Overview & Reviews

Cars tend to last about five to six years between redesigns. Occasionally, a company will squeeze out another year, but anything longer is an anomaly. Well, the original Saab 9-5 lasted 11 years, which in human terms is like kicking off at the ripe old age of 178.

Now, our editors initially thought pretty highly of the Saab 9-5, but then they were also pondering "Who Let the Dogs Out?" and chuckling at Monica Lewinsky jokes. As the years went on, the 9-5 sank to the bottom of the midsize luxury sedan pack and eventually nearly disappeared from our attention altogether.

Well, Saab has finally turned a page and there is a new 9-5. Designed when Saab was still owned by General Motors and based on the same platform as the Buick Regal, the 9-5 certainly doesn't have the engineering panache of its German competition. However, it's cheaper than those competitors, it's fun to drive and boasts unique style inside and out. We wouldn't call it class-leading by any means, but it's definitely a worthy alternative in that midsize luxury sedan pack.

Current Saab 9-5
The Saab 9-5 is a midsize luxury sedan available in Turbo4, Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 XWD and Aero trim levels. The Turbo4 models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, along with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional. This is certainly a modestly powered engine for the midsize luxury class, and we wonder if shoppers will scoff at a four-cylinder in such a pricey car, but its fuel economy is at least strong -- especially with the manual.

There is another turbocharged engine, however, a 2.8-liter V6 that sends 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a standard six-speed automatic. This results in a solid average performance for an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan, while returning competitive fuel economy. With the Aero trim, a sport-tuned suspension, communicative steering, a limited-slip differential and the advanced all-wheel-drive system combine to produce one of the most rewarding and involving driver's cars in the class -- even more so than the BMW 5 Series.

Even the base 9-5 comes standard with features that can be optional on competitor sedans, like driver memory functions, leather upholstery and an iPod interface. Going up through the trims can net you items like a panoramic sunroof, a lane-departure warning system, tri-zone climate control, a navigation system and a rear seat entertainment system.

All of this stuff comes together in a cabin that'll be easily identified as a Saab. The center control stack wraps toward the driver, bringing all controls within easy reach. Other Saab hallmarks include the egg-crate air outlets, the Night Panel switch that dims instrument lights at a single touch and (of course) the ignition switch, though this is now a keyless button. However, many climate and electronics interfaces have been lifted wholesale from General Motors, even if the layout and green backlighting is unique to Saab. These bits are actually quite nice, but like the rest of the interior, just aren't up to Audi or Mercedes standards.

Used Saab 9-5 Models
The current Saab 9-5 dates back to 2010; however, very few were sold that year and it was only offered in loaded, Aero guise. The rest of the lineup arrived for 2011.

The original Saab 9-5 sedan was produced from 1999-2009 and went through several changes over its lifetime -- especially in regards to engines. The 9-5 retained much of its Saab 9000 predecessor's distinctive lines, but replaced the 9000's five-door hatchback design with a more traditional four-door sedan arrangement. The wagon variant followed a year later.

Since this 9-5 lasted so incredibly long, how well it stacks up to the competition depends on how far you go back. Things like equipment levels, interior quality and engineering sophistication will seem relatively stronger when comparing an older 9-5 to an equally aged BMW or Lexus. Regardless of year, however, most drivers will find this Saab 9-5's seats exceptionally comfortable, especially those equipped with optional heating and ventilation. Passenger room was also excellent all around. A split-folding rear seat and nearly 16 cubic feet of trunk space gave it an added level of versatility, while the SportCombi wagon supplied up to 73 cubic feet of cargo space for those with lots to carry.

In the beginning, the 9-5's lineup consisted of a base 9-5 model, an SE version packed with amenities and a performance-oriented Aero model. The standard 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder in the Saab 9-5 base models produced 185 hp (170 hp for '99) and was mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The 9-5 Aero versions featured a 230-horse, 2.3-liter turbo four with a manual transmission. Initially, the 9-5 SE could be powered by either the light-pressure 2.3-liter (170 hp) or a 200-hp, 3.0-liter turbo V6, but starting with the 2000 model year, all SEs had the V6 and the four-speed automatic.

Although it looked similar, the 2002 9-5 underwent extensive reworking. Three distinct models (Linear, Arc and Aero) now had their own style and equipment specs: The previous year's base model became the Linear and offered the 185-hp turbo four, while the SE became the luxury-oriented Arc and had the turbo V6. In addition, a new five-speed automatic was available across the line, and the 9-5 Aero's turbocharged four-cylinder got a power boost to 250 hp. Revisions to steering and suspension helped dynamic performance, while electronic stability control and adaptive front airbags further improved safety. From a used-vehicle purchasing standpoint, going with a 2002 or newer Saab 9-5 is probably a good idea.

