbo diesel 2006

Great car. Tried Audi/BMW before buying but Audi’s ride too harsh and Beemer too pricey for what you get. Have had minor problems (as I’ve had with every single car I’ve owned) but nothing to beef about. You never get the fuel consumption figures that are published because these are achieved (by all manufacturers) on a rolling road with no wind resistance, hills etc. If you think you should, you are delusional. Good driver’s car and you can travel all day and step out with no sore bits. If you’re looking at Volvo don’t be put off by almost every motoring journalist who still thinks they’re ’tweed cap’ - they don’t ever acknowledge Volvo’s successes in saloon car racing and don’t realise that time moves on.

Volvo V50 2009

A recent convert to the volvo brand I now know why people don’t switch back. if you have been put off by the tweedy old man image then maybe it is time for another look. The styling may not match some more modern rivals but it is far from dated. Once you’re inside, cocooned in Scandinavian safety the comfort and quality grab you. The ride is responsive and belies the fact that this is a small estate. I do long trips in all weathers mainly on motorways but also some rough tracks. The V50 copes with it all. Grunt is there when you need it with this 2.0 diesel model but also good economy over long distances. So it maybe tweedy but then tweed is back in fashion.

Volvo V50 F1.8 2008

Nothing but trouble with this from the day I bought it, has broken down now 3 times. 1st time after only 5 days. Customer service was weak, garage since closed!!! Started stalling when stopped at lights, is now a gamble if it starts at all in the mornings.... Fuel economy sitting on 9.8l/100km about 23 mpg, and thats using petrol not bio. Car feels clunky in the gear change,; did i mention £220 for a replacement Pirelli tyre? This car is now a burden and the current climate means I cant sell it. Boo hoo Volvo

Responses to this review

This is my third time writing and in response to your article I would like to say that I paid no more than £145 for 18" Pirelli rosso tires from Volvo main dealers. my main dealer put customer service first always - Peter Fearnley from Yorkshire

Your experiences are similar to those of my father who has been a Volvo driver since 1971. His 07 plate V50 has failed him twice - thank goodness the car comes with RAC membership. Both times it has failed him abroad with the nearest garage an hour’s drive away. The RAC have been brilliant but why is it happening with Volvo, hitherto enjoying a good reputation their electrical problems on the V50; my wife’s also suffered ahd had the ingition system replaced and a third car broken down. What has been happening to Volvo since 2006? Faith in the brand has been damaged to such an extent that after 20+ cars one after the other another manufacturer is being considered - Adrian Thompson from Hertfordshire

Volvo V50 D SE 2004

Great when it works - have spent £1300 on new Engine management and 6 months later it has now decided to start intermittently. Volvo dealership is pretty useless, think they just swap parts and read codes until you run out of money! Servicing is too expensive and electronics are very nice but appear a bit flakey. Looks pretty though - something to look at when you can’t drive the so**ing thing!

Volvo V50 1.6 D 2007

The very best car I’ve owned. Very good looking, comfortable for the whole family, including two teenage boys and the dog. No problems at all. Bought for the safety features and reliability; has not let us down. A very solid car, we live in the country and it has been a positive boon, through the snow and ice, mud, and fallen trees, this car is fantastic.

