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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  What a Kick A** Car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By mwalker16 - May 30 - 10:15 pm

  Ok so this is my first car and holy crap is it fast! My friends love it and i love having the ability to past people on the freeway easily. I can overpower cars with v8 motors and this thing is a rocket! On the bad..... It does have small issues from now and then. yes the wipers, blower motor and rear window stoped working they were all simple fixes and it was worth it to me. IF YOU WANT TO NEVER HAVE ISSUES BUT DRIVE A BORING SLOW CAR GET A TOYOTA. This car will also save ur life in a wreck it is very solid. This thing is mean and for a car with nearly 150,000 miles it feels brand new. Thank you saab for an amazing first car I will for sure own one for the rest of my life.

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  Verdict Still Out - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By JOHN - May 26 - 6:56 am

  Bought certified used with 36,000 miles on it. Less than 5,000 miles later needed new oil pump, new water pump (covered by warranty) and replaced the brake light bulbs twice. Very comfortable car and relatively fun to drive. Does have slight but noticable turbo lag, but car is nimble. Gimmicky cupholder is useless. Very little storage space in cabin for things like coins, etc. I like the car but early indications of reliability give me pause.

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  Extraordinarily fun car - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By jkkf1991 - May 17 - 3:30 pm

  I too have owned several BMWs and this SAAB needs to offer no apologies for anything by comparison. Truly a fun car to drive. Superb acceleration, handling, sound system, styling, and comfort.

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  perfect saab - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By len - May 11 - 10:00 am

  From the day I bought it, now 34,000 miles nothing has gone wrong. Living in New Hampshire the driving is tough. Snow, mountains, this 9-5 Aero wagon handles it all never gets bogged down in deep snow. My Porsche used to die in the winter and my wife picked me up at the bottom of the steep hill in her Saab

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  Outstanding - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By pattyB - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I find it hard to believe that there is an entire wagon behind me when I drive! It is so much fun and tons of space! I have had NO problems at all in any way with this car...LOVE IT!

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  Nice ride! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By snowboardereh - May 8 - 6:36 pm

  Nice Ride! Interior very roomy. Split rear seat makes it easy to put a couple of snowboards and gear in trunk and still be able to have someone sit in the back!

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  Finally Bought One - No Regrets - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By highegt - April 28 - 6:56 pm

  Styling like nothing else - gets looks from all sorts of folks - very fast car, especially when selecting sport mode - easily gets to autobahn speeds and slows back down - handles great - gas mileage is in the 30s driving from LI through NYC to NJ and back each day. As long as I drive normal - very comfortable with great sound system sunroof open has no cabin buffet - wagon design very useful with kids. Regarding vibration complaints in other reviews, this is a 4 cyl putting out 260HP - you want an appliance, buy something else. Great used value!

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  Never again - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By sadsaab - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Saab after a drunk driver pushed me off the road in my old car and I did a rollover. I had a Subaru- which saved my life- but decided to go for an even safer car-according to reviews. HUGE MISTAKE! I have owned the car almost 9 months and I have had the car in for repair 7 times. I wait for 3 things to go wrong before bringing it inThey advertise having a loaner car avialable but even with 3 weeks notice no car. I am looking this month to trade it in. This is the WORST excuse for a car and the service is embarrassing. I wrote Saab USA and they basically told me buyer beware. Well, new potential buyer- BEWARE! Shame on you Saab.

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  Swedish Meatball - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Wmstrahan - April 17 - 4:00 pm

  Great car until many things begin to go wrong. The car is constantly throwing up trouble lights and things are breaking. Will never buy another Saab (we have two 9-5s) but I hope my friends do so I can ride in them.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Travis Blount - April 12 - 2:16 am

  This has been an excellent car. I was hesitant at first to buy a saab but my wife really wanted it. I did some research and found most people had good success out of them. Not to mention the fact the dealer paid for the 60k timing belt replacement. We have had the car for about 30k miles now and have not had a bit of trouble out of it. The 9-5 has been great. I am suprised that they really arent more expensive on the used market. They really are one of the best buys out there.