Detail changes carried through to 2004, when feature content was shuffled. The Linear model was made a wagon-only trim level and the Arc model dropped its 200-hp V6 in favor of a 220-hp turbo-4. A year later, DVD-based navigation was added to the options list. For '06, the 9-5 received updated exterior styling and a revised suspension, and the high-output 2.3-liter turbo-4 became standard, along with bumping its power up to 260 hp. Additionally, the wagon was renamed the SportCombi, and the familiar Linear, Arc and Aero trim levels went away in favor of a single trim. The Aero and its sport-oriented bits and pieces technically became a package for two years, before resuming its duties as a full-fledged trim alongside the newly christened 2.3T base model.

User Reviews:

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  Dont Do it - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Dont do it - August 11 - 7:23 am

  Dont Do it! Fun to drive when not driving to the shop. Water pump (twice) alternator, ignition, alarm, struts and Ive lost count of what else in two years. This is my wifes 5th and last SAAB. I was sold on asian vehicles a number of years ago, even my Hyundai was more reliable. Im glad we have AAA towing with SAABs. Since I met my wife, I am familar to the SAAB Store due to our what seems like quarterly visits. Its not a matter of if something breaks, but when. Whats that SAAB stands for Something Always Again Broken? With a new baby we had better things to do, so I bought a Toyota, and am forcing a SAAB sale. Any buyers? Please take this clunker off our backs!

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  Thought I got a STEAL but..... - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Phillyc - July 14 - 6:43 pm

  Purchased in May of 2006 w/36,000 mi. on the clock, paid $19,500. Current mileage 65,800 mi. Wanted to love this car but it has been in the shop more than any other car I have owned, 7 or 8 times in the 2 1/2 years I have owned her. The interior could use an update, but the seats are super comfy. I really like the exterior of the car, looks fast standing still. Gas mileage in town is poor for a 4 cyl., only about 17 mpg due to the turbo but hwy mileage is surprisingly good at about 31 mpg. Just too many little things. Warranty ran out in Sept. and just today I spent $1800 on repairs and the 60,000 mile service. Sad to say she will probably get traded in soon.

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  Great 2001 Aero - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By alrennett - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Having driven the Saab 95 Aero for 27 month now it has been a outstanding preformer. It gets 26 MPG and has all the power you need in any situation on the highway and in city traffic. It is easy to park and is very nice looking. We still get looks in parking losts and at the store on the looks of the car.

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  Saab 9-5 Linear Sport Wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Rick & Kristi - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Great Car; we own 2 Saab 9-5s

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  Best Car Ive Owned! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By salmal - June 12 - 11:26 am

  Ive owned my Aero since day 1 and mile 0. Picked it up in Trollhatten, Sweden and never looked back. Great acceleration at any speed, superb handling, and amazing comfort! Ive been up to 154 mph (German Autobahn) in this machine - what a rush! Only one bad stretch during my ownership - right after the warranty expired (4/50,000), I put about $3k into repairs (both CV joints/boots and front main oil leak), but otherwise its been the model of reliability. Expensive to maintain and hard to find someone to work on it, I wouldnt buy another one here in the U.S., but I hope to drive this one forever.

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  9-5 Fun to drive - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By 95leaser - May 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the second 9-5 for me, having bought another (V-6 SE) just 2 years ago. Fun to drive, excellent value (at year-end closeout) including scheduled maintenance, gap insurance and first year of OnStar free. What more could you ask for in a well-engineered car!

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  Personality - 2009 Saab 9-5
  By reflex - May 17 - 12:13 pm

  Great fuel mileage, smooth ride, lots of power, great stereo, comfortable seats, nice hvac system, superb in the snow, sunroof, handles great, looks great, excellent warranty, low insurance rates, 5 star crash rating, and very affordable.

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  2002 Saab 9-5 Linear - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Drew2931 - May 7 - 10:03 pm

  I bought this car off eBay at a great deal. I love driving it, very comfortable, GREAT gas mileage (approx 32 mpg on highway, 20 mpg in town). I love the styling - it doesnt look like everyone elses car. I have had no maintenance issues at all. The dashboard cup holder works great - just need two of them. Performance while not outstanding is good enough to keep it fun.

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  love my new saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By sponz - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the 9-5 Arc for one week and love it. Great handling with a lot of power. I drove them all and this car doesnt have all the features of some luxury cars but it beats them all with ride and handling.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Saab turbo - April 26 - 11:30 am

  The car has around 45,000 miles on it and there are no creaks from inside. The ride is very quiet. The performance of the Aero is great and its a lot fun with the turbo. The 9-5 has a lot of neat features like park assist, pockets in the front seats, cooled glove box, etc. It is very AEROdynamic and is still quirky compared to a BMW or MB. It has been very reliable and was much less that the competitors cars. Has more style and character than any Lexus.