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 91 through 100 of 141.00

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  Love The Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By baddi - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The car is a dream to drive ask for power the turbo kicks and it is there in an instant. Ours is the Auto with Sport Mode, awesome and manual shift on the wheel, screams give me more. trhe car corners like a cat on carpet, no body roll, and torque steer is almost non-existant, quite a trick in a front whell drive. Sitting on a 3 hour drive is no problem, the seats cradle you like baby. The instruments and controls are easy to reach, and driver friendly.

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  Third time is the charm - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By santasaab - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Saab and definitely the best. My other two, a 78 EMS and 84 900s both had their strengths but the 9-5 wagon has it all. This car offers an incredibly smooth ride. More low-end power than our 98 Maxima and features that are usually found only in cars at least $10,000 more than we paid. We also love the sporty styling and handling. My wife originally wanted and SUV but fell in love with the Saab during a test drive and has been happy ever since.

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  Best Saab Yet! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By My 3rd Saab - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Saab, and the best by far. Build quality is superb. Not a single defect. And the body is stiffer and tracks better than my old 900 or my old 9-3. Plenty of power in the base model and it handles beautifully. The only thing I dont like is the dealer where I purchased. But then again, have you ever met a car salesman that you liked? I bought from 128 Saab for the price, I go to Charles River Saab for the service.

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  Best Value Out There - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By MTG - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the money. Test drove BMW 5 series, Volvo S60 and Audi A-6. Much more refined and a better drive than the Volvo; considerably less money than the Beemer and the Audi (almost 11K less than BMW with similar features - after negotiating price with Saab dealership). Performance is amazing, plenty of horsepower, very good breaking and lighting.

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  Oh So Fast! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By CBLaw - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I add my voice to the chorus of cheers! Although I was told the car was fast, I didnt really know until I drove it. Select the Sport mode and you are in a race car. It is a rocket! Had to buy a radar detector, Im always over 80! Hugs the curves and makes my commute a fast one. Its impressive appearance is also appreciated.

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  AWSOME...AND THEY ONLY GET BETTER - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By SEAN - July 18 - 1:20 pm

  This is my third Saab and I will never buy anything else. The interior is near perfect and styling and handling second to none. If run of the mill is your desire, then look to a Benz or Bimmer. If style fits you then look no further. Even with the 4-cyl it has power to spare and is a kick to drive. Winter mode is fantastic and it cuts thru the snow like a champ. For a second drink holder look to the web. This car turns heads and corners better than my jag at a fraction of the cost and repairs. Tons of room inside compared to the 3-series or C-class. Dont underestimate the Swedes, this car is first class. Drive it, buy it, and love it.

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  2002 SAAB 9-5 Aero - Sneaky Good - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By mmabuc85 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  After test driving many competitors (G35, CTS, 330i) I was blowen away by how complete the 9-5 was. The stiffer aluminium suspension makes a big difference in the handling yet the ride is smooth on the road. The HOT I-4 loves to be revved off the line but it really shines on the highway passing, it gets from 60-80 faster then any car I have driven. Also, the 5 speed automatic is better matched to this engine then the stick. When I compared the safety fetures and reputation of SAAB, their willingness to deal on the car and the full option list, it was a winning deal. Fully loaded I got this car for less then a stripped 330i.

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  DREAM COME TRUE - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By TEACH - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE JUST UNDER A THOUSAND MILES ON MY AERO. BUT HAVE OWNED IT FOR JUST 10 DAYS I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS CAR IS TRULY AWESOME. I HAVE HAD A BMW 740IL (94), MERCEDES 190&300 BUT THE SPEED, HANDLING, AND COMFORT OF THIS CAR IS REMARKABLE. I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN A CAR SO FAST. IN SPORTS MODE THE AERO IS A FOUR DOOR PORSCHE. THE CAR FLYS, QUIETLY AND EFFORTLY.

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  nigh on perfect - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By M Hesseling - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive: My 2.3 mile commute was fun in my previous car (2000 9-4 Convertible SE HOT), but this is even better. The occasional drive to Chicago is a thrill since there are lots of chances to surprise the odd sportscar driver. Thought Id use the sentronic paddle shifting more but the sport transmission probably does a better job at shifting than me (and this is my first automatic ever). Absolutely love this car.

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  Go with the AERO!! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Slugworth - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I got the Aero with all options for a great price and the dealer actually made the dreaded experience enjoyable! I chose this over the 325, 525, i300, G35 and CTS. I actually started looking at the 9-3s, but wanted a bit more space and loved the metal trim in the Aero.