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 131 through 140 of 141.00-
Go with the AERO!! - 2003 Saab 9-5
By Slugworth - February 15 - 10:00 amI 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.
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Feel Safe -- Buy This Car - 2003 Saab 9-5
By 1stTimeSaabOwner - January 3 - 10:00 amWe wanted a crash-worthy vehicle for my wife to drive. The highways around here are packed with treacherous drivers. (Why didnt we get an SUV? Too big for my wife, a relatively inexperienced driver, and inconsistent with our philosophy and fuel economy wishes.) This is a perfect family car for us. Its pricey, but compared with other cars in its price class, it gives us what we need: safety, room, comfort. If you want a real performer, Im sure youll be happier with a BMW or Audi. You may read of turbo lag, and I can feel this especially in 2nd & 3rd gear.
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Fun & Fast - 2003 Saab 9-5
By David3d - December 29 - 10:00 amThe Saab 9-5 Areo is a very fun car to own and drive. The car is flat out gorgeous to look at (midnight blue w/ tan interor) both inside and out. I still find myself admiring its styling. Driving is a blast, espeacially highway driving. The car has very good acceration on the freeway. The sport mode makes driving in tight rush hour traffic a blast. Quick acceleration to jump into gaps- it make the commute fun. The sound system rocks. But please dont buy one, I like having the only one, keep them rare. What is not to like? In my mind nothing.
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2003 Saab 9-5 ARC 3.0 Turbo Review - 2003 Saab 9-5
By tommie mac - November 21 - 11:03 pmPurchased this "demo" from dealer with about 8k on it. Car performs very well, handles very nicely. Powerful. Full of creature comforts such as heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats. Seats are supportive yet comfortable. Air and heat are powerful and quick to get the cabin cool or warm. Brakes are awesome! Use only premium, get around 18 mpg mostly around town. Dont know why they stopped making this engine, its superb! Still look forward to driving it after owning it for 3+ years.
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An awesome car for the money - 2003 Saab 9-5
By Saabdude - September 22 - 2:00 amI liked the 9-5 Aero when I first drove it, but was going to go with something a bit more "mainstream" like a G35 or 04 Acura TL. But I have to say that after one month I am loving my Aero. The car handles well, accelerates great, and is very comfortable. I like the styling, both interior and exterior. You really feel like youre in a luxury car, whereas others in this price range feel more like pricier versions of regular sedans. Do yourself a favor and test drive this car before you buy something in this price range - realizing that if you do your homework and wait for the right incentives, this car can be purchased for $7K or more below MSRP.
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No Resale Value - 2003 Saab 9-5
By TheRonTonDon - August 14 - 4:40 pmDO NOT buy this car on the used market. Bought mine CPO in 2006 for $19k. Owned it for 2.5 years, still owe $11k on this. Heard from dealer that they are going for $4k at auction. So Im in the hole $7k. Car is not worth it. Yeah its quick, gets good gas mileage, and is fun to drive, but thats about it. Reliability is crap. Eats through tires and is in the shop at least 2 times a year. Go with a BMW, youll be much happier.
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turbo power - 2003 Saab 9-5
By aniszaman - June 18 - 10:00 amPower,when you need it most i,e, at passing is there with the turbo.An excellent value with all the features.
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Saab Linear - Nice for the price - 2003 Saab 9-5
By Mangosteen - May 4 - 10:00 amWe got our 9-5 sedan and drove it to Canada for vacation. Nice and smooth ride. Very stable at high speeds (80+).
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Why do I still Like this car? - 2003 Saab 9-5
By Ted - April 27 - 10:20 pmBought the Linear model new but at a deep discount ($30k). Have had the typical failures -- fuel pump, heater valve, ignition cartridge, sunroof, and most recently the brake booster. Repairs are crazy expensive, and Ive spent way too much on them. But then I get behind the wheel and realize I really like the driving experience. Fuel economy is great, and the turbo is there when you need some punch. Its a great travel car, and the trunk is spacious. One of my criteria was "4 men and 4 sets of golf clubs". It works.
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03 Saab AERO sedan - 2003 Saab 9-5
By Jon Messer - March 10 - 2:00 amThers nothing quite like it - if you can afford an Aero. For long drives, my back and neck are indebted to Saab for the Aero. The "attitude" most luxury car dealers have is non- existant with Saab. I have the best: Dealer, sales mgr., service mgr and Master Tech in the entire USofA = Garden City Saab on Long Island. PLEASE keep it up !
