2006 Volvo V50 2.4i 110,000 miles reliability
Reliability of this car with 110k miles
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2006 Volvo V50 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Not much has changed from the 2005 model, which began the new generation of V50s (previously called the V40). A couple of new colors were made available, and minor improvements were made to the cup holders, and some options were upgraded on the various trims. It remains a great choice for smaller families, dog owners, or weekend warriors who need to carry their recreational gear and other personal effects. It handles well, with a suspension that's on the stiff side, but it's no powerhouse. The best point is the great slate of safety features, Volvo's ultimate claim to fame. The passenger cage and energy-absorbing interior provide considerable protection in the event of a crash, and air bags, ABS, and side-impact beams all come standard. Users were kinder in review than the experts, who questioned the car's reliability. Some users felt that the backseat was cramped, so adults or older children may be uncomfortable back there on drives of significant length. Several mentioned that the V50 won out after they also drove the BWM 3 and VW Passat wagons, due to appearance, handling, and value.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2006 Volvo V50
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by Erik R
May 19, 2013
We needed something bigger than our 4-door golf for our family of 4. And I had no interest in a minivan. We looked at Mercedes E-class (too big), C-class (too unreliable), and Subaru - great car, almost bought one until... I stumbled upon the V50 and I fell in love with the looks of this car. then I drove one, back to back, and there was just no competition. The car handles beautifully and, even the base model has plenty of power, though I imaging the turbo would be great fun, but with a 1 and 3 year old in the back, turbo is just not important. The fact that you don't see many on the road is a big plus. Volvos have been in our family for a long time, and I am happy to have one of my own again. It is more distinctive that the BMW and Audi wagons. It has enough room but is still small enough for city life. There is something about a Volvo that just feels secure and confident on the road, and I am looking forward to owning this car for a long time. I will update as I learn more.
UPDATE: We have had the car about 8 months now and there have been no unpleasant surprises. It continues to run and ride beautifully. Maintenance is expensive, but so far has been routine. I do notice that the pillars are extremely thick, which creates some blind spots, and while the headlights are great when bright, they are extremely dim when on low.
May 19, 2013
by Kurt W
May 24, 2012
Volvo still makes a good car but sometimes it seems that style is the last thing they think about. The V50 Sportwagon breaks that stereotype. The car is well designed with sufficient room and yet it handles well with enough power in a non-turbo version to make driving fun.
This car has great lines and also seems to be engineered with enough quality to drive past the repair shop. Nice sound system, comfortable seats and the sunroof is perfect for those nice days when you want the windows down but not the wind in your face.May 24, 2012
by Loftur H
Nov 26, 2011
This car has lots of room and is a comfortable commuter but it is not very exciting to drive. Mine is now in for repair becuse of a broken wheel bearing but it has been pretty reliable up until now.Nov 26, 2011
User rating:
by Erik R
May 19, 2013
We needed something bigger than our 4-door golf for our family of 4. And I had no interest in a minivan. We looked at Mercedes E-class (too big), C-class (too unreliable), and Subaru - great car, almost bought one until... I stumbled upon the V50 and I fell in love with the looks of this car. then I drove one, back to back, and there was just no competition. The car handles beautifully and, even the base model has plenty of power, though I imaging the turbo would be great fun, but with a 1 and 3 year old in the back, turbo is just not important. The fact that you don't see many on the road is a big plus. Volvos have been in our family for a long time, and I am happy to have one of my own again. It is more distinctive that the BMW and Audi wagons. It has enough room but is still small enough for city life. There is something about a Volvo that just feels secure and confident on the road, and I am looking forward to owning this car for a long time. I will update as I learn more.
UPDATE: We have had the car about 8 months now and there have been no unpleasant surprises. It continues to run and ride beautifully. Maintenance is expensive, but so far has been routine. I do notice that the pillars are extremely thick, which creates some blind spots, and while the headlights are great when bright, they are extremely dim when on low.
