Overview & Reviews

For 2004, the Linear model is available only as a wagon. Arc models drop their 200-horsepower V6 and standard automatic transmission in favor of a 220-hp, four-cylinder turbo and a five-speed manual; an automatic remains optional. The Arc also picks up lower body cladding and is eligible for a 17-inch sport wheel package. Bi-xenon headlights are now offered as a stand-alone option on Arc and Aero models. Ventilated front seats, previously standard on the Arc, are now optional. Additionally, Aero models get a more aggressive lower body kit.

• Best-in-class crash scores, long list of standard features, plush highway ride, supportive seats, large trunk.

• Turbo lag at low speeds, suspension too soft for aggressive driving, interior materials could use improvement.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 105.00

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  Saab 95 Arc wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By momn8r - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great pick up. As much fun to drive as my old Infinti I30. OnStar is no longer a standard feature as the 2003 model. The audio has that Delco sound.The whistle sounds when the keyless remote functions are acivated are obnoxious. Alarmed when "add coolant" flashed on the SID (Saab Info Display) after only 372 miles and three days after delivery. I was in the desert and there is a dealer about 20 miles from our place. the dealer attributed the warning to a possible air pocket in the line that displaced the coolant level indicator. No other problems after two weeks and 1800 miles.

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  Pleased with Saab 9-5 Aero wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By wendieb04 - June 3 - 8:53 am

  The car has been very comfortable and fun to drive. This is the most horse power I have had, felt I had power to maneuver when needed in traffic. Gas economy is good for size of car it is. When I have had passengers with me they have always commented what a nice ride they are having. I agree that back seat is just about as comfortable as the front and plenty of leg room. I think you get a great value for the money. Have had 2 minor recall issues I have had to get fixed. One complaint is that covered maintenance is only at 5k, 15k, 30k and 45k. Oil changes between every 5k are not covered.

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  My SAAB in Norway - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Ole Olsen - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I am now a 3-time SAAB owner. This time, I live in Norway. I clicked the Aero box because my Norway-model is closest to the Aero except for the engine. I have the sports-seats, automatic trans, metal dash, leather, and 17-inch wheels, BUT ONLY a 150- horsepower 2.0-turbo! Nonetheless, this power is all one needs here (and Id say also in the US). The 9-5 is a great car, much peppier than my 1995 9000 US-export, which had a 2.3-turbo. The ride is much smoother than the 9000, and the feeling is more one of soft luxury, even though these SAABs are considered FAMILY CARS here in Norway and Sweden.

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  appearance and comfort - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By michael spinelli - August 30 - 2:00 am

  overall satisfied with performance and build quality..however it is extremely uncmforable for a tall person to enter and exit the vehicle without rubbing the head on the top of the door jam

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  saab 9-5 - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By john sise - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Good handling, great ride, comfortable seating, adequate luggage space - would be better if they still offered a hatch. Power seems slightly better than my 2000 9-3 SE, which isnt bad, but it should have more to make it superior to others in its class. Also should come with sportier tires and wheels to improve the handling even more.

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  Fun in 2nd gear - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By twowhiteshoes - September 28 - 10:00 am

  ok, this is a family station wagon, not a sports car. But when the turbo kicks in starting around 2500 rpm, usually in 2nd gear, you can have a lot of fun. Also, for all you SUV drivers out there. This has the storage you need but it gets 40 mpg on the highway.

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  Saab 95 Aero review by HL - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By howard l - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Handles well with a very nice acceleration. Fit and finish could be a little more modern and tighter. The interior is sturdy and wears very well. The materials always look new. I had a 2000 model and it was the same. The interior room is adequate, yet the outside is not too big. Trunk space is great. The car could use a nicer stereo and the vanity mirrors have useless lights.