2005 Volvo V50 First Drive

Volvos no longer resemble the box they came in. That tired line is history, and has been since the flagship S80 sedan debuted for 1999. Rather, Volvos are among the most appealing vehicles on the road today, instantly recognizable as Sweden's most desirable export this side of supermodel Elin Nordegren and much more provocative than any Lexus.

The 2005 V50 continues the Volvo family design theme of bulging hoods, strong shoulders, graceful rooflines and tapered tails, scaled down for use on a shorter wheelbase. The result is a stylish and distinctive vehicle.

Sixteen-inch alloy wheels come standard on the Volvo V50, but optional wheels measuring 17 inches are available. Tires are sized P205/55R16 on the standard wheel, while the optional wheels receive P205/50R17 tires. An 18-inch wheel wearing wider, lower-profile performance tires is also offered.

Those who wish to personalize a Volvo V50 have a couple of options that will add zest to the bodywork. Metallic paint expands the color palette beyond the standard red, white and black, but each of these optional hues costs almost $500 extra. A Sport package for the 2.4i includes front fog lights and upsized alloy wheels, with little else to visually distinguish it from the standard model. Volvo V50 T5 versions can be tricked out with the Dynamic Trim package, which adds unique wheels, front and rear spoilers, a rear valence panel, rocker panel moldings, and polished exhaust tips for a racy appearance.