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 - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Mike B - January 12 - 10:00 am

  We have what would be termed the 9-5S. However it has all the extras on the SE except the V6 engine. Talked to the Saab mechanics at the dealership before I purchased. They recommended the 2.3 4 cyl engine. Its true Saab engine and more reliable. We have been very pleased in all respects. Did have a board in the computer go bad which left it dead until replaced, On Star worked great to get help.

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  Saab 9-5 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By John C. - January 1 - 9:03 am

  Have had my 9-5 about 7 months. Although there have been a few things that needed attention, I love the car. It has a dual personality: practical family hauler (I have 3 kids and do the school drop-off in the mornings... backpacks, musical instruments, computers, sports equipment, it all goes in the trunk), gets close to 35 mpg on the highway, but at the same time is a highly entertaining performance sedan. Great seats, great stereo, but interior ergonomics are not great. I think its one of the best looking 4 door cars on the road. Try to find one that has some factory warranty left on it.

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  What a gem of a car. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Wallerich - December 30 - 5:26 pm

  Ive had over 14 Saabs in the past 20 years, but this Aero takes the cake. Put some Goodyear F1 tires on it, and theres no car on the road that can surpass the ride, cornering, and mileage for less money. No other car is more fun to put through its paces as the Aero. This car has been flawless and 100% reliable. Perhaps the stereo could be a touch better, but at 130mph, Im not focusing on the music. 2 yrs ago a guy blew a light at 65 mph and creamed me. I was going 40. I walked away. Thanks to GM for not screwing up a classic, and keeping the price reasonable. Yahoo.

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  Best Car EVER!!! - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Princess_With_A_Saab - December 27 - 9:53 pm

  This is my first car. My mom wanted me to have a Saab because thats all my whole family drives and I wanted something like a sports car because theyre cute...but now that I have my car I love it so much...I was in an accident with a Saab 2 years ago and if we werent in that car we probably wouldnt have made it its such a great car I love my Saab!!!

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  Great used car, no regrets - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Greg C - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2001 9-5 used and love it! I think this car is the best value out there for a used, low mileage car. Ive driven it 4500 miles with no problems.I like the fact that you dont see a lot of them on the road. (Have you noticed how many BMWs are on the road! Everybody and their brother has one!)I highly recommend buying buying a low mileage 2001 9-5. I think the 1999s have to many problems, that was the first year.

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  That Saab is So Fine - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By adamthestar94 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I think that saabs are very comfortable they are very good looking on the outside and the inside. When I was in a saab, I felt like I was in a different planet. When I was in the back seat,it was kind of small though. Well,thats about it.

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  Combi is well named - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By Bluewater 42 - December 1 - 7:33 pm

  I like this wagon. It offers a ton of space for trips to the recycling center or the boat or 2 dogs and a blast around town, back roads, and the highway. If youre in the market for a mid-size wagon, and you like european brands, youll find a huge price variance between this and and a BMW, MB or Audi wagon. My wife has a 2.5T V70, very similar but a bore to drive. She loves driving the Aero, wants to swap cars. The engine is plenty powerful and it corners flat as my buddies 2001 530 Bimmer. I would recommend this car for someone needing a combination sport sedan/SUV. Tried 9.3 Combi, too small but nice wagon too.

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  I love my Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Char - November 30 - 5:23 am

  I purchased the very first Saab 9-5 to be sold by the dealer in 1998. I compared it to the BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Volvo and found that I got more for the money with the Saab. I havent had major problems, just normal wear and tear, although, the center display is starting to become unreadable after 7 years. The car still drives great, especially in sports mode. Its quite a smooth ride. If I could afford it, I would definitely purchase another 9-5.

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  Great car! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By chris - November 26 - 3:20 pm

  This is my first Saab but I am hooked. I bought it on Dec 30 2007 and have not had any issues. You cannot beat the price for the amount of car. I live in northern KY in an area that is saturated with Chevy Impalas, Toyota Camrys, and Honda Accords. I love the uniqueness of the Saab. Great performance and decent fuel mileage along with excellent build quality are my favorite aspects. My only complaint is the pixelated LED display which should be a recall since it is apparently so common. I would recommend this car to anyone in need of a 4door sedan.

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  2004 Arc 2.3T 220 HP 4 cyl. CPO w/ 14K - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By rickzull - November 26 - 4:43 am

  Bought with CPO (certified pre-owned) mainly for future issues, but have driven this awesome car for 5 months and have no issues with it. Have owned 5 prev saabs and this GM/Saab is Great. I do wish the seats were more "aero" with more lateral side bolsters, and that it had the upgraded stereo. Torque steer can be quite noticeable though...