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 9/5 - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By hmann - August 8 - 2:00 am

  very solid car over the past 4 years. The car does need more power though. Other than that it is a fine automobile.

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  Runs like a champ - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By johnd - July 25 - 9:30 pm

  Bought my 4- cyl turbo se special edition with BBS wheels brand new. Fun to drive, a great value for the money if you buy used. My 9-5 has 125,000 miles on it and I plan on going to 200k. Change oil with synthetic or semi- synthetic and only have had minor problems with electrical system. The panel goes bonkers sometimes but overall would buy again. Need to buy the Aero next time or Saab should make other models sportier with lowered suspension. Out handles many a surprised BMW, Audi and M-B drivers. Shock value is high.

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  turbo power - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By aniszaman - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Power,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 95 Aero review by HL - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By howard l - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Handles well with a very nice acceleration. Fit and finish could be a little more modern and tighter. The interior is sturdy and wears very well. The materials always look new. I had a 2000 model and it was the same. The interior room is adequate, yet the outside is not too big. Trunk space is great. The car could use a nicer stereo and the vanity mirrors have useless lights.

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  Why do I still Like this car? - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Ted - April 27 - 10:20 pm

  Bought 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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  Poor mans luxury sport - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By tbill2 - March 9 - 3:09 pm

  For some reason there are a glut of these 9-5s off-lease and available at reasonable prices. Im basically happy with mine, its been reliable, a good and economical performer although mine is plagued with the same as others gripe about; harsh ride at slower speeds and a persistent rattle. The turbo provides abundant acceleration (sport mode is a blast) and the car is a dream to drive in tight x-way traffic. It has the best brakes Ive ever experienced, very comfortable seats, excellent sound system, and it looks classy (IMO). My Saab dealer has also been responsive thus far. No real worries.

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  Was thrilled at first. - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By John - February 24 - 7:50 pm

  I bought this car 10/04 with 39,000 miles on it. I got if for a good price and was thrilled. In five months of ownership, Ive spent $3,500 in repairs. BEWARE, all Saabs esp. for models years 99-01 have an inherent problem with their electronic distributors. They fail regularly and cost $450+ per distributor to replace (theres 2 on the V6). Its a great car and fun to drive, but OOH THE COST TO FIX! You shouldnt have to carry a spare distributor in the trunk as many Saab owners have taken to doing.

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  great fun in a functional package - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By turrrbo - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought used at 78,000 miles. No major problems though small things tend to go wrong sometimes - nothing serious though. Still, definitely excellent value because of depreciation. Smooth ride, some body roll but handling is excellent and steering well-weighted. Turbo is awesome on the highway! Huge trunk. Heated seats wonderful in winter. Love the steering wheel audio controls. Four speed auto shifts smoothly, includes sport and winter modes. Nifty details like cornering lights illuminate turns with blinkers engaged. Overall great car: nimble, powerful, and upscale.