Overview & Reviews

After last year's extensive round of improvements, the 9-5 received only minor upgrades for 2003. All five-speed automatic-equipped models now have the Sentronic manual-shift feature with steering wheel-mounted controls. Ventilated sport seats are now optional on the Aero, while electronic stability control is now standard on all models.

• 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 1 through 10 of 141.00

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  Unreliable Car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Sad Saab - August 23 - 2:46 am

  Bought a new 95 Linear on 05/03 with 23 miles. At 3k miles the back passenger door latch jammed. AT 7k the sunroof jammed. AT 14k noise on the front wheel with bearing replaced. AT 35k the trunk would not open. One recall to replace the clamp on the fuel system. AT 41K engine lights on with O2 sensor replaced. At 44K there is a front axle leak and broken belt protector. At 56K heater valve leak. At 58K again O2 sensor was replaced and also the fuel pump. Car just died on the middle of the road. Now at 61K stranded again. Car just choked, jerk and not getting into gear. Very dissatisfied. Maintenance schedule has been followed.

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  Electronic Nightmare - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By JDN - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car used and for the first few years it was fine. The last year or two have been a nightmare. Electronic issues and Check Engine" lights are a monthly occurrence. For instance the dashboard info display was rebuilt, the ignition switch has to be replaced and the trunk harness which controls the trunk lock and the tail lights was replaced. There is no manual key entry for the trunk. Recently the DI cassette in the engine was replaced ($550) to address the most recent Check Engine light.

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  I wish Id chosen something different. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By pythonfan6 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had one problem after another. All build quality issues. Unlubricated steering column, rattles, a door hinge came loose causing a mean whistle in the door, panel lights flickering, other electrical issues. Aside from those, the cupholders are ridiculous. The one in the front armrest is unusable, and the one on the dash is to flimsy to put anything in but a can of coke. Acceleration is fine, but the car has no grip on any surface. The tires squeal at anything more than a soft touch to the peddle. All in all, I feel like I paid 40,000 dollars for a Hyundai.

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  My family wants to like it, but.... - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By imissmysubie - September 29 - 10:00 am

  2.3 Linear Automatic, NYC We leased the car in late May. In mid- July it started gushing transmission fluid. Roadside assistance took 2 days to pick up the car. Sat on dealer lot for 5 days before someone looked at it. By that time, transmission fluid leaked into ignition system. Took another 2 days to fix. We were supposed to get a Saab as a loaner car; we got a Ford Focus instead. My parents (we share the payments) drove it to Atlanta. They averaged 66 mph and 32 mpg. Thumping noise started coming from Air conditioning. This morning, it began to leak transmission fluid again.

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  GMs poor Engine Quality - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By eb - May 9 - 1:10 pm

  We bought this car pre-owned, had it inspected from a certified SAAB dealership and owning it for less than 2 years, we have spent over $3,000 on repairs. The quality of this car is lousy. Bought the car with 45,000 miles on it, and abruptly the warranty expires at 50,000 miles. Since I am a previous owner of an Infiniti, I was used to the warranty expiration at 60k. Immediately after warranty expires, our fuel pump fails, our alternator fails, engine coolant leak, and now we have a constant engine oil leak (header) which will cost more to repair than what the car is now worth. And due to the fact that Saab is an import, all parts are imported and marked up.

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  No Resale Value - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By TheRonTonDon - August 14 - 4:40 pm

  DO NOT buy this car on the used market. Bought mine CPO in 2006 for $19k. Owned it for 2.5 years, still owe $11k on this. Heard from dealer that they are going for $4k at auction. So Im in the hole $7k. Car is not worth it. Yeah its quick, gets good gas mileage, and is fun to drive, but thats about it. Reliability is crap. Eats through tires and is in the shop at least 2 times a year. Go with a BMW, youll be much happier.