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:

• 

  Deal of the Year! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By spidaman - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Saab, and clearly the best so far. The Saab 9-5 2.3t Linear loaded with auto transmission and premium package for $339/month lease is a great value. The luxury plus performance plus safety and utility is unbelievable. Even though this is the "low-end" 9-5, the acceleration is brisk (in Sport mode), the handling is responsive, although not super-tight. A very comfortable ride for driver and passenger.

• 

  Best sporty Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Saab lover - October 25 - 10:00 am

  The Saab has an excellent warranty and also includes free scheduled maintenance. I love to take my friends for a ride and see their faces when they notice the acceleration on this 250 hp little rocket. Handling and ridde confort are superb.

• 

  Beauty meets power - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Zach Leighton - October 24 - 12:56 pm

  This car is fast, the sport button was always on for me, and you can tell when the turbo kicks in, giving you the rush of adrenaline. The interior is creamy and extremely comfortable, it is also the best looking wagon on the road. It is also the safest car on the road, I got hit at 60mph on the drivers side and nobody was even scratched! The only problem was the turbo not being cooled enough and breaking at around 70kmi.

• 

  Saab 9-5 - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By MEC - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car that is fun to drive

• 

  I am a Fan So Far - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Bryan B - October 15 - 12:13 pm

  I love the look of this car, the wheels, the front grill, etc... with the black sport interior and the chrome style dash I think it is a great looking sporty car. Highway driving and parkway driving -- best I have ever driven. In and around town it is stiffer and you feel the potholes more than my wifes Arc wagon. Bottomline, I am very pleased so far.

• 

  Fun to drive & Cool to look at - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By david3d - October 8 - 3:30 pm

  The Saab Aero is a very fun car to drive, the turbo kicks in effortlessly pushing you back in your leather seat. The car sticks to the road, and in "sport" mode you can move in and out of traffic with no hesitation. The cars styling is aggresive let refined, with the classic Saab clam shell hood.

• 

  Amazing car thats overlooked - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By ****** - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I test drove many cars in the same category; BMW, Acura, Audi, etc.. I had no determination that a SSAB was what I wanted, until I drove the 9-5 AERO. Heres a car that is capable of reaching speeds up to 155 mph, but can still get around 32 mpg under normal highway speeds. It is rated one of the safest cars in the world. If you test drive this car, take it on all types of roads, but make sure you get it out on the open highway, you will find what little effort it takes on the pedal to watch your speedometer increase rapidly...

• 

  A cool wagon for young professionals - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By antrow - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded in an Acura 3.2 CL for my SAAB 9-5 Aero Sportwagon. I loved my Acura but needed to have a car that I could haul things in. Too many times I was stuck at the store trying to shove plants and furniture items into every corner of my Acura. The SAAB was the only wagon that I thought looked cool and felt small and sporty but still had the room I needed. I have had lots of positive comments from people both young and old regarding the cars looks. So far I can say the car has been trouble free. My only complaints are the lack of low-end power before the turbo kicks in and the lack of good cup holders. Other than that I am loving it.

• 

  Satisfying Ride - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By WCF - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I like the Saab the more I drive it. The suspension/engine combination is very responsive and the 5 speed is excellent. It is a great sport wagon.

• 

  Great Car, do not forget the spare tire - 2010 Saab 9-5
  By Marcos - September 24 - 10:00 am

  So far so great. My third 95. Make sure you negotiate the spare tire before you purchase the car. I forgot to do so and now my dealer is trying to nail me for almost $600.00 for something that is not worth more than $250.00. Otherwise, much more impressive than earlier models.