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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  Great car and great value - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By PeteSaab - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Not a car for everyone but the combination of comfort, performance, and function (great big trunk, saftey features, etc.) made this car a logical choice. Many people talk about this car being quirky. If quirky means slightly different that most models in the pack sure. However, a personality does not, to me, mean quirky. While not a reason to buy a car, it is also fun to drive and not see a ton of the same cars on the road.

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  Terrible hot! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By adonis23 - January 8 - 5:28 pm

  I live in the midwest and during this summer of 2012, we have experienced extreme daily heat (99-107 degrees F). My 9-5 Aero automatic usually performs flawlessly inside and out, but the heat has brought odd and annoying electrical problems: There is a "bing-bong" noise that lets you know when there is a problem, which would be helpful if it didnt do it every minute or two; the gas gage fluctuates from completely empty back to the accurate reading while the TSC/off light is on despite pushing the button, and I have replaced the same headlight three times this year. I love the car though. I drove to NYC and was able to get 31.0 mpg, which is incredible with 230 bhp.

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  Never thought I would love it but I do! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Helene - January 7 - 4:30 pm

  This car is amazing. I love it. I never liked the way saabs looked and never thought I would buy one. But when I sat in it ... I fell in love with it. I love the leather and all the extras! Im thrilled with it, and my next car will probably be a saab.

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  BEST car ever - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Saablover - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in september of 02 and Love it. I had a 2001 95 se that was noisy and wasnt traditional. It has 10,500 miles on it and is still fun to drive. After driving a 5 series this wins in power,space and performance. Love the new tranny.

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  reflections of the 900 - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By saab9000 - January 1 - 10:00 am

  while this car looks large, the interior does not match the promise of size one would expect. the exterior styling seems to be reflective of the early 90s 900 and not the last of the 9000s. the car is comfortable to drive and the seats are heaven but interior storage is very limited.

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  Practical and Cool - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Rob - December 21 - 5:13 pm

  I have a fast and practical car which looks unlike everything else. It has had no problems and puts a smile on my face when I accelerate.

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  MY 99 9-5 - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By thausner - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Saab. Being a very satisfied owner of a 9000 CD (it was really an excellent, great performance car) I decided to purchase a new MY99 9-5 2.3 LPT. Even today, with more than 50k miles on it, I do not regret my decision. The car is very comfortable (way above the 9000 standard), very reliable, economical and still fun to drive. I also suppose that the safety standard is excellent but hope not to test this trait ever. My next car will be a Saab again. Unless GM makes a main stream car out of it (aka the German Opel) which could happen if they continue to prefer watching the financial aspects of Saab too closely.

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  2003 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Trebla - November 4 - 12:13 pm

  Best car Ive owned (of 12 in 42 years of driving). Fast, fun, comfy but not floating, gets 26-31 mpg and easily does 110 mph on highway. Astonishing acceleration 40 to100, which is where most of us actually use it.

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  I love my Saab, but you must maintain - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By COASUTX - October 29 - 12:56 am

  This is the 3rd Saab I have owned. Not only do I feel extremely safe in the vehicle, I also love driving it. However, if you are looking for a low maintenance vehicle, this is not a good buy for you. Saabs are great cars for people who do not mind spending a little TLC (and money) on their car. Provided you fix things when they start to break (and the car will let you know when something funny starts happening), most repairs are manageable. I love my Saab, and would recommend it for any parents who are looking to purchase it for a safe car for a more experienced driver (18+)! Love your Saab and it will love you back!

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  Talk about some bang for your buck - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Tim - October 27 - 5:06 am

  It started out with a 9-3 my mom bought! I feel in love with it. She decided to buy a 9-5 ARC and again i was in shock. I decided my first car was going to be a Saab 9-5SE. I bought this car and had a trouble free ride until my friend hit a cement wall at 73 MPH... The outside of my car was crushed but the cockpit was untouched. I walked away with a scratch and that only happend because I put my hand up in front of the airbag.. Ive tried volvos, BMWs, Mercedes There is just something about a Saab.. Once you love it you dont go back to any other make! When you want a safe/sporty car dont look further than a Saab