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:

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  Stay away! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Saad - September 9 - 5:16 am

  I loved this car when I first bought it. Thought I got a good deal and luckily got the extended warranty. It was fine for the the first few months but since then it has been in the shop every 2-3 months. Turbo went, alternator went, multiple sensors, etc. Driving on the highway last week, the passenger turning signal assembly flew off the car! Worst car I ever bought. Will never buy another Saab.

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  appearance and comfort - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By michael spinelli - August 30 - 2:00 am

  overall satisfied with performance and build quality..however it is extremely uncmforable for a tall person to enter and exit the vehicle without rubbing the head on the top of the door jam

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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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  Saab Reality - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By 8AA2YM - August 15 - 10:23 am

  This was my second Saab. It was great to drive, and my dealership treated me like a king. Things started going wrong with the V-6 in this car, though. I began to notice a degradation in engine performance at about 42K miles. I had it in the shop at 48K when I decided to trade it in. In any case, My 3 Saabs have required little unscheduled maintenance other than many fog light lens replacements.

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  Fast & safe - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Khalid - August 7 - 8:23 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It handels well, especially in corners. impresive braking & all the Alphabits in it (ESP & ABS....) do work!The quality of the car is impresive so far. But the only problim I faced is replacing the battery four times in two and half years!

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  Poor mans BMW? - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By pcguy74 - August 5 - 1:30 am

  Bought this one used, my first Saab. Warranty fixed the turbo and gasket (blue smoke is your indicator). Heater blower just went at 95K. I love this car, though the interior design still needs more thought. Id buy another one, luxury without the pricetag, fun without the fuel bill. Ive averaged 26mpg overall w/70 percent highway driving... pretty good for 70K+ miles, I have made 31-32 at times but I cant stay at the speed limit with this fun car! It even saved my life once in winter weather, avoided a head on because of ESP feature, fun AND safe? you bet!

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Saab Story - June 23 - 1:16 pm

  I bought a used Saab 9-5 SE with 98000 miles on it. It was the car of my dreams. Ive never liked a car so much. Until it started leaking oil. Then the oil gasket blew. And the ABS module blew. And the serpentine belt blew. And 2 months later the entire belt tensioner blew, causing the serpentine belt to snap, causing a melt down. The list goes on. In the course of a year, I spent $3000 in repairs. The shameful thing is that I love driving this car so much, I actually considered getting another one. Had to slap myself out of it, because it really is better as a second car you only take for long highway rides. Guess Im gonna have to find a 12-step program for Saab drivers.

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  Enjoyable car, but some sticky points - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By porterjs - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Some quirks and some warranty-covered reliability issues have not hindered the enjoyment of this car. The car rides very nicely and has enough power for both around town and some speedier highway driving. The interior layout and ergonomics are superb, and generally build quality is good. Two new turbos (one likely not installed perfectly) and a tendency to go through a lot of light bulbs and a couple of batteries have tried our patience at times - as has the lack of dealer parts inventory once or twice. The cargo room is quite good.

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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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  Love/hate relationship with my Saab 9-5 - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By vtsaabowner - May 31 - 1:26 am

  I have a love/hate relationship with my Saab turbo 9-5 wagon. Comfy, lots of bells and whistles, roomy rear seat, nice cargo room. Very powerful engine. However I have had this car in the shop more often (and at a higher price) than any car Ive ever owned. Gas guage stuck, lights dying frequently, sway bar, turbo replacement, ball bearings. That doesnt count the things that have broken that I havent bothered to fix: broken cupholder, elect memory seat adjustment, theft-alarm battery. I know the Saab dealer serves great coffee but Ive been there too much and now it is time to switch to a car that spend more time on the road and less in the shop. However I will miss the fun drive!