Overview & Reviews

Entry-level models get more horsepower from the turbo four-cylinder while all models get the OnStar telematics system, turbo gauges and two new colors.

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

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

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 87.00

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  Another Saab why ?? - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By ken wilson - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Outside of the turbo performance and the cargo area of the wagon this car is a joke. Cheap plastic interior, no place to put anything, rode noise, etc.Wish I had never sold 528i. I had a 91 9000 turbo and after ten years you think they could get it right.Not so. $40k this is what you get.

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  Awful build - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By pkelly944 - December 28 - 11:10 pm

  The car has its upsides: good performance out at the 2.3 w/ the turbo. Brakes well. On the downside: With 80,500 miles, head gasket, oil change never missed. Always has blown blue smoke occasionally, interior electronics fail, headlights burn out monthly. Horrible wiring system. All small things break. Air bag light on for no reason. Has had two tune up under warranty with no resolve for the smoke. Power steering lines replaced. Never would recommend.

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  Perplexed as heck!!! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By James - July 6 - 8:13 pm

  Bought a used 2001 95 wagon in jan.08. The first 8 months-great! Then, starting issues began. Replaced starter, battery, ignition cassettes; still wont start now and then! Googled "Saab issues" and cant fathom how many problems there are. Why are they allowed to continue to sell these defective things! Is it GM or a pre-GM issue? Im so over it I could puke. Oh, the power window issue and the rear light failures, too! When it starts I could drive it to California and back (from KY where I live), but dont dare let it sit for a few hours! Any input or thoughts? Im at my wits end! No more Saabs for me!

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  Repairs and you better hare your records - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By danielrpatrick - June 8 - 10:00 am

  All i have to say is you better keep all your receipts or you will be in trouble. I just got off an hour long converstation with SAAB. They are not going to fix a clogged oil pump, because I dont have the reciept for everyone oil change. I asked so what happens if the motor blows up are you going to stand behind me: they said nope based on the fact that i dont have all the paperwork. Save it all that is my advice. Im going to pick it up and trade it in on a bmw.

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  NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By LDFJR1 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 1 year and 20000 miles and have had nothing but service problems. They range from having the headlights and wipers fixed to replacing the turbo. So far this is whats been fixed. I have three more repairs pending. Needless to say I would not recommend this car.

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  AVOID SAABS - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Jerry4 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Saab 9-5 has 40300 miles on it and since I purchased it, it has been at the dealership every other week. Please avoid this vehicle at all costs. Save yourself the hassle of going to the dealership and receiving the worst service especially if you go to Charles River Saab where they try to charge you for parts that are under warranty. I have been stranded 3 times with this vehicle and missed a major client meeting.

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  wow, a piece of dirt - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Stephanie - April 16 - 7:30 am

  Ive had my Saab for one year, and I am already replacing the transmission. This is not the first thing that has gone wrong. I have also experienced the headlights going out multiple times, hub bearing replacement, among other things. DO NOT buy this Saab. It is a piece of dirt.

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  Too Much Hassle - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By John G - April 18 - 2:40 pm

  Lots of mechanical issues. Two ignition modules, SIDs display is failing, heater controls cause the right side to switch to uncontrollable full on heat. Engineering stinks - catalytic converter right next to oil pan and cooks the oil. Must change the oil at no more than 5K miles. Very noisy interior. At 60,000 miles the engine failed. Recommended 10K oil changes followed religiously. Saab knew this was faulty but did not publicize in States tho Europe knew all about it then tried to stiff me on an engine replacement until lawsuit broke loose a new engine. Apparently system does not save fault codes on many failures.

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  Great Car but requires lots of repairs - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By jdowen - February 15 - 3:50 pm

  It is a very comfortable vehicle that is fun to drive. It is a quiet drive and handles very well. I really enjoy the car when it works correctly. However, it is a very unreliable car. I was stranded on the side of the road twice - at 60K miles and 65K miles in 2003 (only 2 year old vehicle), both times it was a failed Ignition Cassette causing the Catalytic Converter to melt (very expensive parts). It is a common problem, the NHTSA Office of Defects is investigating the problem. If you are looking to purchase one of these vehicles, please search Google for "Saab DI Cassette failure" for more information about this common problem and consider this when making your decision.

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  Saab Story - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By jon_e_quest - August 28 - 4:16 am

  This is my 7th Saab, 2nd 9-5. It will be my LAST! Bought with 37K miles. Replaced the Turbo, ACC control module, trip computer, & entire dash facia at 46K (all warrantied). Now with 68K miles, have a short in the no. 8 fuse circuit that nobody can find. Unless I drive with that fuse out, battery dies. Intermittent engine light due to a faulty coil pack (possibly under recall, but I had to purchase one for my last 9-5.). Intermittent oil light (replaced the sending unit, but now it looks like a $1K oil pump replacement). Replaced the left side ACC air dist. stepping motor which controls temp adjust. Replaced both fog lights. Needs left side ball joint. Sunroof rattles. I give up!