2005 Volvo V50 Trims and Specs

The lowest-priced of Volvo's so-called "entry-level" wagon offers a full load of amenities ranging from convenient to life-saving. The 2005 V50 2.4i includes a surprising number of high-quality standard features.

This sporty wagon is powered by a 2.4-liter, 168-horsepower engine - although some would balk at the use of the word powered. Several user reviews lamented what they perceived as the weakness in an otherwise praiseworthy auto, yet others were pleased with the car in that department.

Most of the remaining praise was heaped upon the car's comfort, especially that of the front seats, and its safety factor, Volvo's hallmark. Not only does it come standard with ABS, traction control, air bags, and side-beams, it also debuts (in the U.S., at least) the excellent Volvo Intelligent Vehicle Architecture, which integrates appropriate types of metal in the right places for a deformation pattern most likely to result in unscathed victims of collision.

The 2.4i also came standard with air conditioning, cruise control, and power locks, windows, and mirrors. Options such as seat heaters and premium stereo had to be purchased as part of pre-grouped packages, a point that irritated some buyers.

The agile and versatile V50 wagon is made even more desirable with a larger engine, this time turbocharged. The camp of V50 2.4i buyers who thought their base model car was underpowered surely wish they had stepped up to this one.

Delivering 218 horsepower, the 2.5-liter engine gives this little wagon plenty of power for passing that lumbering truck on the way to the mountains for that weekend of skiing. And the cargo area in the back of the T5 is spacious enough for everyone's bags �¢ï¿½?�? as long as they don�¢ï¿½?�?t overpack.

Whereas in the base model it was automatic or nothing, with the sportier 2.5 trims the buyer had a choice between manual and the optional automatic. For many drivers, manual shifting is the only way to go.

The T5 comes with all of the same standard equipment as the base model (air bags, ABS, cruise control, and power mirrors, windows, and locks, to name some) with a bonus, power seats. Naturally, it is built with the same safety specifications under Volvo�¢ï¿½?�?s Intelligent Vehicle Architecture, which allows for a deformation pattern designed to leave passengers in a safe zone in a serious crash.

T5 owners were generally pleased with the gas mileage, the vehicle�¢ï¿½?�?s style, and its safety features �¢ï¿½?�? one reviewer said that the car saved his family�¢ï¿½?�?s lives in a crash. Some complained of nagging electronic problems and mild turbo lag.

With its combination of great looks, turbocharged pep, and All-Wheel Drive, the 2005 V50 T5 AWD is almost too cool for carpool. This most outfitted trim of Volvo's smaller wagon rewards its buyers 365 days a year with versatility, all-weather ability, and utility - not to mention great looks.

Fuel economy is good too, coming in at 21 city and 30 highway, although some user reviews claim it's better. It is just right for getting you to work five days and taking you out to play on the other two. Winter-sports enthusiasts especially love the T5 AWD because it has enough cargo space for their gear, and it doesn't let a hastily plowed access road hold it back.

Volvo of course has its well-deserved loyal following of devotees who were won over by the company's outstanding commitment to safety. This car is no different, as it features the famed Volvo side-beams as well as Intellignet Vehicle Architecture, which pertains to the well thought-out layout of different metals within the car's structure to allow for a deformation pattern in a crash that will leave occupants most protected. Traction control, ABS, and air bags also come standard.

So the T5 AWD is solid, sturdy, swift, and ready for the task(s) at hand. Could you ask for anything more?