Volvo V50 DRIVe Stop/Start 2009

If versatility is your goal in a modern motorcar where you need a bit of pep to blow away the blues - qualified with a dash of sense that tells you you’re doing both the planet and your wallet good when you’re driving - you couldn’t do better than to entrust yourself to the new V50 DRIVe. small estate which is based on the Ford Focus - but is so much better buil and starting at £18660 it’s not bad value. It’s the perfect town and country adaptable package combining svelte Swedish lines with commodious estate-like capacity. You’ll feel like a saint driving it, knowing that it’s mpg and low carbon footprint are considerable enough, almost to convince you that you’re doing the planet a favour in owning such a machine. Solid as a Swedish Sunday underneath, its appearance is the epitome of good modern taste. You won’t find Flash Harrys and Harriets fighting over each other to own one of these. Instead, owners are likely to be well-grounded and sensible folk who don’t mind looking good, but eschew vulgarity. Contact with the road is provided by energy saving tyres that have a firm grip on today’s ecological agenda. If owning one of these cars won’t exactly give you the time of your life, it will fit in nicely with the life you are expected to lead in these times. It ticks all the boxes, while managing, at the same time, to box clever - so expect no flash but plenty of dash: verve with the Volvo twist, in other words. The interior is cleverly appointed to combine maximum security for occupants - a prime Volvo aim, of course, - with ergonomically pleasing and functionally comfortable automobile upholstery. It’s an airy cabin that is confidence inspiring and constantly reassuring and you can choose from a number of different trim spec. levels. Everything has substance, and, of course, there’s a five star safety rating. Belt and braces security is born of stability control systems to save the terminally incompetent from themselves and should you finally crash, there are more barrage balloons on board than were used to protect London in the Blitz. One marvel of this car is the combination of aerodynamic and aesthetic efficiency with load carrying capacity that’s adequate - if not huge (enough for all but the antique dealer and his grandfather clock, I suggest.). The eco systems function by switching the smooth and torquey 1.6 litre, 108bhp diesel engine off every time you stop - and being a Volvo you can guarantee it’s going to start up again without any hassle every time. `But surely performance is compromised and sacrificed on the altar of mean spirited money saving, celery eating, greenness. A chap can’t have his cake and eat it.` I hear you say. Well in this instance I’m pleased to report that it’s not, and you can. Driving it is a joy, and if you need to make rapid progress, the car is lively enough - cruising quietly and smoothly at high motorway speeds and zipping about on A and B roads if you need to. Low rolling resistance tyres, low friction transmission oil in the gearbox, lowered ride height, slippery aerodynamics, magic jiggery pokery mapping of the engine management and the ’stop/start system (Which can be switched off) all contribute to the frugality. The only doubt that lurks in the corner of my mind is ’how long will the starter motor and ring gear last?’ - but then since it’s a Volvo they’re probably made of some yet undiscovered metal that is harder than diamonds and will last forever. At this juncture I must tell you about a fifty-five mile Sunday bimble along twisty A roads and quiet country lanes. (The sort of trip that Trusty Trevor and Theresa would make to visit a National Trust property.). Never exceeding 60mph., but certainly not holding up traffic, the economy proved to be inter stellar. A mind disorientating 82.3 mpg showed on the trip computer! (My bicycle doesn’t do that). Immediately I telephoned my MP and instructed him to rush through a Bill consigning all hybrids to the dustbin. Volvo deserves a New Years Honour for producing such a good, solid, sensible - and enjoyable car. Volvo marketing and design people, over the years, have cleverly carved out a niche in the market. Not only that - among motor manufacturers they are indeed ahead of the game, because more than most companies, Volvo have proved themselves the rule makers and mould breakers. There’s nothing quite like a Volvo. Now - let me STOP praising the car and START enjoying driving it. Eco driving has never felt so indulgent.

Responses to this review

I used to run a much older Volvo estate. T’was a spacious and lovable wagon, which could have transported the contents of a small house within the commodious boot. Occasionally pressed into service as a rally "barge" it carried out its week end duties without a murmur through a wide variety of on and off road conditions and with approaching 180,000 on the clock,it finally went on in far more rugged hands than mine to be remembered for several years with affection by followers of MAT 1F. I would need to explore the potential of this latest version of a Scandinavian thoroughbred with a swift autobahn sortie to the Black Sea and back in seasonable spring time weather of course - Robert D Hall from Staffordshire

Syd, please,please tell me which road you did this bimble on as I would love to try it myself as apart from going down very long hills on the M62 I have yet to achieve any more than 55mpg in my drive. So much so that I am about to contact my MP and have a bill passed to BAN these disgracefully misleading mpg figures - Steve from Lincolnshire

Well written and witty - well done Syd. I’m just about to take delivery of a 2010 in SE Lux guise, all the toys and the economy to boot. I can’t wait - Steve from Scotland

Volvo V50 2.0D 2005

Nice looking car but too small. Handbrake gets in the way when changing gear and head rests impair view from rear window. Elec mirrors and windows sometimes fail to work but biggest problem is the fuel consumption. I’ve had the car for two months and am getting no more than 240miles form a full tank.

Responses to this review

I think you may have a problem with your car! I have a V50 2.0D and drive from Devon (Okehampton) to London (Surbiton) every week. I can do the round trip on a full tank (£45’ish). Thats on the A303 with cruise control at 80mph, (2200rpm). It may bw worth having it checked out - Henry Authers from Devon

I just brought a v50 20D 55 plate and have got a intermittent problem with the engine not pulling away. Have any owners had the same problem? If so what was it? And how was it cured? Mac Macfarlane from Devon

Volvo V50 1.6D S 2008

I chose this as a company car as I wanted more space and the styling of this estate is better than most in its price bracket. For a base model it is also well equipped, came with climate control, e/w windows all round etc. Chose the 1.6D as I thought it would be economical - I think Volov claim 56 mpg combined. I struggle to get above 45/46 mpg. I think the best I ever managed was 50 mpg when I first got it and ran it is an 60mph. I have pumped up the tyres to the ECO pressure of 36 psi and stick to 70-75 mph on the motorway which is 80 per cent of its mileage, but still the economy is rubbish and had I known, I would not have got it. Previously had a 1.9D Megane and on the same journey driving at higher speeds happily got 50 mpg. Only other problem was that the turbo needed replacing after about six months and I also find that the engine seems to hesitate quite frequently when on part throttle. If you are thinking about buying this for its claimed economy I would avoid it.

