2003 Saab 9-5 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.66/5 Average
141 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Best-in-class crash scores, long list of standard features, plush highway ride, supportive seats, large trunk.
Cons:
  • Turbo lag at low speeds, suspension too soft for aggressive driving, interior materials could use improvement.

User Reviews:

Showing 111 through 120 of 141.00
  • Arc: the best buy - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    I never thought I would own a SAAB until I test-drove the Arc the very same day I drove Acura TL/Infiniti G35/Volve V70. I was impressed most for the Arc due to the superbo response and handling. It is the best combination of performace and safety with the best standard equipments and features for the class although a touring package is a big plus. It is an outstanding car!

  • Better than the best! - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    This is one of the best cars out there! I have the automatic transmission, and this car flys down the road!! it is very fast and has excellent handling. On the exterior, there is a very sleek and modern design (Black) that looks fantastic! The interior even though its old looks well done and seems to wear very little. let me talk a little about comfort, THIS CAR IS COMFY! The front seats are very high quality and are very supportive and hug you in. (drove non stop from my town to a town near by, which is a 100 mile round trip, 4 times in a row!) the seats have held up very well! Also, the cargo room is very impressive! (moved into a 2 bedroom with this car only.) So obviously I luv this car!

  • Good! - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    My other choices were the Audi A6, the new E60 BMW 5-series, E220cdi and Volvo v70. However, I just fell in love with this vehicle. I tried it in May, but I decided to keep my old car. Now that I saw it as a 2004 model I decided to go for it.

  • Wonderful - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    I got the 9/5 Linear for a steal since it was a demo with 600 miles on it (under $30k). I looked at the BMW 525 (almost bougth the Bimmer), for the money this was a great deal. Here in Italy there is no regard for posted speed limits, so I had the oppertunity to open this baby up and cruise at 120 mph on the autostrada for about 10 klicks, it was like riding on a cloud. This car is quick in either sport or normal trans mode. Silky smooth, ultra quite and tight. Swedish Bimmer, mabye 525 killer. Fit and finish is tight, driver comfort and controls exellent, killer sound system. This car is a 10 in my book. The more I drive the 9/5 the more I like it.

  • Saab Aerowagon Rocks! - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    So pleased with my Aerowagon - Coming from an 8 cylinder Lexus I was concerned about power and pickup - no problem here. Great accelaration, sporty, fun to drive - and practicle! I figure if Im going to have a stationwagon, Id like to have one that can move around those teen punks without any effort... And so much better mileage than a SUV. Im doing my part to reduce dependence on Middle Eastern Oil... Great Car!

  • Steath superstar Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    Ive had a the 900 V6, the 900 turbo and an earlier 9-5 2.3t. The Aero is a remarkable evolution of the car and just about anything I had wished were a bit better in the 2000 9-5 I owned, has been addressed. Its handling is crisp, the powerband stunning (but watch out how silently that speed can build)and the comfort as good as it gets. Also striking is the even better build quality on this one. It feels like it was carved out of a single piece of steel.

  • Love The Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    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.

  • Third time is the charm - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    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.

  • Best Saab Yet! - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    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.

  • Best Value Out There - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    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.

Saab 9-5 Reviews By Year:
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