My impression so far - killer little car. I must say I have had many Volvos and have continued to like them alot despite annoyances such as Volvos unwillingness to recall all the faulty ABS modules for example - would you believe just the other day I heard a service manager acting like they didn't know what a customer's issue with the ABS light was - and how they needed to TEST it??? Anyway if you have had a Volvo long I am sure you know what I am talking about - OK sorry for the rant and getting off track.

Having a 2001 V70 T5 already - I got the V50 for my wife who thought my car was too big - somewhat exaggerated I am sure by the awful turning radius. The V70 has been an awesome car in the 4+ years I have had it, but even with that car I had 3 to 4 trips to the shop the first 3 months. So far for this 50 - no defects or problems to report. Right off the bat this seems positive (if I get a problem I will post in the future). I will post some pictures eventually but want to weight till I add the sport grill and exhaust.

Although I have not seen a V50 on the road here in AL, I saw many in Germany and the Czech Republic last week.

Some details: The T-5 V50 has a great deal of Torque, it may change with more driving, but you have to try not to touch the gas much as you start out from a stop. The wheels try to spin and the car just feels like it wants to take off. Not quite like my almost 300 HP performance enhanced 70, but very sponky for sure. I really like the ride of the 50 - but I prefer a stiffer than most ride anyway. Having gotten the external trim package, it is supposed to have a sport suspension that is hopefully actually different than the car without this package. Having completely upgraded my 70's suspension, I don't feel compelled to do anything to the 50 except maybe sway bars. I have the 17inch wheels and the ride seems fine - in fact some 18 inch wheels are on order already. Brakes and handling are excellent also. Oh, and the 30 or so MPG is impressive since I am used to about 20-22 in my car.

The seats are very comfortable for a small car. My wife says they are more comfortable than my 70, or her previous S70 - not sure on that but I am certain that even though it is a smaller car you will not sacrifice comfortable seating. Can't vouch for the back seat, but it does not seem to have less foot room that the S60.

We sprung for the upgraded Dolby Pro-Logic II sound system - worth the money and no need to ever upgrade with after market stereo equipment.

A few notes on design, The cool looking thin dash with the little storage compartment behind it - well looking neat is about it. You can't really put much back there - so we mounted the XM radio receiver back there - Wish Volvo would have include XM in the sound system - the dash has no room to mount anything, and putting the XM down behind the stereo panel makes it a little hard to get to.

Never had a car until this one with Xenon lights. I really like them - although I might change my mind when one of them goes out one day - anyone know if these are supposed to last longer than usual and how much to expect to pay when they burn out? Anyway if they last longer than regular lights that would be nice since the headlamps burning out all the time is another Volvo annoyance I have had with the V70 - seems every month or so one of the 4 headlamps is going out.

If anyone has any specific questions I will be glad to entertain. If someone ends up buying a 40 or 50 and you think you may want the 5 spoke 17s only available with the trim package I will make someone a great deal for the set and the almost new tires that are on them.

Thanks, Tom