QUALITY | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
“two adults get decent head and elbow space, but three will feel pinched”
ConsumerGuide
“comfort on long drives is undeniable”
Kelley Blue Book
“the quality feel we expect of the marque”
Road & Track
“small wagon with a premium feel”
Edmunds
The quality construction belies the 2009 Volvo V50’s mid-20s base price, Ford Focus roots, and entry-level status, while seats provide industry-leading comfort.
The quality of the interior is undisputed. “From something as simple as a high-quality headliner to the clean and classy gauges, the cabin conveys an upscale feel from top to bottom,” says Edmunds. Up front are ergonomically designed chairs whose “comfort on long drives is undeniable,” remarks Kelley Blue Book. Volvo also addresses a sore point with the interior and wisely adds “more storage space in the doors and the center console,” according to Motor Trend.
Alas, the rear seat isn’t as hospitable, but none of its European rivals have Cadillac-large backseats either. ConsumerGuide says that “two adults get decent head and elbow space, but three will feel pinched,” while Kelley Blue Book criticizes the “cramped rear seat and moderate headroom.”
Pricing for the 2009 Volvo V50 starts in the mid-20s for a base 2.4i, making it a strong competitor in the marketplace. But prices go all the way to the low 40s for a fully loaded T5 AWD; Kelley Blue Book remarks that it “undercuts the base Audi A4 and BMW 335 by a good margin,” but notes “the pricing gap closes quickly once comparable features are added.”
Conclusion
The 2009 Volvo V50 brings unexpectedly high standards of refinement, though backseat passengers will want more room.
