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 121 through 130 of 141.00

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  You just cant beat for the $. Excellent - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Jolie - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab after upgrading form an 9-3. There is absolutely no comparison. I am leasing this vehicle for the price that someone would pay for a loaded Accord or a Camry. The car is extremely confortable to drive. Saab offers free maintenance for up to 30,000 miles, and the luxury level is second to none. The car has plenty of pep, especially if driven in sports mode I might buy it after my lease is over. I really doubt that I will be able to find a better buy in another two years.

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  Best in class. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By M.A.D.MikE - August 19 - 1:13 pm

  Used to own a 1994 VW Passat VR6, and didnt want anything slower. Narrowed my search to A4 or Passat with the same 1.8T engine, BMW E39 or 46, C Classe and Mazda RX-8. Didnt even consider Saab at that time. But after sitting in different cars at used car lot, felt in love with 2000 Arc model and went straight home to do some research. Found a black 2003 Aero and bought it the same day. Its 440 pounds heavier than my old car but the acceleration is just stunning! The only major problem with this car is $3000 I had to pay on my 90k servicing :( Nevertheless I would buy it again if I had the chance and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a compromise between sport and luxury.

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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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  Big Surprise, Small Price - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Alfabet - June 12 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this used in August of 06 since I had a "price point" in mind as children were in college and cost was important. The terrible depreciation is the used car buyers gain and I bought three years from new for about 45% of list. The car turned out to be a big surprise after 4 years and about 40K miles I have driven. Few mechanical problems, although they were either covered by the remaining factory warranty or the extended one I bought. I am very impressed with the highway cruising ability but it is not my prior 911 or 540 (nor did I expect it to be). It is generally an all around good car with lots of room and decent driving fun. Go find one with low mileage!

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  Typically good Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By sgylfe - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Saab, and I have found them to be dead on in terms of ride comfort, lots of convenient features, great trunk space and passenger room, and has great turbo. Gas mileage isnt as great, but thats with city driving.

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  My Feeling Are HURT - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Rivets - April 14 - 2:33 pm

  I once loved this car. I traded my 1999 9-5 Linear with 110k mi for this AERO. The Linear was much better. The only leg up this car has is the acceleration and body cladding. In one year, I have replaced the engine, replaced the head gasket for the replacement engine, fuel pump, injectors, turbo, DI cassette, SID display, tabs that keep the windows from rattling, an electrical junction box, and I paid for emission hose updates (not covered by warranty), and yesterday a pully broke leaving me stranded. The car has only 71k miles, and Ive owned it for only a year. This is my 3rd and worst SAAB. This car was built for the service bay and not the road. My love affair with SAABs is over.

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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.