Overview & Reviews

Although it looks similar to last year's model, the 2002 9-5 has undergone extensive changes. There are now three distinct models, each with its own look and feature content. A new five-speed automatic transmission is available on all models, while the top-of-the-line Aero gets more power. Revisions to both the steering and suspension systems increase performance, while a new electronic stability control system and adaptive front airbags improve safety.

• Satisfying performance, impressive luxury, reasonable price, wagon availability.

• Quirky Saab design attributes and ergonomics, uninspired exterior styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 101 through 106 of 106.00

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  Great Car! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Saab BT - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car in pristine condition from a dealership specializing in pre owned saabs and volvos. The car was a steal at the price I paid. Smooth turbo, comfortable seats, great on the highway. Right off the bat I needed some minor work done, but luckily I found a mechanic that works on..you guessed it, saabs and volvos! I feel more secure having found him. The only issue so far is a whining noise at low speed; we (the mechanic and I) think its an issue with the brakes where something is rubbing or perhaps the turbo is making the noise at low speed. Other than that, the car (knock on wood) has been terrific so far.

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  good test drive but no cigar... - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By PLM - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Generally very nice. I just couldnt get weened off the BMW addiction...so I leased another BMW. Still too much torgue steer and I found the seats a little uncomfortable with no natural place to rest my arms while driving. But this car is greatly improved over the 2001 Aero.

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  Smooth, fun and safe - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Autoenthusiast - July 8 - 12:46 am

  My 5yr old nephew was impressed and loved the car because it looked like "a plane" from the outside and inside. My 3rd Saab(from: 900, 9-3SE, now 02 9- 5Linear) and have been very happy most especially the 9-5. Great space (hauled a love seat), lots of standard features that are still optional in some cars 6yrs later (side airbags, ESP, 5-spd auto tran, glovebox cooler, Trip-comp, dual sun-visors, Harmon-Kardon etc.) Safe - a fist-sized rock hit windshield 2x/2occasions and only a small chip, rear-ended by an Explorer and no damage (Explorer bumpers bent and caved-in). Great in long-drives, very peppy and quite! The Aero would have been exhilirating. Plan 2 keep it until 1M miles!

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  Saab 9-5 SE 6 cylinder - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By SEELOS - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Having owed only SAABs for the last 10 years, we have seen the good and the bad. This 2001 9-5 SE with heated and ventilated seats is the best so far.The turbo performance has great acceleration, especially in the sport mode. The ventilated seats are great when the weather is hot and have to be turned down because one starts to get the chills. In winter, the heated heats are almost always on. When my wife drives our 2000 9-3 SE SAAB she never turns the heated seats off. The only thing that could be better could be the legroom in the rear seats. .

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  good alternative - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By ssst - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Fast acceleration, great passing ability at mid to high speed, great handling (considering its size and weight), and great torque at low RPM. I feel that I am driving a compact car than a midsize sedan. As a running machine, Saab 9-5 Aero is an excellent one, a great alternative to BMW 5 series, Volvo S60. For 2002 Model year, Saab 9-5 is competitive feature wise. However, it is aging fast compare to others in 2003 or later model years.

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  SAAB owner once more... - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Jason 9-5 Aero - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I previously drove a 1988 SAAB 9000T, and Im delighted that this new SAAB lives up to the SAAB standards for safety, performance, efficiency, and comfort. The Aero variant is perhaps the best- kept secret in the automotive universe; its 0-60 time of 6.5 sec and top speed of 155 mph outperforms most rivals, and its extremely comfortable, as well. The 5-speed manual is superb; clutch effort is light, and the gearshift just falls into place during double-clutch downshifts... bravo! Torque steer is simply not an issue; theres none whatsoever. The car just pulls and pulls, even in the rain! Fantastic OEM Michelin Pilot Primacy tires.