May 19, 2013
by Kurt W
May 24, 2012
Volvo still makes a good car but sometimes it seems that style is the last thing they think about. The V50 Sportwagon breaks that stereotype. The car is well designed with sufficient room and yet it handles well with enough power in a non-turbo version to make driving fun.
This car has great lines and also seems to be engineered with enough quality to drive past the repair shop. Nice sound system, comfortable seats and the sunroof is perfect for those nice days when you want the windows down but not the wind in your face.May 24, 2012
by Loftur H
Nov 26, 2011
This car has lots of room and is a comfortable commuter but it is not very exciting to drive. Mine is now in for repair becuse of a broken wheel bearing but it has been pretty reliable up until now.Nov 26, 2011
by Mattias B
Dec 21, 2009
It accelerates ok in normal driving conditions but when you need to overtake there just is´nt enough power in the engine.
The build quality is good though, still feels like new and nothings broken yet.
Stylish saloon, the nicest Volvo ever built
Did´nt cost much and holds value, good miles per gallon
Not the funniest car to drive...Dec 21, 2009
by Isaac G
Dec 15, 2009
pretty good all around. its got ok acceleration and braking, since it has a relatively low center of gravity it handles pretty good. has a few little rattles im used to them though looks nice inside and out. volvo has a very expensive 90000 mile tune up like 3+ grand. its pretty fun to driveDec 15, 2009
by Magnus R
Sep 22, 2009
I choose this for since it is a combi, low "förmånsvärde" and
comfortable to drive even though it is noisy on the highway,
speeding at 60 mph! Very small gas tank to. Have to fill up
every 300 miles. Runs on 85% ethanol.Sep 22, 2009
by Jonathan G
Jan 06, 2009
Power is great though a little turbo-lag, feels like a sport
wagon, handling is nice and tight. Back seat is a bit tight
when front seats pushed all the way back. Excellent fit
and finish, nice set of accessories available from Volvo.
Sport trim package totally made the decision for us.Jan 06, 2009
by James T
Nov 18, 2008
Handles well. Smallish, so it is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Electrical seems to have a mind of its own on occasion (but I also have an S60 T5, and it REALLY has a mind of its own). I'm distressed that the factory dealer in my area has closed its doors. Found a reasonable non-factory shop for service in the area.Nov 18, 2008
by Peter F
Aug 05, 2008
Bought this car new '06. It has not caused any problems during the time I owned it. But is really not that exiting either. Most likely I will go back to BMW the next time it buy a new car.
But, the economics is great, good price on the used cars market, low fuel consuption and low encurrance.Aug 05, 2008
by Pekka K
May 25, 2008
good:
- beauty
- 220hp
- stearing
- seats
-sound system
bad:
-expensive to repair
-burns gas 9.3l/100kmMay 25, 2008
by Rickard F
Apr 20, 2008
Snabb och praktisk och sjukt anonym. Apr 20, 2008
by Thomas G
Feb 27, 2008
is it a volvo? maybe it's more a ford.. covered as a volvo.. but quality, materials, assembly and driving experience is really goodFeb 27, 2008
by Peter N
Jan 18, 2008
Very nice car which is very easy to handle on the roadJan 18, 2008
by Monty W
Jan 16, 2008
Solid drive, comfortable, 5 cylinder excellent!Jan 16, 2008
by Anonymous
Sep 14, 2007
This car is rock solid. Very European drive quality. Pick up is good. Handles great in the snow. You can pack a bunch of stuff into it. Seats are very comfortable for long hauls. Auto transmission is one of the best I have driven.Sep 14, 2007
What users have asked
Rim
Is it safe to drive on this rim til thursday morning. Im not going anywhere far. Probably a total of 2-3 hours driving over the next few days.
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Have you driven a 2006 Volvo V50?Compare this car
2006 Volvo V50 Pricing
Original MSRP
$27,185 to $30,610Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Satellite communications: On-Call (Volvo)
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Satellite communications: On-Call (Volvo)
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Satellite communications: On-Call (Volvo)
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent