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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  The Aero Soars - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By hr_consultant - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 02 Aero for 6 months and I have not had one problem with it. Ive not experienced any turbo lag at any speed, as a matter of fact, there is torque in every gear. Saab has included ESP (electronic Stability Program) that virtually eliminates torque steer. I have to be careful, Im generally way over the freeway speed by the time I shift into fourth! Unique look and feel, I always get lots of positive feedback when anyone asks about the car. After all that cool technical stuff, one of the things that gets the biggest reaction is when the cupholder opens, go figure.

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  Good for a passionate car lover. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By matt_beckman - August 6 - 5:59 pm

  After driving 3 Saabs, a 2005, 2006 9.3 Turbo, and a 2003 9.5 Aero It is clear that Saabs are cars to be pampered and taken well care of. If you are looking for a reliable car with as little maintenance as possible this is not the car for you. Your better of with a Toyota. You will get what you give with Saab and the car is good for someone who enjoys taking care of cars as a passion and DOES NOT mind putting in an extra dollar to keep their jem running at top quality. For about $4500 the 2003 Areo is about the best sports car you can get for the price and after regular maintenance you can expect quick acceleration, good gas mileage, and an all over all smooth, stylish, and luxurious ride.

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  I love my ARC - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Potamus - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its so much fun to drive - handles like a dream! So much fun that the stability control has already kicked in once (oops!). Edmunds said it didnt have enough power - they are very WRONG - it has more than enough - especially with the sport feature. The zenon lights are very cool, I like the dimming mirrors too. Once I got used to it, I liked the back-up sensor. I feel very safe and it is a quiet ride. Overall though it rates a 9.9 out of 10!

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  Ill buy another one! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By VSN - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Saab nearly 2 years now and have no major problems, other than routine maintenance. It has been a blast to drive. My Aero model has the manual shifters on the steering wheel so I can be performance driven when I need it most! The steering, braking, comfort, interior are awesome and so much better than my previous luxury vehicle (which will go unnamed!) My only minor complaint is lack of interior storage areas for CDs and misc items. But the cup holder is the best in the business! Ill keep buying Saabs until the dealership turns me away. My best car ever!

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  9-5 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By 95Aerodriver - June 23 - 7:56 am

  The car is amazing, it performs very well, however I have had multiple problems with it, including headlamp failures, wiper failures, as well as several problems with the rear suspension among other small problems. Despite having difficulties with the vehicle, I continue to enjoy it.

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  Dream car! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By blackadder - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the car! Black with sand-beige seats - just BEAUTIFULl!! Had a 2001 9-5SE before this....the HOT Turbo makes all the difference in the world delivering phenom acceleration. Whatever you do, test drive on the highway in sport mode (watch out for the cops and speed traps!!).

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  Amazing Wagon - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By NJ SAAB - June 6 - 10:00 am

  OK, I fell for the tag line- I test drove a SAAB and bought a SAAB- no prior experience with the brand.After a few weeks my conclusion is it is an amazing automobile. Everything you could ask for and a lot you didnt know you needed! The car is a blast to drive, has more interior room than most car like SUVs (except for cargo height). Best of all you dont see one at every light-Test drive it and judge for yourself!

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  Taking flight - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Bruce - April 29 - 4:36 pm

  The car has completely lived up to my expectations and the few small bugs I dealt with in my 2000 base model 9-5 were completely absent in this model. The engine is very strong and the handling is very good and often suprisingly so. The bonus set of skills gained at the Aero Academy really pointed out the remarkable breaking and handling capabilities of this car. Kudos all around for the remarkable comfort. The ventilated seats are an additional treat here in Southern California summers.

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  Used to own 735il - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Saabsatisfied - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the car at 7:00 p.m. and the next three days drove 3 executives around So CA racking up 800 miles. The car handled perfectly and aside from missing the extra rear leg room in the 735il, I was perfectly satisfied. No rattles, and the handling was great. I looked at 540, e320, Lexus, etc, etc,... and once I drove the SAAB I was hooked. After owning for 2 weeks, I have no regrets.

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  Finally, a car worth the price..... - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By mac750 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Got the Aero with all options. I finally can say this is the most fun car to drive and I feel like a kid again. The attention to detail and European styling are superb. Luxury and fun in the same package...who would have thought!