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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  Solid car - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By JAM - December 13 - 7:46 pm

  Ive owned my 9-5 for 3.5 years. Bought from a local coming off lease. Ive put approximately 90k miles on and am amazed at the mileage I get (mostly highway driving) I average 32- 34 highway depending on A/C needs. This car is quiet, comfortable, and somewhat fun to drive. It handles well but isnt a sportscar. It accelerates well especially in sport mode, but wont slap you in you seat. I bought a Maxima and it sits in the garage while I half heartedly attempt to sell this car - that should tell you something. The total package is well done if not overly exciting in any one area.

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  More rattles than a box of biscuits - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By charles pinnick - November 20 - 8:06 pm

  Lovely car for the price but unfortunately I bought it new and could not get much of a deal. I am a slender 170lbs yet the cushion bottom on my leather ventilated sport-seats has gone nearly flat and I am sitting on the frame. Dealership said they fixed it by putting a new one in (and billing Saab no doubt) but I believe they simply turned it over and puffed it out. Bad for the back - and that is one of the reasons I bought my second Saab 9-5. The rattles on this car KILL me. The plastics are low-grade economy plastics and there are more rattles in this new design than there were in the older vehicle. These new vintages suffer from shoddier plastics--Saab says 1 yr on rattles-bs!

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  Auto Industry best kept secret - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By greeny9 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car offers a great balance of ride, handling and accelleration. It has nice qulity feel and look to it both inside and out. So far It has been very reliable.

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  A Great Car for a Decent Price - 2011 Saab 9-5
  By curt51 - October 7 - 3:27 am

  First, I must admit that Im a Saabophile who is now on his eighth Saab. Ive owned a Saab since 1988. By far this is the best Saab since my 1984 900 Turbo. The car is very quiet and comfortable. Plus, the amenities abound and make this a good bargain for the price. I love the exterior looks of the vehicle and Ive gotten a number of compliments from complete strangers.

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  My best car ever - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By kkits - August 17 - 10:06 pm

  I have owned my car for 8 months and is still a big smile each time i use it. It has an superb engine with more torque than most ever need, and its handling is sharp and precise. The only drawback is the fuel consumption which is to high at todays standards.

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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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  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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  9-5 Aero Sportwagaon Automatic - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Anthony - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. I am a 31 year old single male and I dive a wagon!. I traded my GMC Jimmy in for the SAAB because I wanted something more luxurious that was sporty, good on gas and could haul my stuff from HomeDepot. I got it all and in a very sexy (at least I think so) package. The car had a few issues when I picked it up but they all were taken car of in a prompt manner by the service department. I would give the service department an excellent rating and the sales department a moderate rating. My sales man was not well informed about the cars features and suggested I try things out to see if they worked. I hope the car proves to be reliable.

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  First Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By pcdrj - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Saab. The car has been very reliable so far at 61000 miles. Performance is Ok. It could definitely use more power. Economy is so-so at about 21 mpg. Handling is too soft. Turning radius is poor. Interior room was pretty. Trunk space and rear seating is good. Front seats are as comfortable as Ive. Console infringed on leg room a bit too much. Interior ergonomics leave a lot to be desired. Needs more/better cup holders. Computer is useless. Climate control worked well but need easier controls. Paint quality was poor and difficult to keep clean. Wheels were impossible to keep clean unless you wash them at least once a week.

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  Can a Family Sedan be Fun to Drive Too? - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By DCAR5 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The 9-5 is a good sedan, maybe even a very good sedan. Depending on what you are looking for in a sedan. If your looking for fun, it is just is not there. The turbo might as well not be there for all of the power is puts out. I had a Saab SPG and that car moved. Even my 10 year old Volvo 960 has more power. However, as a family sedan you just can beat it. Fits a family of five and everything they need for a trip to the beach (and my family need to bring alot along). It looks nice, gets you complements (from the family crowd), but it just doesnt have the power to make it a fun car on the road.