Volvo V50 2.0D SE Lux 2008

Second V50. Previously owned 2005 2.0D SE. When I set out to look for the replacement I tested Audi and BMW, but when it came down to it the Volvo beat them on price, value for money, specification, and safety features. Bigger mirrors of the revised car, a big improvement and heated/memory seats a great luxury. Overall, the drive is unexplainably better. The clutch is a bit heavy and the gear box a bit agricultural compared to some rivals, but this is a vice I am prepared to live with. No reliability issues from either car, though inexplicably the newer one averages 42mpg after 20 months, whereas the last car got about 47mpg. I drive the 136bhp C class diesel today and it was snail like in comparison. Support previous comments about problems with heater, read the instruction book, the air con system slightly complex, but good if you use it probably. Mill Volvo Sunderland - service excellent.

Volvo V50 2.0 d e.s sport r design 2008

This is my second review, I bought the car new in Jan 2008 and fell in love with it immediately. The car is definitely a head turner, the ride is firm, the drive responsive and can be fast when you need it. I test drove both Audi and Saab and I must say the Saab came close to the Volvo but lost out on looks. I’ve had no problems with the car and the servicing package was a bonus, as Volvo servicing can be expensive. The down side, if there is one, is that the boot space is a bit on the small side. I’ve done just over 15,000 miles and I reckon it won’t be long before I need 2 front tyers at a cost of £160 each (ouch).

Volvo V50 T5 2004

I absolutely love this car. I drive long distances and its smooth and comfortable and I get an average of about 34mpg; which isn’t too bad for a petrol. It’s also pretty quick, and you can surprise a few cars at the lights and roundabouts if you want. The overtaking is very good. It’s also proved to be very reliable, only trouble I had was a wheel bearing needed replacing after hitting a very big pot hole but that’s hardly Volvo’s fault. I was a bit sceptical of Volvo before I brought this car due to the image, but would definitely buy another one now, its such a quality car. Would like a go in a d5 as well now!!

Volvo V50 2008

To previous complainer , the throttle taking over engine revs is because you are in too high a gear and the anti stall device takes over. Gone are the days when the car would rattle and shake when you are in too high a gear as cars are so refined these days they compensate for almost everything. Most cars have this feature. As for your air/con try reading the hand book, all cars with air/con or climate control can have their heaters and air/con on together.

Volvo V50 2.0d r design 2008

Had it just over a year now, it is my first company car; didn’t know my boss had got me the r design until it turned up at the office. I was like a kid at Christmas! I drive around 35000 miles a year and it has been trouble free. I drive it quite hard and at 36000 it now needs its 2nd set of rear tyres and 3rd set of fronts. I get 42/44mpg when pushing on, the seats and headrests are fantastic when doing 400 miles a day. The only real niggle is the headlights/fuel filler release/fog light buttons have not survived the conversion to RHD; there is no dashboard light for the front fogs and the button is obscured by the steering wheel. I love the huge torque and have surprised faster cars a few times. I do find the DTSC gets in the way sometimes too. The space behind the floating dash is perfect for my man bag!!!! It looks good in black but is a bitch to keep clean. I would love to try a t5d... Overall I can’t complain... it’s free after all!

Volvo V50 2.0D 2006

Has an intermittent problem with not starting. Doesn’t matter what the weather, time of day, even after a journey. Local Volvo dealer cannot find the problem. I’ve even tried using a different make of diesel.

