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:

• 

  Saab- 2002 -9-5 review - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Scott Gault - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The Saab 9-5 combines great performance with safety and comfort. This car is better on ice and snow than my 4-WD truck. The traction control is awesome. Great Mileage and stop in your tracks good looks.

• 

  Went from a Sable to a Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By nelsoncm - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I spent my first 2 months in major buyers remorse, mainly because the ride is so jittery compared to my Sable wagon. I bought one of those cheesy vinyl steering wheel covers to reduce vibration on the wheel. It helps a lot. But Ive gotten fairly used to it. Seats are awesome and I like the rear cargo shelf, which gives you extra room in back. The HK stereo ROCKS! The cupholders, as everyone will agree, suck. Supposed to have decent reliability, but Ive already had it in the shop once, so this remains to be seen. Am I a Saab convert? Dont know, but there is something about these cars on a test drive that grabs you.

• 

  Happy with the unique SAAB - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By K. Pospisil - May 26 - 3:06 pm

  This is our second Saab. My husband bought one while in college in Colorado and again recently. We have always enjoyed driving a car that is a bit on the unique side, and doesnt look like everything else on the road today. Our first Saab was a 900S coupe and it was great, even more unique looking than the current 9-5.

• 

  saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By brinckerhoff - May 17 - 10:00 am

  wne to buy an Audi or BMW but drove the Saab once and bought it instead.

• 

  Brilliant - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Andy - May 16 - 3:53 am

  I am in Australia and I have the Arc. May I first say before I start that I owned a BMW 3 series and was after something more. I wanted another BMW (5 series) but I saw this beautiful thing across the car yard. I took it for a test drive and immediately fell in love with it. Quick off the line, the mid range clout was like nothing I have felt before. If you are thinking of buying a BMW, forget it, get a SAAB 95 Arc. More luxury and more power!!

• 

  BMW 5-series killer - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By John T - May 14 - 7:43 pm

  I bought the Aero after looking at a BMW 5 series and an Audi A6. Bottom line, just as nice, great stereo, handles like a dream, VERY quick and nimble, lots of torque all across the rpm range, you know, its a rocket - what can I say. So it having compared favorably, it is a much better value $$$. Very sweet car.

• 

  GM in SAAB clothing - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By charlie - May 12 - 12:30 am

  Keep in mind thid is a GM. Forget the past reliability. This vehicle begins to self destruct at 50K. Shocks, direct ignition, wheels frozen in place,rugs, interior trim, failure to start, leaky radiator, info display, etc, etc, etc. Stay away till GM gets thrown out.

• 

  Different, but in a good way... - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By MRF - May 9 - 2:06 am

  I bought this car with 52K mile in 02/2002. The car came with leather and winter pkg. 5-spd is the way to get the most out of the engine. I have over 130K miles now and still on the original clutch. Turbo started to go at around 90K, but its still boosting just fine (makes noise). Ive had several problems with A/C heater core (they have a $200 fix now), ignition, direct ignition. Ive found a good mechanic which is the only reason Ive kept the car. Car handles well, looks great, and offers a unique alternative to Lexus, Infiniti, Volvo. Overall a very satisfying experience, but only since Ive found an alternative to the dealership. This is an extremely comfortable, practical car.

• 

  Awesome Ride! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By toxicavenger70 - April 30 - 7:26 pm

  This is my second 9-5 wagon but this one is Limited Edition Gary Fisher. Great car but I did do a Saab ECU upgrade and it took all the turbo lag out of it! No slow starts from the light anymore! It is almost like I have it in Sport Mode all the time. Best seats I have ever sat in for a long time and heated seats that dont cook your bottom. Car handles great in our Colorado snow with snowtires (no studs). It did have the standard SID problems, Coolant bypass valve, #6 PVC update and crappy tires. But I get BBA reman. to fix the SID and it has a warranty for 86 bones, PCV update 50 bones and now the car is ready to rock!

• 

  Best Seat on the Highway - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By NOTIZ - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the best seat in any car made.No problems with car after 80ooo miles.They should bring the turbo diesel over from Europe to better the fuel mileage.