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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  saab builds good cars - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By trollhatten - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Saab I have owned. Unlike most American and imported cars, built for somebody who is tall. Excellent performance, impeccable reliability, easy to park, good fuel mileage. What more do you want?

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  Best Bang for Buck - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By gummibear - November 2 - 6:43 am

  People too often make the mistake of comparing the 9-5 with top luxury car makers (BMW, Audi, Lex, etc). The only problem is that such a comparison doesnt take into consideration that those cars cost at least $20-30k more when you start factoring comparable extras. In its price class the Saab 9-5 is simply the best value offering sporty power and handling, great comfort (seats + interior roominess), decent gas mileage and a unique design. Really this car is equal parts fun and functional. While the 2.3L turbo takes you 0-60mph in 6.7s, what is really impressive is how it performs in its unique power band (40-70mph). In that range you are accelerating faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera.

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  best there is - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By steve - October 15 - 7:23 pm

  The AERO is a wonderful car.It handles great, acclerates remarkably, and is beautiful in and out. The seats are the most comfortable I have eve sat in, and it gets 28 miles to the gallon.

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  2000 Aero - nice ride - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By sjprevia - October 13 - 10:00 am

  The 9-5 is a significant improvement over the previous 9000 in most every way. The Aero model is a great combination of practicality and performance. Roomy, safe, good gas mileage, run to drive and great performance. The ride is surprisingly comfortable given the capabilities of the suspension to hold the road.

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  Arc de triomphe - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By carl lieberman - October 12 - 9:43 am

  This is both a safe and fun driving machine. There is a sport mode that raises the shift point rpms which really gives it some punch. The outside design is understated and pedestrian, but the driving experience is exceptional. It has all of the most advanced computer driving system enhancements. Saab is in trouble economically, so these can be had with a large discount from the sticker price. This car is a very good value.

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  Affordable luxury - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By JRJ - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very impressed with my 9-5 Linear with automatic transmission. There is plenty of power and luxury with great gas mileage to boot. Ive always owned larger luxury; i.e. Mercedes 300SE, Cadillac Sedan DeVille, Lincoln Town Car, but I am forever out of that class of vehicle since buying by 9-5. THe interior is very roomy and wonderfully engineered. The quiet ride rivals the large luxury sedans Ive mentioned.

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  Purchasing Overseas & Shipping Delivery - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Dennis S. Williams - October 5 - 3:53 pm

  Having purchased this car in Germany just before returning to the US for a new job, I was worried about having it delivered to an unfamiliar dealership. My worries were unfounded as I have continued to have the car (as well as my older 98) serviced and maintained at the dealership and have been very satisfied.

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  Wasaab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By luthermarcus - October 4 - 2:02 am

  Great over all car! Picked one up for 2,100$ best buy for a car I ever had at this price and even if i bought a more expensive car. Car handles well in the snow has that ump -pick-up-and-go- feel and drive. I got this gem cheap. In 2015 to get 2003 with this reliable didnt think it was possible at the price i bought it. One thing is the radio not married to the car which is a pain i have to go to place with tech equipment to get it working but for 2,100 i can not complain about the radio. Love saab getting a new version in the future.

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  Three Time Saab Owner - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Three Timer - September 30 - 4:46 pm

  The combination of fuel economy and performance is unequalled in its competitors. Saabs turbocharged engine deliver smooth performance through the fulll power band. With rising fuel costs, Im gonna be thankful I have a four-banger!

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  New to Saab - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Ken - September 27 - 1:20 am

  Awesome. Drive this against Audi, BMW, Lexus etc. If its for you, there will be no comparison. Once I drove it, had to have it. Never thought I would even look at Saab.