Responses to this review

Hi there, I have (I guess) the same problem. Has anyone given you anything more sensible since writing your review? My V50 2006 2.0D has been in the garage for a total of 5 days (over 2 occasions). They have updated software and tinkered, but still have found no root cause (although I have to say their service is outstanding!!) I’m still getting in the car not quite sure if it will start, which is not a good feeling (especially doing 2.5K miles a month!) - Grant ’Equally Fedup’ from Dorset

Volvo V50 2 litre diesel estate 2008

Has anyone else found the car goes along at 20+ mph without your foot on the gas even uphill, also picks up speed going round corners so much so that I have to brake in the corner which is dangerous. I have had it into my dealer twice but they can’t find the fault on diagnostics and to be honest they do not really want to know. Also, the car steams up badly I can’t keep it clear unless I select the screen button which only works on aircon, then you can’t have the heating on as well, which in this weather is freezing. I am finding the fuel consumption poor - only getting approximately 38mpg on combined usage when statistics claim I should be getting 50+. I am so disappointed with it I am seriously thinking of getting rid, bought it for safety features but it’s the worst car I’ve had.

Responses to this review

But this is only because the service level is weak, it’s not even the fault of the brand, but it’s more around its very national management (obviously far away from Swedish and not only Swedish). It’s more about those "pseudo-technicians", totally unexperienced, not knowledgeable and absolutely not eager to learn (in many situations I went through, they even not have a capability to learn anything), I’m afraid - Andrei from Ireland

Volvo V50 2.0d r design se sport 2008

One of the best mid range car I’ve ever drove - comes with loads of extras - also came with a good service package. The car looks the biz . Test drove the A4 - the car was not a patch on the Volvo. Just one down side - I would have liked badges on the back to let people behind know what the car is.

Responses to this review

Maybe I should start writing multiple reviews to artificially inflate the average review stars for a car which is quite obviously garbage. I came on here to look at subjective views to gain an overview on Volvo reliability. Just because you don’t agree with everyone else’s opinion doesn’t give you the right to keep writing 5 star reviews now does it? You like YOUR car, we get it! - Harry Hill from England

Volvo V50 D5 2.4 185bhp SE Sport R-Design 2008

Forget the T5 version and certainly don’t bother with the 2 litre engines or the even smaller ones, this is the one to have for sure! With the R-Design spec and the 18" wheels, as well, it’s transformed as ’a looker’ too. Brilliant mid-range acceleration, this will cruise all day and return mid 40s consumption at a steady (illegal) 85 on the motorway. Off the lights it’ll leave much more fancied German machines for dead and all from a wonderfully warble-y 5 cylinder engine. Sure it mightn’t handle through the bends quite as well as some of the Germans but it’ll leave them for dead on the straights and having had Audi Avants (A6s and A4s) in the past you won’t need to spend a fortune on osteopath bills to sort out your jarred bones either! I reckon these are the bargain of all bargains.......

Responses to this review

Just about to buy one. I had the 2.0 se sport for three years. What do you get to the gallon on average when driving quite hard around town? Many thanks - Jerry O’Shea from Nottinghamshire

Volvo V50 V50 1.6D SE 5dr

Cheers: Fuel efficient Comfortable Flexible The total economy makes it a good buy. Jeers: Overpriced Comments: The most environmental Volvo so far beside the C30 1,6D. It’s easy to get a brief overview, easy to reach and easy to use the buttons, they are accessable and approachable. There’s been a lot of talk about the cup holders and where to storage junk but hey isn’t it like that if you don’t have anywhere to storage it, it wont be left there. Overall , it’s exactly what I had expected where fuel consumption, station-wagon,environmental awareness and the overall total economy were my top issues. I went from a petrol driven VW Golf III 1,6 -03 to the brand new Volvo V50 1,6 Diesel and SAVED about a ? 50 a month (I drive long distances). This was one of my best car buys I’ve done. If I wasn’t in need of a station wagon (my dog) I’d go for the C30 1,6D Efficiency that comes out this spring and save even more money. But unfortually that car is too small for us. I will for sure test drive it though and see what I will miss.

Volvo V50 1.6D 2006

I like the car very much to be this small engine and low consuming it is nice to drive. BUT several 3times noe the engine have suddenly lost power during driving. the engine dont rev over 2800rpm and max speed is around 60kph The volvo dealer have not been able to trace the error and complain that it is so hard to investigate due to that the error is gone when they recive the vehicle. Problem is temporarly gone when when cykle the ignition - and workshop are never open in the evenings or hollidays when it happens. please could anyone with similar problem send the VIN number so I can Investigate what the solutions have been for your cars d.andersson@hrmritline.se

Volvo V50 1.6D SE 5dr

Reliable, safe and pratical, as you’d expect from a Volvo. The V50 is a lot better looking than most Volvos and has some nice sporty details inside. Great to drive and handles perfectly. I’m extremely pleased with this car. I’m only giving it 4 out f 5 because there is a little more engine noise than I would like but I wouldn’t say it’s intrusive. Very good car.